TD Canada Trust and TD Waterhouse launch a new tool to help visually impaired
customers do their online banking and investing with ease

    
    EasyWeb and WebBroker feature a new web accessibility tool that allows
    users to:
    -   Adjust font sizes
    -   Change color contrast
    -   Magnify all or a portion of the screen
    -   Have text read aloud with adjustable speed and volume control.
    

TORONTO , Dec. 11 /CNW/ - A new web accessibility tool recently launched by TD Canada Trust and TD Waterhouse improves the online experience and access for customers with visual impairments.

The Web Accessibility Toolbar allows people with limited vision or with eye fatigue to customize the appearance of Web content. User-friendly features include the ability to quickly and easily adjust font sizes, change color contrast, magnify all or a portion of the screen, and have text read aloud with adjustable speed and volume control.

"At TD we are committed to providing a comfortable experience for both customers and employees," said Tim Hockey , President and CEO, TD Canada Trust. "It's all about creating an environment where employees and customers feel they're included and their needs are being met."

"For customers with low vision who may have felt that they couldn't comfortably access their accounts online, this new web accessibility tool on EasyWeb and WebBroker now makes it easier for them to experience the convenience of online banking and investing," added John See , President, TD Waterhouse Discount Brokerage.

Developed by IBM Research in 2003, the toolbar significantly enhances the usability of online banking services for customers with low vision. It is just one component of a comprehensive web accessibility strategy developed by TD Bank Financial Group in collaboration with the IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center and IBM Global Business Services.

"We applaud TD Bank Financial Group for recognizing that removing technology barriers to enhance the usability of online banking services for all customers is not only the right thing to do, but makes eminent business sense and drives competitive advantage," said Frances W. West, Worldwide Director, IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center." We're confident that their ambitious efforts will set a new standard for customer service in the financial services industry. IBM is particularly gratified to work with TD on this important project, applying our accessibility know-how from the retail sector to financial services"

Customers can call 1-866-222-3456 (English)/1-800-895-4463 (French) if they have any questions regarding the web accessibility toolbar or require navigational assistance.

The introduction of the web accessibility tool is another step TD is taking to improve access for our customers and other access initiatives include:

    
    -   Audio capable ABMs
    -   Bank documents, such as credit card statements and personal cheques,
        available upon request in formats such as large-font and Braille at
        no additional charge
    -   Electronic large-font versions of popular brochures
    -   Generic large-font and Braille business cards in all customer-facing
        locations
    -   TTY and Relay services for customers who are Deaf, deafened or hard
        of hearing.
    

About the IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center

The IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center focuses on technology solutions to address the issues associated with disability, aging and low literacy. An integral part of IBM Research, the Center is a worldwide organization that works with governments, collaborates with partners, and delivers solutions to clients in the Americas, Asia, and Europe . The IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center enables human capability through innovation, so all people can reach their potential, regardless of age or ability. For more information, visit www.ibm.com/able.

About TD Bank Financial Group

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Financial Group. TD Bank Financial Group is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves more than 18 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in key financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Insurance; Wealth Management, including TD Waterhouse and an investment in TD Ameritrade; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD Bank Financial Group also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 6 million online customers. TD Bank Financial Group had CDN$557 billion in assets on October 31, 2009 . The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.

For further information: Tashlin Hirani, TD Bank Financial Group, [phone], [email protected]