Accessible currency
If you closed your eyes and took some bank notes out of your wallet or purse, would you be able to tell the difference between a £5 and a £10 note? In Britain you might have a good chance, but in the US you would probably struggle.
Millions of us take our sight for granted when we use money to buy products, especially when we are using a foreign currency that isn’t so familiar to us. But how do blind people cope?
Recent debates in the US have highlighted this issue as they have the only the currency in the world that is all identical in size and colour. Other currencies have features that help visually impaired people distinguish the denominations.
Some examples include:
UK
Notes: the size of the notes increase as the value goes up e.g. a £20 note is larger than a £10. In addition, there is a densely coloured shape on the front of the note that is unique to each denomination - a turquoise circle on the £5, an orange diamond on the £10, and a red triangle on the £50. The £5 and £10 notes also have large numbers on the front. The £20 note has the value displayed in numbers in the clear white area.
Coins: Coins are different shapes, sizes and weights. In addition, the edges are different e.g. the £1 and £2 coins have a milled edge, but the 2p and 1p coins have a plain edge
Euros and Australian $
Notes: Each note is a different size and colour.
Coins: The coins are different colours and weights and have different etchings around the edge or have a plain edge to distinguish them from each other.
Other adaptations:
Engraved marks on notes: Engraved marks, sometimes in a pattern, are used in approximately 16 countries to differentiate one bank note value from another, including in Malaysia, whose notes feature raised geometric shapes and Canada where the notes incorporate a Braille-like feature. However, the problem with this system is that over time the marks will wear away.
Raised watermarks, are used in Japan on different corners of bank notes to differentiate the various values. In Japan they also have holes in some of their coins for identification.
US
All current US dollar banknotes, from a $US1 bill up to a $US100 note, are exactly the same size. Until recently they were all also the same colour, however, new designs include some subtle background colours.
At the end of 2006 a US federal judge ruled that the government should reshape notes to make them identifiable for visually impaired people, many of whom currently fold notes in different ways to help themselves distinguish them. He believed the current notes are discriminatory against people with visual impairments, and are therefore illegal. The main argument against this ruling is the huge cost involved in making the change. Not only the cost of designing and producing new money, but the cost of changing hundreds of other common items such as cash points, vending machines and even wallets.
What is your view? Does the cost out way the benefit? Shouldn’t visually impaired people be able to be independent and recognise their own money?
If you would like information about making your documents and information accessible to visually impaired people please visit our website www.a2i.co.uk.
|
