With the launch of a suite of new site enhancements, CIBC.com becomes the first Canadian bank website to receive CNIB Site Check certification for providing barrier-free web access to people who are blind or have vision loss, the bank said Friday.

The new accessibility features give clients the ability to increase or decrease text size and further enhance text readability by changing the contrast on any of the pages within the banks’s website. These new features also enhance screen reader compatibility, as clients can navigate easily by text headings, instead of image, and by quick access links that allow clients with screen readers to navigate directly to main content.

“At CIBC, we strive to make our banking channels accessible to all of our clients and we’re proud to be the first bank recognized by CNIB’s Site Check program,” says Christina Kramer, executive vice president, CIBC Retail Markets. “Over 830,000 Canadians live with vision impairment so it’s important for us to provide improved online access for all of our clients.”

The CNIB evaluates the accessibility of websites based upon a range of criteria and gives a passing grade to sites that provide barrier-free web design.

“CIBC met and exceeded the accessibility recommendations outlined in our accessibility audit,” says John Rafferty, CNIB president & CEO. “It is imperative that financial institutions and other corporations take CIBC’s lead and implement accessible digital platforms — for people who are blind or have vision loss — to provide equal access to online information for all Canadians.”

IE