Russia’s Sberbank has made web interface of its online banking solution available for blind and visually impaired customers.

Initially, the basic financial services offered by the bank were available via the Sberbank Online mobile app via smartphones, desktops or laptops.

Now, the blind and visually customers also can access these services using the web version of the app.

Sberbank special solutions director Alexandra Altukhova said: “We find it crucial that all customers, no matter what their peculiarities are, should be able to use Sberbank products and services in the digital environment.

“Moreover, they should be able to manage the services in a way that is accessible and convenient for them.”

The web version includes improved contrast of the colour palette, simpler navigation and added text descriptions for graphic elements.

The blind and visually impaired people can use a keyboard to access screen readers, via special programs like NVDA, JAWS or Voiceover.

These programmes will read out the app or web page texts and provide users with suitable navigation options.

Sberbank said that it took into consideration aspects like easy perception, user-friendliness, and accessibility while developing the portal.

The bank has tested each development stage with blind experts as testers.

The web version of the app is also available to use for the all other customers of the bank.