US currency unfair to blind, court says

by Rob Peters | May 20, 2008 at 03:36 pm

826 views | 2 Recommendations | 6 comments

A federal appeals court has ruled that paper money discriminates against the visually impaired.

For more information about upcoming US currency designs, check out this link.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the U.S. Treasury Department is violating the law by failing to design and issue currency that is readily distinguishable to blind and visually impaired people.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a 2006 district court ruling that could force the United States to redesign its money so blind people can distinguish between values.

Suggested solutions include making bills different sizes, including raised markings or using foil printing which is a method of hot stamping that is tactically discernable.

Judge Judith Rogers, in a ruling on a suit by the American Council of the Blind, wrote that the Treasury Department's failure to design and issue paper currency that is readily distinguishable to the visually impaired violates the Rehabilitation Act's guarantee of "meaningful access."

"A large majority of other currency systems have accommodated the visually impaired, and the Secretary does not explain why U.S. currency should be any different," Rogers wrote in her ruling.

The euro, for example, is one currency designed to be more readily identifiable. Each banknote has a predominant color and large numbers to make them easier to see. Also, the larger the denomination of the euro, the larger the banknote.

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JD Rucker

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 07:43 on May 21st, 2008

Rob Peters, I like this story. It's good stuff. It's something that I never really thought about, but ya, that makes sense.

laurielou

at 08:02 on May 21st, 2008

As a sighted person, I never really considered what life would be like without sight until I spent a day with blind children at the Little Light Project in Bangkok. Since then, I have a new appreciation and respect for how the blind must navigate in a world that often ignores their needs. US currency is just one example of mainstream discrimination. Good article!

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rolly_ko_to

at 14:40 on May 21st, 2008

US's currency realy failed to see that blind people also use money. i think this is the right time to give these members of the community a chance of using money the way they can.

rolly_ko_to has contributed a photo to this story.

zai_lani

at 17:14 on May 21st, 2008

I was there in Kg Baru, a traditional village right in the city center of Kuala Lumpur, Malayisa. It was on Saturday and the elementary school in that area was having Sports Day. I shot these boys after they asked me to photograph them.

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zghazzal

at 07:24 on May 22nd, 2008

In the city of Aleppo, north of Syria, blind shaykhs--religious individuals--sit at the gate of the main mosque in the old city, waiting to receive help--and to help--the passersby.

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