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Paper money unfair to blind - court



 
 
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Old May 20th 08, 09:40 PM posted to rec.collecting.paper-money
Jim Higgins
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Default Paper money unfair to blind - court

Paper money unfair to blind - court
http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/20/news...ex.htm?cnn=yes

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."

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was originally designed to extend civil
rights to disabled individuals and provide them a full opportunity to
participate in American society.

Rogers also wrote that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has not met his
burden to show why changing the money would impose an undue burden.

"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.

"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."

The Treasury Department has been working to improve the nation's paper
currency, according to Jennifer Zuccarelli, a spokeswoman for the Treasury.

"Most recently the Bureau of Engraving and Printing contracted with a
research firm to conduct a comprehensive study to gather additional
data, research and analysis for development of methods to help the blind
and visually impaired," Zuccarelli said in an e-mail to CNNMoney.com.
"The results of this study will be available by early 2009, and the
Bureau will take that information under consideration when they
transition in new production equipment in both printing facilities in
the following years."

However, Paul Schroeder, vice president for programs and policy for
American Foundation for the Blind, a nonprofit group based in New York,
said he "would not be surprised" if the Treasury Department appealed the
court's decision.

While Schroeder said it would be feasible to address this challenge,
whatever solution is ultimately found must "work within a very
substantial infrastructure" of U.S. currency.

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.
Judge Thomas Griffith joined Rogers in voting to uphold the lower court
ruling.

--
Civis Romanus Sum
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