Our Commitment to Accessibility

Last Updated: 8/18/25

Bay State Bank is committed to ensuring that our website is accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. We believe that everyone should have equal access to our digital banking services and financial information, and we are dedicated to providing an inclusive online experience.

Accessibility Standards

We strive to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards, which are recognized as the international standard for web accessibility. These guidelines help make web content more accessible to people with various disabilities, including:

• Visual impairments (blindness, low vision, color blindness)
• Hearing impairments
• Motor disabilities
• Cognitive disabilities

Our Accessibility Features

Our website includes several features designed to improve accessibility:

• Keyboard Navigation: All interactive elements can be accessed using keyboard-only navigation
• Screen Reader Compatibility: Our site is designed to work with popular screen reading software
• Alternative Text: Images include descriptive alternative text for screen readers
• Color Contrast: We maintain appropriate color contrast ratios for text readability
• Consistent Navigation: Clear and consistent navigation structure throughout the site
• Descriptive Headings: Proper heading structure to help users navigate content
• Form Labels: All form fields include clear, descriptive labels

Ongoing Efforts

We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our website through:

• Regular accessibility audits and testing
• Staff training on accessibility best practices
• Incorporating accessibility considerations into our design and development processes
• User testing with individuals who rely on assistive technologies
• Staying current with evolving accessibility standards and technologies

Third-Party Content

Some content on our website may be provided by third parties. While we work with vendors to ensure accessibility compliance, we acknowledge that some third-party content may not fully conform to accessibility standards. We are actively working with our partners to address these issues.

Alternative Access Methods

If you encounter accessibility barriers on our website, we offer alternative ways to access our services:

• Phone Banking: Call us at (800) 244-8161 for telephone banking services
• In-Person Services: Visit any of our branch locations for full-service banking
• Alternative Formats: We can provide information in alternative formats upon request

Feedback and Assistance

Your feedback is important to us. If you experience any accessibility issues while using our website or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:

Marketing Bay State Bank
28 Franklin St., Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (800) 244-8161
Email: marketing@baystatebank.com

When reporting accessibility issues, please provide:

• The specific page or feature you were trying to access
• The assistive technology you are using (if applicable)
• A description of the problem you encountered
• Your contact information so we can follow up

We will make every effort to respond to accessibility concerns.

Legal Compliance

This accessibility statement reflects our commitment to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
• State accessibility laws and regulations

Updates to This Statement

We will update this accessibility statement as we make improvements to our website and as accessibility standards evolve. Please check back periodically for the most current information about our accessibility efforts.

Bay State Bank is committed to providing equal access to our services for all customers. We welcome your feedback and are here to assist you with any accessibility needs.