Anthony Williams II

By Ann Fazzini Visually impaired Personal Banker Anthony Williams II is growing at Chase,thanks to drive, creativity and the steadfast support of his branch family.

A clear vision of teamwork:

ustomers like Personal Banker Anthony Williams II right away. Hes as friendly, knowledgeable and helpful as his colleagues at the Washington & Mitthoeffer branch in Indianapolis. Williams opens accounts, processes transactions, walks customers through products, just like his peers. But he does it a little slower because of his visual impairment. And thats just fine with customers. In fact, many of them are inspired by him. Now hes studying for the Series 6 exam, which would qualify him to help customers with mutual funds and variable annuities. Its the next step in a budding career with Chase that symbolizes dedication, creativity and teamwork.

Dedry Johnson and Anthony Tony Williams II. job, there were no opportunities for me to grow even though everyone around me was advancing.

CONNECTING WITH CUSTOMERS

MAKING IT WORK

Williams had never worked in a customer-facing role or at a bank branch. But he had the personality and service experience for the role, says Branch Manager Dedry Johnson. And he had desire and motivation. Johnson immediately worked to get Williams the tools he needed. It wasnt easy. Williams needed Job Access With Speech (JAWS), a program that reads out loud whats on the computer screen. It took several weeks and many phone calls to get the approvalsand technical support to help with compatibility issues, Johnson says.

At Chase, Williams feels he has grown as a professional and as a person. Dedry encouraged me to be open with customers because there arent visual clues like a cane or guide dog, he says. When tell them, Im a visually impaired banker and I can take care of your needs, theyre more patient. Many have told Williams hes inspired them, especially those who have family members with autism, a physical challenge or another type of disability. Johnson couldnt be prouder. Were family in the branch, he says. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help and were so proud of Anthony and what hes accomplished. Johnson was recently honored for his role in Williams success by the Access Ability Business Resource Group for employees with disabilities. He accepted the award on behalf of his team and others who advocated for Williams.

OPENING DOORS

ENTHUSIASTIC GENEROSITY

Meanwhile, Williams new colleagues read the training materials to him. Talk about a community effort, Johnson says. Our team showed enthusiastic generosity. With Williams up and running on a completely customized version of JAWS, colleagues pitched in by verifying customer IDs for him, making sure he had the right product placemats on his desk and helping him be as independent as possible. It was a new experience for Williams, too. At my former

Dedry deserves it, Williams says. Everyone helped along the way, but he initially opened up the door for me. Williams says his colleagues Alesa Norris, Carmen Thomas, Joe Coleman, Amanda Hurd, Greg R. Jones and Jeffrey B. Nelson have been particularly helpful to him by lending a hand, mentorship and encouragement. Johnson hopes Williams and his team can inspire others to open doors. I encourage people to think just a little differently. Think diversity, not just disability, Johnson says. You have to make an effort to help anyone achieve their maximum potential, he said. And its so worth it.