M&T Bank will be using an app aimed at making banking easier for individuals with cognitive and intellectual disabilities.
The Buffalo-based bank chain has ATMs and branches in several eastern U.S. states, including in southwestern Connecticut.
According to M&T Bank, it is the first bank in the country to team up with the Buffalo-based company Magnusmode. Its free MagnusCards app provides step-by-step instructions for an array of daily activities, featuring a mascot named “Magnus.”
The app also provides visual cues and step-by-step instructions for people to do their banking.
M&T leaders expect the technology will increase accessibility to banking for individuals with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury, dementia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Sonny Sonnenstein, the bank’s chief information officer for consumer, business and digital banking, said he expects launching MagnusCards will create a more inclusive, welcoming bank.
It will “expand our capabilities to meet the unique needs of our diverse community of customers,” Sonnenstein said. “We are excited to work with Magnusmode – not only because they’re an inspiring local startup, but also because their product is incredibly intuitive and well-designed to support our customers.”
The MagnusCards app guides users through tasks and activities with the help of storytelling Card Decks. It can help with making ATM transactions, using a debit card to make a purchase, and counting money, for example.
The app also provides broader support to help individuals during their daily lives, including for public transportation, healthcare and shopping.
Nadia Hamilton, Magnusmode’s founder and president, said complex services can create barriers for people with disabilities.
“Our assistive technology helps companies eliminate those barriers and welcome, support and enable people on the autism or disability spectrums,” Hamilton said. “In M&T Bank, we found partners who understand the importance of leveraging technology to create practical tools that improve the everyday experiences of all people.”
The bank has an employee-led Disability Advocacy Network (DAN), which identified the app as a way to help its customers.
Stephanie Tisdale, a vice president and strategic initiatives lead at M&T and a DAN member, asked her 17-year-old brother, Diarllo, who is on the autism spectrum, to help with the visuals.
“We didn’t want actors, but people who would directly benefit from our collaboration with Magnusmode,” Tisdale said in an announcement. “My brother is never one to be the center of attention, but when he heard it would help people, he was all over it. It was inspiring to see Diarllo contribute to something so important.”
According to Tisdale, the app will help her brother and others live independently.
“The MagnusCards app will be so empowering for him and all people with cognitive disabilities,” Tisdale said.
Earlier this year, M&T Bank announced its plans to acquire People’s United Bank and its parent People’s United Financial for $7.6 billion, which will expand its presence in the state.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.
