Court rules paper money unfair to blind
jessewvu
Posts: 5,077 ✭✭✭✭✭
Maybe they should make all US currency a coin 
Link to article
Federal appeals court says Treasury Department is violating the law by keeping dollars the same size and feel.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- A federal appeals court Tuesday ruled 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 U.S. to redesign its money so blind people can distinguish between values.
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."
The Rehabilitation Act was originally designed to extend civil rights to disabled individuals and provide them a full opportunity to participate in American society.
"We are very pleased with the ruling," said a spokeswoman for the American Council of the Blind. "We are hopeful that the treasury department will now get busy and come up with a plan to make paper money more readily identifiable for the visually impaired people all over the world," she added.
Suggested solutions include making bills different sizes, including raised markings or using foil printing which is tactically discernable.
The suit was originally filed in 2002 by the American Council of the Blind and two individuals with visual impairments, Patrick Sheehan and Otis Stephens.
The appeals court ruled 2-1, with Judge A. Raymond Randolph dissenting.
Link to article
Federal appeals court says Treasury Department is violating the law by keeping dollars the same size and feel.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- A federal appeals court Tuesday ruled 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 U.S. to redesign its money so blind people can distinguish between values.
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."
The Rehabilitation Act was originally designed to extend civil rights to disabled individuals and provide them a full opportunity to participate in American society.
"We are very pleased with the ruling," said a spokeswoman for the American Council of the Blind. "We are hopeful that the treasury department will now get busy and come up with a plan to make paper money more readily identifiable for the visually impaired people all over the world," she added.
Suggested solutions include making bills different sizes, including raised markings or using foil printing which is tactically discernable.
The suit was originally filed in 2002 by the American Council of the Blind and two individuals with visual impairments, Patrick Sheehan and Otis Stephens.
The appeals court ruled 2-1, with Judge A. Raymond Randolph dissenting.
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Comments
Or pay for the cost by eliminating the wasteful $1 bill.
no disrespect intended, but i think this proposal would be a monstrous nightmare to the taxpayer!
people who are almost blind to totally blind.
what if we were in that boat with them? i sure in the heck would
like to have it on bills.
Jeff
<< <i>I don't see why they cannot put the denomination in braille on the money. Other countries do it, and it would probably enhance security such that it would pay for itself from reduced counterfeiting.
Or pay for the cost by eliminating the wasteful $1 bill. >>
Eliminate the $1 for sure.
If they depended on braille, con artists would wear it down and reemboss with the denomination of their choosing.
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<< <i>Eliminate the $1 for sure.
If they depended on braille, con artists would wear it down and reemboss with the denomination of their choosing. >>
Presumably, the notes would be in increasing size as the denomination increased. Con artists altering braille denominations reminds me of something a blind former co-worker said years ago. "Never play cards with a blind person. They cheat."
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better (cheaper?) to equip the blind than change everything
eliminate all paper money over the $1 bill.
eliminate all coins over the Cent.
Just imagine how easy it would be to count out money....
<< <i>no disrespect intended, but i think this proposal would be a monstrous nightmare to the taxpayer!
I agree. And in this day and age with the availability of debit cards that can be used almost everywhere I don't think it would be a good use of our resources to find a solution.
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<< <i>This is one step closer to the elimination of the rag dollar bill and to the release of all those metal dollars... >>
What if they want to buy a $1000 item? Will they have to drag a bag of metal dollars with them?
<< <i>How does a blind person go shopping by themselves anyway? Can you imagine picking out a tie to match their suit. I am not making light of the situation but I think our society has gone mad. >>
While I feel for the blind, I agree. If this is true then every product needs revamped to meet these criteria also. A tie matching their suit is the least of the problems. How is a blind person supposed to distinguish between a can of tomato soup and a can of split pea soup. So are we supposed to pay higher prices on everything so that braille can be added to all soup cans and other products? While I feel for them there is a limit to how much can be done responsibly without damaging the economy.
You wouldn't believe how long it took to get him to sit still for this.
<< <i>
<< <i>How does a blind person go shopping by themselves anyway? Can you imagine picking out a tie to match their suit. I am not making light of the situation but I think our society has gone mad. >>
While I feel for the blind, I agree. If this is true then every product needs revamped to meet these criteria also. A tie matching their suit is the least of the problems. How is a blind person supposed to distinguish between a can of tomato soup and a can of split pea soup. So are we supposed to pay higher prices on everything so that braille can be added to all soup cans and other products? While I feel for them there is a limit to how much can be done responsibly without damaging the economy. >>
Good point. Where does it stop?
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<< <i>
<< <i>How does a blind person go shopping by themselves anyway? Can you imagine picking out a tie to match their suit. I am not making light of the situation but I think our society has gone mad. >>
While I feel for the blind, I agree. If this is true then every product needs revamped to meet these criteria also. A tie matching their suit is the least of the problems. How is a blind person supposed to distinguish between a can of tomato soup and a can of split pea soup. So are we supposed to pay higher prices on everything so that braille can be added to all soup cans and other products? While I feel for them there is a limit to how much can be done responsibly without damaging the economy. >>
I blame it on excessive marijuana usage in youth. Now we have a bunch of leaders with handicapped brains.
<< <i>
<< <i>This is one step closer to the elimination of the rag dollar bill and to the release of all those metal dollars... >>
What if they want to buy a $1000 item? Will they have to drag a bag of metal dollars with them? >>
I would think that people with limited sight have been using high denomination currency and there are other secure ways to transact their purchases with a credit card card by using a verbal code.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>This is one step closer to the elimination of the rag dollar bill and to the release of all those metal dollars... >>
What if they want to buy a $1000 item? Will they have to drag a bag of metal dollars with them? >>
I would think that people with limited sight have been using high denomination currency and there are other secure ways to transact their purchases with a credit card card by using a verbal code. >>
So there is no real need for braile currency. How do idiots get to be judge anyway?
<< <i>I think it would be cheaper to put a "scratch and sniff" on the currency. Use smells associated with what you can buy for each amount. $1 smells like Coca-Cola...........$5 smells like gasoline...............$10 smells like a steak...............you fill in the rest! >>
...until you have a billfold stuffed with heavily circulated/scratched mixed currencies: a smorgasbord of gasoline, cola, steak, .... all intermingling. After they've been through a few strippers, might not be easy to identify them either.
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<< <i>I think it would be cheaper to put a "scratch and sniff" on the currency. Use smells associated with what you can buy for each amount. $1 smells like Coca-Cola...........$5 smells like gasoline...............$10 smells like a steak...............you fill in the rest! >>
With the way the dollar is going these days I would think that they would all smell like an outhouse.
<< <i>
<< <i>I don't see why they cannot put the denomination in braille on the money. Other countries do it, and it would probably enhance security such that it would pay for itself from reduced counterfeiting.
Or pay for the cost by eliminating the wasteful $1 bill. >>
Eliminate the $1 for sure.
If they depended on braille, con artists would wear it down and reemboss with the denomination of their choosing. >>
Which begs the question, could a blind person tell the difference?
I have no problem with supporting those that need it but I find this lawsuit a little iffy.
First off, the BEP uses intaglio printing which does impart a certain thickness to the bills. I seems to me that the easiest method of augmenting the current bills is by adding just a bit more thickness to the 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 notations that are already there.
I suspect that this suit is brought on by those folks that feel a "need" to help those that may not need that help. Flame me if you want but really, how often do blind folks actually have cash transactions and of those that do, what do they already use to insure they aren't getting ripped off?
Some lawsuits have merit yet others are simply done as eye openers. I would like to insure equal opportunities for everyone but there is a limit to reasonable expectations.
The name is LEE!
<< <i> After they've been through a few strippers, might not be easy to identify them either. >>
Mary, is that you??
The name is LEE!
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"If I say something in the woods, and my wife isn't around to hear it. Am I still wrong?"
<< <i>I have a very good friend who is blind. If you are not disabled or are not close to someone with a disability,you can not even imagine what it is like. So I challenge you if you think this ruling is not right, to blindfold yourself for just one hour or more. Now try do the things you usually do around the house. Things like try and get a glass of water, try and put toothpaste on your toothbrush, do your laundry etc. Just simple everyday things we all do like make yourself something to eat. Make sure that you have someone with you to protect you, and remember a blind person does not always have that person with them. My friend is a long time season ticket holder to the Patriots, he was visa NFL Fan of the year in 2001. Next time you watch a Patriots game look for the banner on the sideline of the end zone near the open end. Its the Full Tilt Full Time banner. His seats are front row just behind the banner. Now think of yourself blindfolded going to a professional sports event. Redesigning our paper money is a no brainer. They do it so often now. So before you reply .... I ask you to just think about it. >>
Does your friend have a problem with financial transactions now?
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<< <i>seems fair enough to me that we should do something to cater to
people who are almost blind to totally blind.
what if we were in that boat with them? i sure in the heck would
like to have it on bills. >>
I have to agree here... I don't believe in free handouts for anything as you will never catch me voting for free healthcare for everyone. But this actually makes sense. What if we were in their shoes and had to trust the retailers and street vendors we pay to give us the right change... or we made a 300 cash withdrawal and the bank teller kept a few for himself... it would be a scary world for sure...
I also doubt the cost will be that much. Adding brail will help with security and help the blind people decipher which bill is which.
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If you limit this issue to currency and transactions involving exchange of funds, there is no reason why this will not be seen has having to apply to:
Pin/Signature Pads at stores giving audible amounts/totals.
Credit/debit receipts being printed in braille.
Checks at restaurants being in braille.
All paper generated bills being in braille.
Paper Checks being in braille.
Many if not most financial transactions are no longer via currency, so with the reasoning of the court it will quickly be applied to all transactions involving the exchange of funds.
Of course there's a limit. Having the majority scoff at the idea, the ones with the ax to grind simply proceed to the nearest court to impose
it over the will of the people. The problem, though, is not the lawsuit. The problem is the judiciary who are willing to reinterpret laws as they
see fit because it increases their power. Discrimination always meant being denied "something" by "someone". Now the Court of Appeals
redefines it into something completely ambigious.
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<< <i>Some lawsuits have merit yet others are simply done as eye openers. I would like to insure equal opportunities for everyone but there is a limit to reasonable expectations.
Of course there's a limit. Having the majority scoff at the idea, the ones with the ax to grind simply proceed to the nearest court to impose
it over the will of the people. The problem, though, is not the lawsuit. The problem is the judiciary who are willing to reinterpret laws as they
see fit because it increases their power. Discrimination always meant being denied "something" by "someone". Now the Court of Appeals
redefines it into something completely ambigious. >>
Just as the judicary applies the concept "for the general welfare" to encompass everything and anything they desire. Good point Coinsponge.
That said, I suspect that there are far better solutions than using Braille on currency. Portable OCR readers come to mind. While that may seem like an unwieldy solution, keep in mind that such a device could also be used to read bar codes on products, price tags, etc, and audibly provide the needed information.
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<< <i>I have a very good friend who is blind. If you are not disabled or are not close to someone with a disability,you can not even imagine what it is like. So I challenge you if you think this ruling is not right, to blindfold yourself for just one hour or more. Now try do the things you usually do around the house. Things like try and get a glass of water, try and put toothpaste on your toothbrush, do your laundry etc. Just simple everyday things we all do like make yourself something to eat. Make sure that you have someone with you to protect you, and remember a blind person does not always have that person with them. My friend is a long time season ticket holder to the Patriots, he was visa NFL Fan of the year in 2001. Next time you watch a Patriots game look for the banner on the sideline of the end zone near the open end. Its the Full Tilt Full Time banner. His seats are front row just behind the banner. Now think of yourself blindfolded going to a professional sports event. Redesigning our paper money is a no brainer. They do it so often now. So before you reply .... I ask you to just think about it. >>
I'm sorry for those that are blind but as Mr. Euraka said, Life is unfair.
If I were to become blind, I would be forced to make certain changes in my life and handling money would probably be one of them. Coin Collecting would get dropped totally as every proof coin I validated would immediately be ruined. Thats just the way it is. I'm sorry but nothing I do or say would ever change the fact that my life would be completely different than folks that could see. I would no longer be able to take that trip to the hardware store to pick up stuff to finish a project. I would no longer be able to do a lot of the stuff I do on a daily basis and I would have to adjust my life accordingly. For me to expect others to adjust "their" lives to suit "my" needs is a little self centered.
This country used to be fat and could afford such things but to force this issue at this point in time is simply one more straw added to the camel's back. What will happen to the budget after this? There are simple alternatives available right now that address this issue but forcing this for but a few folks so they can function like everybody else is a waste as they will never be able to function just like everybody else regardless of what we do.
I have absolutely nothing against blind folks or handicapped folks and I will do whatever I can to assist as long as its not something I wouldn't go out of my way for anybody else. I think this issue is beyond reasonable.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>It's not the bills that are unfair, but life.
That said, I suspect that there are far better solutions than using Braille on currency. Portable OCR readers come to mind. While that may seem like an unwieldy solution, keep in mind that such a device could also be used to read bar codes on products, price tags, etc, and audibly provide the needed information. >>
Big government hates technology. Anything that helps people be self sufficient is a threat to their power. We must all kneel down before them and grovel at their feet when they give us great things that were paid for with our money.
Some of you seem to think that people who are Blind or visually impaired are second class citizens and should not enjoy the full protection of the law.
Almost every other major western country has reviewed this issue and issues currency to allow identification by tactile methods.
I believe that US Currency does discriminate against those that are visually impaired. I have thought that this was a problem for a long time.
The solution chosen by the Euro is the best. Some countries have added Braille to the notes but that can be tampered with.
I would guess that the case will reach the US Supreme Court much quicker than you think. I also think that they will agree with the DC Appellate Court.
That said, it will be interesting as to how long it will take to comply with the court's order. During fiscal year (FY) 2007, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing will produce approximately 38 million notes a day. Of all the notes printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, $1 notes make up about 45% of currency production. Since the printing of the $1 takes up alot of BEP resources, to comply with the court's order I suspect the $1 bill will be ditched in favor of a coin to allow the BEP to print the other denominations in a timely manner.
Watch for the $100 to remain the same size as currently produced and the $50, $20, $10 and $5 to be made progressively smaller in size as you do downward in denomination. Also watch for the $2 to be eliminated as it is not needed and would take up production time.
These are my opinions, if you don't like them that’s your right. I think that those with visual impairment are entitled to be able to receive and spend money without having to depend on others telling them the denomination of the note.
Planchet
<< <i>
<< <i>This is one step closer to the elimination of the rag dollar bill and to the release of all those metal dollars... >>
What if they want to buy a $1000 item? Will they have to drag a bag of metal dollars with them? >>
Use a credit or debit card? I am sure that is what most do already.
Jonathan
www.ADA.gov
"If I say something in the woods, and my wife isn't around to hear it. Am I still wrong?"
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>This is one step closer to the elimination of the rag dollar bill and to the release of all those metal dollars... >>
What if they want to buy a $1000 item? Will they have to drag a bag of metal dollars with them? >>
I would think that people with limited sight have been using high denomination currency and there are other secure ways to transact their purchases with a credit card card by using a verbal code. >>
Well then how about if they want to buy a $10,000 item?
<< <i>Didnt they make the number in the corner really big?
Jeff >>
Jeff,
You are amazingly insensitive. Your comment is extremely hurtful to all of the blind people reading this thread.
The court's reasoning should have been more along those lines.
roadrunner
<< <i>
<< <i>I have a very good friend who is blind. If you are not disabled or are not close to someone with a disability,you can not even imagine what it is like. So I challenge you if you think this ruling is not right, to blindfold yourself for just one hour or more. Now try do the things you usually do around the house. Things like try and get a glass of water, try and put toothpaste on your toothbrush, do your laundry etc. Just simple everyday things we all do like make yourself something to eat. Make sure that you have someone with you to protect you, and remember a blind person does not always have that person with them. My friend is a long time season ticket holder to the Patriots, he was visa NFL Fan of the year in 2001. Next time you watch a Patriots game look for the banner on the sideline of the end zone near the open end. Its the Full Tilt Full Time banner. His seats are front row just behind the banner. Now think of yourself blindfolded going to a professional sports event. Redesigning our paper money is a no brainer. They do it so often now. So before you reply .... I ask you to just think about it. >>
I'm sorry for those that are blind but as Mr. Euraka said, Life is unfair.
If I were to become blind, I would be forced to make certain changes in my life and handling money would probably be one of them. Coin Collecting would get dropped totally as every proof coin I validated would immediately be ruined. Thats just the way it is. I'm sorry but nothing I do or say would ever change the fact that my life would be completely different than folks that could see. I would no longer be able to take that trip to the hardware store to pick up stuff to finish a project. I would no longer be able to do a lot of the stuff I do on a daily basis and I would have to adjust my life accordingly. For me to expect others to adjust "their" lives to suit "my" needs is a little self centered.
This country used to be fat and could afford such things but to force this issue at this point in time is simply one more straw added to the camel's back. What will happen to the budget after this? There are simple alternatives available right now that address this issue but forcing this for but a few folks so they can function like everybody else is a waste as they will never be able to function just like everybody else regardless of what we do.
I have absolutely nothing against blind folks or handicapped folks and I will do whatever I can to assist as long as its not something I wouldn't go out of my way for anybody else. I think this issue is beyond reasonable. >>
The tone and attitude of this response I find incredibly self-centered and insulting. The people throwing a fit over a re-design of currency to comply with the law remind me of the people who threw fits about offering pretzels on airline flights instead of peanuts due to the increasing number of peanut allergies, circulating air, and severity of the reactions. A lot of those comments were of the ilk that they didn't care if someone might die, they shouldn't fly anyway, they wanted their free peanuts!
People's lack of care never ceases to amaze me. Yes, I've known someone who was blind. She had very little sight, and got by well enough that I don't think I ever really knew just how bad it was. She was not born as such, but developed the blindness overnight as she had a blood vessel behind her eye explode in the middle of the night. If not for her dog, who slept with her, waking her up by licking at the blood running from her eye, it's quite possible she wouldn't have lived. Making the adjustment to living in a world of shadow is the hardest thing any of us could imagine, and even more so without any sight.
She worked for herself as a massage therapist with a select clientèle, mostly elderly, many referred to her by hospitals. This almost necessitates payment in cash / check. Imagine that now....in her case, it was dealing with people she knew for years and trusted, so in that matter she was lucky. Think about anyone else in a different situation, providing a service or selling goods that requires the trust of strangers.
Her vision was such that I was able to build her a computer, using a 21" monitor, and at 800x600 and use of the voice translator and magnify area taking up 1/3-1/2 her screen, allow her to function on it. Now factor in money and realize how hopeless it was for her to try and read a bill to give payment or receive in change out in the world. I can tell you it was a constant effort and fight for her to keep track of bills and what was what and worry about being ripped off, just trying to function day to day.
Estimates are that 3% of the population of the U.S. is in a similar situation, or worse, as hers. And yet rather than re-design the money to better their lives, the solutions offered by many in this thread is that they shouldn't go out alone anyway, that they should carry heavy unwieldy electronics using batteries everywhere they go (never mind the fact they carry a cane already), or worse yet, no solution at all but just jabs at their plight. I love the preface of "I have nothing against blind people, but..." as they go forward to show them scorn even as they say they can't just function like everyone else. Well, they can't....as long as people refuse to make any concessions or assistance to them.
It's like saying why make wheelchairs for people that are paralyzed from the waist down or can't walk for some other reason as they can't be like everybody else anyway, so good luck to them, just roll over out of my way if you're lying in it.
Truly and utterly despicable, and everyone taking part in these not so thinly veiled discriminatory and self-centered thoughts shown in these posts should be ASHAMED to their very core.
...there are none so blind as those who will not see.
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When i was chosen for jury duty, in the cafeteria there was a blind cashier. You had to tell him the denomination of the bill you were giving him.
It is also unfair to illegal aliens. No Speak English.