We Value Digital Inclusion

In our effort to provide a fully accessible and optimized user experience for all site visitors, First Bank of Berne has taken careful measure to ensure an excellent user experience, regardless of the technology being used to access this site or the specific abilities of those individuals seeking access to this site.

In our efforts to ensure accessibility for all site visitors, First Bank of Berne has partnered with AudioEye. This technology helps to ensure that all content is accessible under ADA/Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA Standards, as well as provides an enhanced accessibility experience using the Ally+ Toolbar functionality. This allows visitors even greater control over site content by controlling site appearance, background colors, font styles, etc. in addition to audio-playback and voice-based navigation of all site content.

Accessibility Certification

The AudioEye Certification Seal represents a commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The AudioEye certification process involves automatic and manual testing with the goal of meeting WCAG 2.0 Level AA Standards.

Automated and manual testing has been completed and this site has been optimized for Assistive Technology users. Regular testing will be conducted to maintain an ongoing audit of this website, which will continue to be enhanced for optimal accessibility and usability for all users.

A Complete Approach to Improving the User Experience for Users of Assistive Technologies: Web Accessibility Guidelines

As a first priority, First Bank of Berne has leveraged the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 as a reference to ensure the web content made available from this site is more accessible for individuals with disabilities and user-friendly for everyone.

These globally recognized best practices (as recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium – W3C) consist of three levels of accessibility measurement (A, AA, and AAA). To the greatest extent feasible, First Bank of Berne has elected to conform to Level AA of these guidelines.

From this perspective, First Bank of Berne’s website is monitored and tested by internal resources and by AudioEye, a 3rd-Party provider of Web Accessibility testing and monitoring. This website has been tested using a variety of assistive technologies.

We recommend using the following web browser / screen reader combinations for an optimized experience:

For Windows users: JAWS or NVDA and Firefox
For Mac users: VoiceOver and Safari or Chrome
For mobile users: VoiceOver with iOS or TalkBack with Android

Providing Users with a Free & Customizable Assistive Utility: The Ally+ Toolbar

In addition to the above-mentioned techniques and strategies, and since not all site visitors have access to assistive tools such as screen readers, we have provided free Web Enhancement Tools that allow site visitors to customize their user experience.

While not an exhaustive list of functionalities, the Ally+ Toolbar assists individuals with the following disabilities categorized under one of the four main areas: Visual, auditory, ambulatory and cognitive.

I am blind or I have difficulty seeing – Visual

Using the Reader view of the Ally+ Tollbar visitors are able to easily increase the size and style of the font, as well as load the website using an un-cluttered layout that focuses on text only. Additionally, low or no-vision users can have text on the site read back to them using the integrated audio Player.

I have difficulty hearing – Auditory

Any audio content will include closed captioning or provide access to a text-based version of the video via transcript.

I have difficulty using a mouse and/or keyboard – Ambulatory

By using the Ally+ Toolbar, all of the functions are available through the use of a keystroke and do not require the use of a mouse or other pointer device. Additionally, Voice Navigation is also available for visitors to talk to the website and control functionality using audio commands via their device’s microphone.

I have difficulty with words and/or reading - Cognitive

In addition to the ability to use a special font to aid visitors with dyslexia, the ability for visitors to have content “read back” to them via the Audio Player eliminates any reading or word-related challenges.

You can learn more about the ways in which the Ally+ Toolbar allows site visitors with diverse abilities to customize their user experience:

Browse All Ally+ Toolbar Features.

Submitting Feedback via Our Dedicated Web Accessibility Help Desk

As another layer of support, dedicated web accessibility experts are available to assist site visitors with any issues accessing content and the various services and functions made available across the First Bank of Berne’s website. Site visitors may choose to engage with the Help Desk to report and troubleshoot web accessibility related issues. This can be accessed by clicking on the Ally+ Toolbar in the bottom right of our site and then clicking on the question mark (?) and Help Desk link.

Third Party Sites

In addition to this website, we make use of different 3rd party websites to share information and provide access to your banking accounts. These sites, which are not controlled by First Bank of Berne may present challenges for individuals with disabilities that we are not able to control or remediate ourselves. Please know that these sites are not used as the sole source of (or sole vehicle for communicating) important information and you can always reach us directly for an accessible version of this information.