News Releases

Canadians Can Tune In to All BMO ABMs

TORONTO, April 9, 2009 – BMO Bank of Montreal today announced that audio capability is now available at all of BMO's 2000 plus ABMs across Canada. This new feature provides greater accessibility and security to customers affected by vision loss.

“Our customers that are affected by vision loss and our elderly customers will have greater accessibility to banking services at every ABM across Canada,” said Sid Chopra, Vice President, Everyday Banking. “This is yet another example of how we are delivering an exceptional customer experience.”

To ensure security customers can choose to display or not display the ABM transaction screen while audio is in use. The audio ABMs will give customers the ability to hear private voice instructions when conducting an ABM transaction using audio headphones and the key pad. Most standard headsets from portable music players can be used.

As the Bank's ABM solution provider, Phoenix Interactive is pleased to have worked with BMO Bank of Montreal to provide audio capability across the Bank's ABMs.

“As a leader in the Canadian banking industry it is evident that BMO is committed to the continued enhancement of the customer experience,” said Kyle MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Phoenix Interactive. “Phoenix is proud to have worked with the Bank to provide a world-class ABM solution that increases accessibility.”

BMO's Commitment to Accessibility
BMO is committed to ensuring that all of our customers have access to products and services. That begins with providing barrier-free access at branches across the country. Today, more than 90 per cent of BMO's Canadian branches provide level or ramped entries to accommodate customers with disabilities. Many branches also offer wheelchair-height seating arrangements at service counters.

Also, to assist customers with vision loss, BMO Bank of Montreal offers fully personalized large-print cheques with perforated guidelines as well as statements in Braille. BMO Bank of Montreal Direct Banking Client Service Centre is equipped with a teletypewriter which allows our clients who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing to have all of their banking needs met through one single point of contact.

For more information on BMO ensuring accessibility, please call 1 877 CALL BMO or the TTY Service for Hearing Impaired Customers 1 866 889-0889.

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