In a first for an Irish bank, AIB has partnered with Ireland’s autism charity, AsIAm, to make all of its 170 branches around Ireland as user-friendly as possible for autistic people.
The bank has the largest branch network in Ireland and every one of its branches has received Autism Friendly Accreditation from AsIAm to ensure they are as accessible and inclusive as possible for autistic people. This makes AIB the first Irish bank to receive the accreditation for all of its branches.
The branch sensory environment has been enhanced to include changes in lighting to make the public areas of the buildings warmer and more accessible. Dedicated quiet spaces and sensory kits are also available at each location. In addition, AIB is providing sensory maps on its website showing the layout of each of its branches to help customers plan their visits.
AsIAm is dedicated to removing the invisible barriers often faced by autistic people and their families, so that every autistic person can enjoy the same chance in society. The charity’s vision is for Ireland to be a country where every autistic person is accepted as they are. Its purpose is to create an inclusive society for autistic people that is accessible, accepting and affirming.
Organisations, businesses and public bodies that complete several steps and reach the standards of training and competence of best practice in autism friendly experience can receive Autism Friendly Accreditation from AsIAm.
Central to the accreditation is the Charter of Inclusion between AsIAm and the organisations involved. The charter sets out standards for supporting the autism community and offers practical measures that businesses and organisations can put into place. Each charter is transparent and tailored to each organisation’s needs and objectives. Autistic people and their family members can access the charter so they know how they will be supported when they visit the business or organisation.
AIB is also partnering with AsIAm to provide specialised customer support training in autism understanding and acceptance to staff members across the branch network.
“AIB has the largest branch network in Ireland and with the support of AsIAm, we are delighted to say that all of our branches have been enhanced to make them as user friendly as possible for autistic people, making AIB the first Irish bank to receive the accreditation for all its branches,” says Geraldine Casey, AIB’s managing director of retail banking. “Our branches play an important role in communities around Ireland and our people are committed to ensuring that they are as inclusive and welcoming as possible for all.”
AsIAm founder and chief executive Adam Harris believes the accreditation marks an important step forward for autistic people “We are absolutely delighted to see AIB leading the way as the first Irish financial institution to provide autism support in every branch,” he says. “This is a landmark step toward true inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that autistic individuals and their families can navigate everyday banking with confidence, dignity, and understanding.”
Emma Connolly is an occupational therapist and owner of the Flourish and Be inclusive hair salon in Clonakilty, Co Cork, agrees. “It’s fantastic to see all AIB Branches becoming more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of our community,” she says. “By becoming AsIAm accredited, and implementing small yet meaningful changes, they are creating a more welcoming environment that helps autistic people feel valued and supported in their everyday banking experiences. I know that for my customers and their families, it will make a real difference for them in the branch.”
