[Nfbk] Currency Reader

[Kevin Pearl]

As an interim measure in advance of issuing tactile-enhanced Federal Reserve notes, the BEP is providing currency readers, free of charge, to eligible blind and visually impaired individuals.
 
The BEP recently announced its distribution plans for the U.S. Currency Reader Program.  Details of the announcement can be found in a press release issued on Thursday, July 3, 2014, and anotherreleased on Monday, July 14, 2014.
 
The U.S. Currency Reader Program will launch in two phases:
 
Pilot:  Beginning September 2, 2014, in partnership with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, (NLS) the BEP will initiate a four-month pilot where NLS patrons can pre-order a currency reader.  The pilot program allows the government to test its ordering and distribution processes and gauge demand for currency readers.   To receive a currency reader, eligible individuals who are currently patrons of NLS need only call 1-888-NLS-READ; the account will be noted and a currency reader will be delivered to the address on file.
 
National Rollout: Currency readers will be widely available to all U.S. citizens, or persons legally residing in the U.S. who are blind or visually impaired, starting January 2, 2015.  Individuals who are not NLS patrons must submit an application, signed by a competent authority who can certify eligibility. Applications will be available on this website and processed for non-patrons of NLS beginning January 2, 2015.
 
Additional information about the U.S. Currency Reader Program and about the currency reader device can be found in the links below.  The BEP encourages organizations that support the blind and visually impaired community to distribute these materials, or to incorporate the information provided into individualized communications.
 
Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Currency Reader Program
U.S. Currency Reader Program Brochure
Print Guide for Using the iBill® Talking Banknote Identifier
Video Guide for Using the iBill® Talking Banknote Identifier
 
Contact Us:  For additional questions or comments about the U.S. Currency Reader Program you may call (844) 815-9388 toll-free or email meaningful.access at bep.gov.
 
More about NLS:  NLS administers a free library program of braille and audio materials available to U.S. residents and citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness, or physical handicap makes it difficult to read a standard printed page.  More information about the program and other services provided by NLS can be viewed at http://www.loc.gov/nls/.

Kevin

---The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. NFB.ORG
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