New app provides tools for banking independently
TORONTO, June 24, 2016 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM)
(NYSE: CM) has teamed up with MagnusCards, to help produce free
step-by-step visual guides that help individuals with special needs
bank on their own.
"Depositing a cheque or withdrawing cash from an ATM is easy for
most individuals, however these tasks can be challenging for people
who have unique needs and learning styles," says Nadia Hamilton, CEO of Magnusmode, a Canadian
company that created the MagnusCards app to assist people with
cognitive learning needs. "The content CIBC is developing for the
MagnusCards app will help direct special needs users through basic
financial tasks like using a Debit card to learning how to receive
an Interac e-Transfer®."
The MagnusCards app breaks down financial tasks into small,
manageable steps, using visual "how-tos" ― or digital flash cards ―
to guide its users through a variety of activities. With the CIBC
cards, individuals receive helpful tips on personal money
management from Percy the Penguin after each task is completed. The
cards are designed to help people with disabilities like autism,
Aspergers, ADHD, Down Syndrome and cognitive special needs navigate
day-to-day banking activities, and gain confidence as they complete
each step.
"This new tool for the MagnusCards app will help the thousands
of Canadians who need support performing some of the banking tasks
many of us take for granted," says Lynne
Kilpatrick, Senior Executive Vice-President, CIBC. "By
partnering with the innovative tools MagnusCards has developed, we
are helping individuals with special needs learn to bank
independently."
"In North America, 6.3 million
people have special needs. When I designed this app, it was with my
brother, Troy, and this community in mind. He lives with autism and
struggles with daily tasks that many people find simple," adds Ms.
Hamilton. "Banking is one of those activities and helping him learn
the basics empowers independent living."
CIBC recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion. It
works closely with Specialisterne Canada, to hire employees on the
autism spectrum, helping them to reach their full potential in the
workplace. The bank also proudly supports organizations like Autism
Society Ontario and Autism Speaks Canada, which assist people with
various visible and invisible disabilities.
About MagnusCards
Magnusmode is the company behind
MagnusCards, a free app that combines a proven method of
instruction with elements of game design to help people learn life
skills. It was founded by Nadia
Hamilton, whose brother Troy has autism. He inspired Nadia
to start a company that leverages technology to empower and support
people with cognitive special needs. Magnus, an animated
wizard, guides users through the app, as they receive
step-by-step instructions for social interactions and activities,
like grocery shopping or doing laundry and banking. Learn more at
www.magnusmode.com or download the app.
About CIBC
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global
financial institution with 11 million personal banking and business
clients. Through our three major business units – Retail and
Business Banking, Wealth Management and Capital Markets – CIBC
offers a full range of products and services through its
comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices
across Canada with offices in
the United States and around the
world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be
found at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre/ or by following on Twitter
@CIBC, Facebook (www.facebook.com/CIBC) and Instagram @CIBCNow.
SOURCE CIBC