Last summer Stigall was given the opportunity to speak at a presentation in front of a panel made up of Mechanics Bank administration. The bank decided to run an initiative within the branches throughout Richland County that aimed specifically at improving their customers' banking experiences.
As a result, the Mechanics Bank on 980 Ashland Road in Madison Township thought of making their bank more wheelchair accessible. Their inspiration? Jenna Stigall.
The junior from Madison High School has cerebral palsy. Both of her legs and her left arm have been affected by the disease, making the use of a walker and sometimes a wheelchair necessary. She and her mother, Sally Stigall visit the bank regularly. The tellers have taken a liking to both, especially Jenna Stigall.
So when Teller Nancy Seitz found out about the bank's initiative, she thought of Jenna Stigall right away. “When they came up with the idea, I thought of Jenna,” she said. “I'm just trying to help people, and if I can see them eye-to-eye, there's a better relationship.”
After developing the initial idea, tellers Shaina Barretta and Hannah Headley put together a presentation promoting wheelchair accessibility and lower counters. They invited Jenna Stigall to share her perspective.
“The fact that Jenna came really meant a lot. We could have talked, but to have someone come in, it just made it more important and more accurate,” commented Headley.
The bank implemented automatic doors at the entrance of the branch in Madison as a result. Construction starts January 19 for a section of lowered counter-space to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs.
“She spoke from the heart,” said Branch Manager Barb Blanton. “I don't know why we haven't had it done sooner.”
What does Jenna think of the bank's decision? “I think their decision is great. If I was alone, I couldn't even get in the bank,” shared Stigall. “It's also going to help a lot of people.”
When asked if she would continue to speak out to local businesses to offer better experiences, she said, “If they ask me to, yes.”
Jenna Stigall rides horses with Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center weekly. Sally Stigall said her daughter has competed in a couple competitions and has competed in the Special Olympics for horseback riding.
“It's nice to see that she has a voice that's heard,” said Sally Stigall of her daughter. “She uses leg braces and a walker most of the time, but that doesn't stop her. This is her bank. They looked beyond her disability.”