[Cinci-nfb] Currency reader

[Deborah Kendrick]

Greetings Cincinnati Federationists, 

At the January 24 chapter meeting, I mentioned that the U.S. government
currency reader program had ended its library phase and was now moving into
the phase through which the Bureau of Engraving and Printing will distribute
devices directly.  

Walter Mitchell is the only person who has asked for more information, and I
am now sending it.  
I do hope that means that the rest of you already ordered one from the
library.  But just in case there are more of you who have been too shy to
ask, I am sending this to the entire list.  I do hope the following
information will be of some assistance.  
Below is the information as previously distributed by NLS.  
Please be sure to note that the pilot phase has passed, so you must contact
the BEP if you have not received your iBIll yet.
 
Happy February!

Deborah
	NLS has partnered with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) in
support of its U.S. Currency Reader Program, which will provide currency
reader devices, free of charge, to eligible individuals who are blind or
visually impaired. The program is part of the U.S. government's Meaningful
Access Initiative to assist individuals who experience difficulties
identifying U.S. currency.
	 
	The currency reader, called the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier,
is a compact device that announces a note's value in one of three ways:
voice, pattern of tones, or pattern of vibrations. Just insert a note into
the device and press the button on the side to have the denomination
identified. The currency reader does not identify foreign or counterfeit
banknotes. The size of a key fob, it can be carried in a pocket or purse,
clipped to a belt, or attached to a keychain or lanyard. It operates on a
single AAA battery, which typically lasts for more than a year. The initial
battery is included.
	 
	A national rollout of the U.S. Currency Reader Program is scheduled
to begin in January 2015, but a pilot initiative is currently underway
through which eligible NLS patrons may pre-order a currency reader through
December 31, 2014. To pre-order, patrons may call their local braille and
talking-book library. They may also call 1-888-NLS-READ, and when prompted
for regional library (third tone), say "library" to be connected to their
nearest braille and talking book library. The library staff will note the
account and a currency reader will be mailed Free Matter to the patron's
on-file address when the devices become available.
     
	Eligible individuals who wish to receive free library service from
NLS may download an application at
http://www.loc.gov/nls/pdf/application.pdf or call 1-888-NLS-READ and follow
the aforementioned procedures to request the form from their nearest braille
and talking book library.
     
	To learn more about the U.S. Currency Reader Program or other
aspects of the U.S. government's initiative to provide meaningful access to
U.S. currency visit www.bep.gov <http://www.bep.gov/> .   

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