First-of-its-kind collaboration with the Autism Society of Alabama
and the University of Alabama at Birmingham includes informational
resources for branch associates and accommodations for people with autism
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Recognizing the growing need for improved awareness about autism,
Regions Bank has developed a company-wide initiative aimed at better
accommodating people living with autism, as well as their family members
and caregivers.
People with autism may have difficulties with language and
communication, sensory overload or socialization, and activities such as
visiting a bank branch may be challenging for people with autism.
Regions offers accommodations at its branches designed to serve those
with the neuro-developmental disability. The program includes:
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An informational video to explain autism and offer suggestions to
branch associates about possible ways to respond to a customer's
autism-related episode.
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Designated quiet areas in all Regions branches.
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Delivery of sensory packs to Regions' more than 1,500 full service
branches. Each pack contains a stress ball, sunglasses and
noise-cancelling earbuds. These items have been shown to be highly
effective in helping people with autism who may have trouble in public
settings because of light, noise or other environmental factors.
Regions contracted with the nonprofit organization Workshops, Inc. in
Birmingham, Ala., to assemble the sensory packs for distribution.
Workshops, Inc. employs adults with developmental disabilities.
"Regions strives to create a friendly and welcoming environment to all
people, including those with autism, and to raise awareness about the
condition that affects nearly one in every 68 individuals nationwide,"
said Kathy Lovell, Americans with Disabilities Act Manager for Regions.
"April is Autism Awareness Month, and we hope our leadership on this
issue will encourage others to consider the needs of people with autism.
While this month is set aside to raise awareness, our commitment to
autism-friendly services is year-round. Our goal is to help people with
autism, their family members and caregivers bank with independence and
ease."
The idea for the program grew out of a meeting between Lovell and the
Autism Society of Alabama.
"We recognized Regions' commitment to serving people with disabilities,
so we shared our ideas on ways Regions can build on its commitment by
providing an autism-friendly environment," said Melanie Jones, executive
director of the Autism Society of Alabama. "Regions is the first and
only bank that has worked with us to earn this distinction, and we
appreciate the company's leadership in this initiative."
Jones connected Lovell to doctors of developmental/behavioral medicine
and clinical psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
(UAB), including Sarah O'Kelley, Ph.D., of the UAB Civitan Sparks Autism
Clinic and Department of Psychology, and Justin Schwartz, M.D.,
assistant professor in the UAB Department of Pediatrics, who provided
guidance for Regions branch associates to recognize the characteristics
of autism.
"One of the best things associates can do to be more autism friendly is
to show tolerance and understanding for those who may respond to the
social and sensory aspects of the banking experience differently," said
O'Kelley. "Some of the symptoms of autism may seem unusual to people
without experience with this diagnosis, but being clear and direct with
a person with autism and letting that person know what you're thinking
can be very helpful."
Lovell continues to meet with autism support groups and service
organizations within the 15-state area served by Regions to talk about
the bank's autism-friendly initiative and explore ways to offer more
accommodations, and in 2016 The Autism Society of Alabama recognized
Regions with an Innovative Program Award for the bank's work.
"This is a building block to future opportunities," Lovell said. "I'm
excited about what the future holds."
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial
Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $126 billion in assets, is a member of the
S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers
of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, mortgage, and
insurance products and services. Regions serves customers across the
South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank,
operates approximately 1,500 banking offices and 1,900 ATMs. Additional
information about Regions and its full line of products and services can
be found at www.regions.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170413005184/en/
Regions Financial Corporation
Evelyn Mitchell, 205-264-4551
Regions
News Online: regions.doingmoretoday.com
Regions
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Source: Regions Financial Corporation
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