[Nfbmo] Fw: Update on Currency changes for the visually impaired
Fred Olver
goodfolks at charter.net
Wed May 26 02:01:11 UTC 2010
Jim, I'll re-send you the message after I get rid of all the greater than
signs.
Fred Olver
----- Original Message -----
From: "James Moynihan" <jamesmoynihan at kc.rr.com>
To: "NFB of Missouri Mailing List" <nfbmo at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 2:29 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbmo] Fw: Update on Currency changes for the visually
impaired
> Gary,
>
> We cannot figure out how to get to the information in this message. Can
> you provide any help?
>
> Very Warmly Today,
>
> Jim and Jana Moynihan
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Gary Wunder" <gwunder at earthlink.net>
> To: "nfbmo list" <nfbmo at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: "Dave Hutchins" <dhutchins at kc.rr.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 7:52 AM
> Subject: [Nfbmo] Fw: Update on Currency changes for the visually impaired
>
>
>> Dave, thank you for sending this. I will pass it along.
>>
>> Gary
>>
>>>>> DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Bureau of Engraving and Printing
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Meaningful Access to United States Currency for Blind and Visually
>>>>> Impaired Persons
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> AGENCY: Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Department of the Treasury.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ACTION: Notice of proposed agency action and request for public
>>>>> comments.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the Bureau of
>>>>> Engraving and Printing (BEP) are issuing this Notice pursuant to the
>>>>> ruling in American Council of the Blind v. Paulson that ordered
>>>>> Treasury
>>>>> to provide meaningful access to U.S. currency to people who are blind
>>>>> and
>>>>> visually impaired pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
>>>>> of
>>>>> 1973, as amended. BEP seeks to develop a solution that fully complies
>>>>> with the Court's order and provides people who are blind and visually
>>>>> impaired meaningful access to U.S. currency, while also giving
>>>>> appropriate consideration to the interests of domestic and
>>>>> international
>>>>> users of currency, U.S. businesses, and cash handling and
>>>>> cash-intensive
>>>>> industries. The purposes of this Federal Register Notice are to
>>>>> inform
>>>>> the public of the features that BEP intends to propose to the
>>>>> Secretary
>>>>> of the Treasury to accommodate people who are blind and visually
>>>>> impaired
>>>>> in denominating U.S. currency, and to solicit public comment on the
>>>>> proposed accommodations.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> DATES: Submit comments on or before August 18, 2010.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ADDRESSES: See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for meeting addresses
>>>>> and information about submitting public comments.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Gano, 202-874-1200.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> By statute, the Secretary of the Treasury has sole authority for
>>>>> approving designs of U.S. Federal Reserve notes (U.S. currency). To
>>>>> develop the designs, Treasury works in collaboration with the Board of
>>>>> Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) and the Department of
>>>>> Homeland Security's United States Secret Service (USSS), through the
>>>>> Advanced Counterfeit Deterrence (ACD) Steering Committee.\1\ As a
>>>>> general
>>>>> guideline, the ACD has recommended that Treasury redesign Federal
>>>>> Reserve
>>>>> notes every seven to ten years to deter counterfeiting by
>>>>> anticipating
>>>>> advances in technologies. The most recent redesign of the currency
>>>>> commenced in 2003, and the final note in that series of currency
>>>>> design
>>>>> is in production. As Treasury begins its design plans for a new
>>>>> family
>>>>> of
>>>>> currency, Treasury and BEP will incorporate additional features to
>>>>> accommodate people who are blind and visually impaired. Although it
>>>>> is
>>>>> somewhat difficult to provide a specific date or time frame as to
>>>>> when
>>>>> the redesign of this new family of currency will be completed, BEP is
>>>>> required by the Court's order to "take such steps as may be required
>>>>> to
>>>>> provide meaningful access to United States currency for blind and
>>>>> other
>>>>> visually impaired persons * * * not later than the date when a
>>>>> redesign
>>>>> of that denomination is next approved by the Secretary of the
>>>>> Treasury."
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> In anticipation of this endeavor, in January of 2008, BEP
>>>>> commissioned
>>>>> a
>>>>> comprehensive study to (1) review and analyze the needs of the blind
>>>>> and
>>>>> visually impaired relating to the identification of U.S. currency
>>>>> through
>>>>> focus groups, surveys, and usability tests; (2) examine various
>>>>> methods
>>>>> that might improve access to the currency by the blind and visually
>>>>> impaired through discussions with subject matter experts, foreign
>>>>> currency experts, and advocacy groups; (3) perform a cost impact
>>>>> analysis
>>>>> of possible accommodations on various government and industry
>>>>> sectors;
>>>>> and (4) provide a decision model, by which BEP could evaluate various
>>>>> potential accommodations. See Final Report: Study to Address Options
>>>>> for
>>>>> Enabling the Blind and Visually Impaired Community to Denominate U.S.
>>>>> Currency, July 2009 (Study), which can be found on the BEP Web site
>>>>> at
>>>>> http://www.bep.gov/uscurrency/ meaningfulaccess.html
>>>>> <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.bep.gov/uscurrency/meaningfulaccess.html>
>>>>> .
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Although there are a wide variety of definitions and methodologies to
>>>>> define blindness and visual impairment, the Study used the following
>>>>> definitions: it defined blind individuals as those who have no useful
>>>>> vision for reading any amount of print, and visually impaired
>>>>> individuals
>>>>> as those who have difficulty seeing but are able to read some print
>>>>> (with
>>>>> or without corrective lenses).
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Summary of Proposed Design Modifications ` Based upon the Study's
>>>>> findings
>>>>> and BEP's own expertise in manufacturing U.S. currency, BEP proposes
>>>>> to
>>>>> recommend to the Secretary of the Treasury the following:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I. Tactile Feature. As part of the next currency redesign, BEP will
>>>>> develop and deploy a raised tactile feature that builds upon current
>>>>> tactile feature technologies. The tactile feature will be unique to
>>>>> each
>>>>> Federal Reserve note denomination that it may lawfully change, and
>>>>> will
>>>>> provide users with a means of identifying each denomination by way of
>>>>> touch.\2\
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> II. Large, High-Contrast Numerals. Consistent with current practice,
>>>>> BEP
>>>>> will continue its practice of adding large, high-contrast numerals
>>>>> and
>>>>> different and distinct color schemes to each denomination that it is
>>>>> permitted by law to alter to further assist visually impaired
>>>>> citizens.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> III. Supplemental Currency Reader Program. BEP also proposes to
>>>>> recommend
>>>>> to the Secretary of the Treasury a supplemental measure that will be
>>>>> taken in order to provide access to U.S. currency. This measure would
>>>>> involve a process to loan and distribute currency readers to the
>>>>> blind
>>>>> and visually impaired at no cost to them. BEP believes this process
>>>>> will
>>>>> ameliorate difficulties stemming from the transition that will occur
>>>>> during the co-circulation of notes with and without a tactile feature
>>>>> and
>>>>> large, high contrast numerals, a transition which will persist for
>>>>> many
>>>>> years after the introduction of the tactile- enhanced note.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> In addition, BEP will continue to explore emerging technological
>>>>> solutions to provide access to U.S. currency, such as the development
>>>>> of
>>>>> software to enable blind and visually impaired individuals to fully
>>>>> access U.S. currency. Some of the options include the development and
>>>>> deployment of assistive software to enable banknote denomination using
>>>>> cellular phones, computers, and imaging and reading devices.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Recommendation Details
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I. Tactile Feature: BEP will develop and incorporate a raised tactile
>>>>> feature that will accommodate people who are blind and visually
>>>>> impaired.
>>>>> This feature will enable blind and visually impaired individuals to
>>>>> identify currency by touching the tactile feature. The Study
>>>>> demonstrated
>>>>> that raised tactile features allow most blind and visually impaired
>>>>> individuals to denominate currency. Indeed, this kind of feature is
>>>>> used
>>>>> in some foreign currency, and the Study's data indicated that this
>>>>> feature was more effective than virtually every other kind of
>>>>> accommodation tested, including different-sized notes. Additionally,
>>>>> a
>>>>> raised tactile feature would not cause a major disruption to the
>>>>> general
>>>>> population because the notes will not appear substantially different
>>>>> from
>>>>> their current form.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> BEP recognizes that implementing a raised tactile feature will pose
>>>>> some
>>>>> challenges. First, the Study showed that current tactile technology
>>>>> wears
>>>>> out eventually, so the effectiveness of the feature diminishes over
>>>>> time.
>>>>> In addition, the Study showed that a raised tactile feature would
>>>>> impose
>>>>> costs on both government and industry. For example, some major cash
>>>>> handlers expressed concern over stacking, mechanical counting,
>>>>> examination, and finishing processes of notes with raised tactile
>>>>> features. The banking industry echoed the major cash handlers'
>>>>> concern
>>>>> of
>>>>> equipment malfunctions caused by jams and added concerns that
>>>>> increased
>>>>> jams would require higher inventory levels with associated increased
>>>>> carrying costs to ensure sufficient cash would be available at all
>>>>> times.
>>>>> In addition, BEP will need to put forth a comprehensive public
>>>>> education
>>>>> program for all users of U.S. currency to acquaint them with the new
>>>>> tactile feature.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> The selection of the raised tactile feature will require additional
>>>>> targeted research, testing, and consideration of the public comments.
>>>>> Nonetheless, the significant benefits of notes with a tactile feature,
>>>>> including the excellent accuracy results the blind and visually
>>>>> impaired
>>>>> achieved with them, the ease of use evidenced both by the usability
>>>>> tests
>>>>> and applicable scientific research, and the relatively minimal impact
>>>>> on
>>>>> the general U.S. population, supports the inclusion of a raised
>>>>> tactile
>>>>> feature as a recommended accommodation despite its challenges. Based
>>>>> on
>>>>> experience, independent research, and the Study, BEP believes it can
>>>>> develop a raised tactile feature that is durable and can be
>>>>> incorporated
>>>>> into its existing manufacturing systems at a reasonable cost,
>>>>> coincident
>>>>> with the introduction of the next design series of U.S. currency.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> BEP invites comment on its proposal to incorporate raised tactile
>>>>> features in the next redesign of its currency.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> II. Large, High-Contrast Numerals: BEP began incorporating large,
>>>>> high-contrast numerals into Federal Reserve notes beginning with the
>>>>> Series 1996 design $50 note in October 1997. In March 2008, BEP
>>>>> increased
>>>>> the size of the large high contrast numeral with the introduction of
>>>>> the
>>>>> Series 2006 $5 note. The feedback received from visually impaired
>>>>> individuals has been positive. This feature will be continued in the
>>>>> new-design $100 note, which is the last in the Series 2004 family of
>>>>> designs. Because BEP has experience printing this feature and the
>>>>> visually impaired community has provided positive feedback on it, BEP
>>>>> proposes to continue using this feature in the next design for U.S.
>>>>> currency. BEP is aware, however, that there may be a number of
>>>>> options
>>>>> concerning the size, color, placement, background contrast and other
>>>>> features for these large numerals that may improve accessibility of
>>>>> currency for persons with low-vision. BEP invites comment from the
>>>>> public,
>>>>> including persons with low-vision, about the best choices for the
>>>>> proposed large, high-contrast numerals.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> III. Supplemental Currency Reader Program: BEP will establish a
>>>>> supplemental currency reader distribution program. The purpose of the
>>>>> program is to provide blind and visually impaired people a means that
>>>>> can
>>>>> be used independently to correctly identify the denomination of U.S.
>>>>> currency. In compliance with legal requirements, BEP will loan a
>>>>> currency
>>>>> reader device to all blind and visually impaired U.S. citizens and
>>>>> legal
>>>>> residents, who wish to avail themselves of this program. The
>>>>> individual
>>>>> may borrow the reader for as long as the individual desires the
>>>>> assistance of the reader. Before a reader is distributed, BEP first
>>>>> will
>>>>> verify that the requestor is eligible.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Under the reader program, individuals who are United States citizens
>>>>> or
>>>>> persons legally residing in the United States who are blind or
>>>>> visually
>>>>> impaired and who need a reader to accurately identify the
>>>>> denomination
>>>>> of
>>>>> U.S. currency will be able to obtain a reader at no cost to the
>>>>> individual. BEP will define blind or visually impaired under the same
>>>>> definition as the Study, with the following change to the Study's
>>>>> definition of visual impairment: The reader program will not extend
>>>>> to
>>>>> visually impaired individuals whose impairment is corrected with
>>>>> ordinary
>>>>> eyeglasses or contact lenses.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> BEP is considering the scope of an appropriate verification framework
>>>>> to
>>>>> determine eligibility to receive a reader. Specifically, it is
>>>>> considering a framework inspired by the eligibility requirements that
>>>>> the
>>>>> Library of Congress uses when loaning library materials to blind and
>>>>> other disabled persons as set forth in 36 CFR 701.6. Under that
>>>>> framework, applicants may submit verification of their eligibility
>>>>> from
>>>>> a
>>>>> "competent authority." BEP would define a "competent authority as one
>>>>> of
>>>>> the following: doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, doctors of
>>>>> optometry, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Alternatively, if a person who is blind or visually impaired has
>>>>> verification of visual impairment from another Federal agency,
>>>>> including
>>>>> the Social Security Administration, the Library of Congress, or a
>>>>> State
>>>>> or local agency, that person need only submit a copy of that
>>>>> verification. BEP is inviting comments on whether this verification
>>>>> system is appropriate, or whether other frameworks would be more
>>>>> appropriate.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Parents or legal guardians of a blind or visually impaired child
>>>>> under
>>>>> 18, and caregivers, legal guardians, or those with power of attorney
>>>>> for
>>>>> a U.S. citizen or someone legally residing in the U.S. may act as a
>>>>> proxy
>>>>> on behalf of the blind or visually impaired child or represented
>>>>> individual and request a currency reader. BEP will require
>>>>> verification
>>>>> for the child or represented individual.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> BEP will solicit and award a single, long-term contract to implement
>>>>> the
>>>>> currency reader program. The contractor will be designated as the
>>>>> Currency Reader Program Coordinator (CRPC). Once the program is
>>>>> operational, a potentially eligible person may request a currency
>>>>> reader
>>>>> by contacting the CRPC and completing and submitting a request form.
>>>>> Depending on the verification framework adopted, upon verification of
>>>>> eligibility, the person will be provided a reader. If an individual
>>>>> believes that the CRPC erroneously denied him or her a reader, the
>>>>> individual may appeal the decision to the appropriate authority at
>>>>> BEP,
>>>>> who will be designated after BEP awards the CRPC contract.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Except for the postage to mail application forms to the CRPC, the
>>>>> user
>>>>> should not have to expend any funds for the reader. Any fees for
>>>>> shipping
>>>>> and the initial battery will be borne by the provider. Readers will
>>>>> be
>>>>> delivered by mail. There will be a "one reader per verified eligible
>>>>> person" limit. Though there is a "one reader" limit, an eligible
>>>>> individual may receive a replacement reader from the CRPC upon
>>>>> request
>>>>> if
>>>>> the circumstances, such as a lost, damaged, or obsolete reader, are
>>>>> reasonable and warrant replacement.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> The CRPC will also establish a selection of approved reader
>>>>> suppliers.
>>>>> BEP anticipates that more than one reader supplier may be authorized
>>>>> by
>>>>> the CRPC to provide readers and will seek to keep costs low by
>>>>> requiring
>>>>> suppliers to meet the lowest price in order to be a program
>>>>> participant.
>>>>> The CRPC shall:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 1. Be responsible for overall implementation and operation of the
>>>>> program
>>>>> pursuant to a government contract;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 2. Have the program operational within six months after contract
>>>>> award;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 3. Communicate with eligible persons via mail, Braille, e-mail,
>>>>> phone,
>>>>> fax, TTY, and Web site;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 4. Maintain a help desk for a minimum of ten hours a day, five days a
>>>>> week;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 5. Be able quickly to scale up or down staffing resources to react to
>>>>> demand on the program;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 6. Accept requests for readers;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 7. Verify eligibility, using the appropriate criteria;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 8. Within three weeks of receiving a request, either provide a reader
>>>>> to
>>>>> a requester deemed eligible or inform said person that he or she does
>>>>> not
>>>>> meet the eligibility criteria;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 9. Establish a formal CRPC Authorized Supplier Program, with
>>>>> documented
>>>>> contractual controls and agreements between the CRPC and each
>>>>> supplier;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 10. Monitor each supplier's operation;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 11. Certify each supplier's reader products;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 12. Publicize a list of approved suppliers and products;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 13. Establish payment mechanisms for authorized suppliers;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 14. Evaluate and possibly add new reader suppliers as they enter the
>>>>> market;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 15. Suspend reader suppliers if they fail to perform;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 16. Establish internal controls to assist BEP in preventing fraud,
>>>>> waste,
>>>>> and abuse; and obtain an annual independently verified SAS-70 Report
>>>>> (Type II) of those controls;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 17. Maintain a database of each person who requested a reader, was
>>>>> issued
>>>>> a reader, or was denied a reader, and for readers issued, which
>>>>> reader
>>>>> (including its serial number) was issued to which person;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 18. Implement privacy controls; and
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 19. Ensure that all CRPC Authorized Suppliers are able and
>>>>> contractually
>>>>> obligated to:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> a. Provide a reader that quickly and accurately denominates U.S.
>>>>> currency;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> b. Interact with verified eligible persons via mail, Braille, e- mail,
>>>>> phone, fax, TTY, and Web site;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> c. Provide readers directly to verified eligible persons if
>>>>> necessary;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> d. Provide accessible instructional materials on how to use the
>>>>> reader;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> e. Provide readers that use a non-proprietary battery;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> f. Provide readers with unique serial numbers for accountability;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> g. Provide at least a one-year parts and labor warranty on each
>>>>> reader;
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> h. Provide free return postage for malfunctioning readers and for
>>>>> warranty service; and
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> i. Recognize that the selection of a reader is based on the free
>>>>> market
>>>>> and personal choice and that there is no minimum quantity of readers
>>>>> that
>>>>> the government guarantees from any supplier.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> BEP will assess the structure of this program on a continuing basis
>>>>> and
>>>>> implement changes as needed to enhance its effectiveness or
>>>>> efficiency.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Funding
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> The Board pays BEP for its currency-related expenses, which are
>>>>> primarily
>>>>> the costs of producing new currency. BEP's costs associated with
>>>>> incorporating the proposed tactile and large, high-contrast numeral
>>>>> features would be funded by the Board, as are the costs of other
>>>>> design
>>>>> elements for U.S. currency. BEP plans also to charge the Board for
>>>>> the
>>>>> costs associated with the proposed currency readers. Because the U.S.
>>>>> District Court for the District of Columbia determined that BEP is
>>>>> required by the Rehabilitation Act to provide meaningful access to
>>>>> U.S.
>>>>> currency, BEP believes these costs represent a necessary expense that
>>>>> may
>>>>> be appropriately charged to the Board.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Questions for Comment
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Treasury welcomes all comments and suggestions regarding the proposed
>>>>> solutions. Treasury is particularly interested, however, in comments
>>>>> on
>>>>> the specific questions set forth below:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 1. What would be the ideal placement of the raised tactile feature?
>>>>> In
>>>>> what kind of pattern or patterns should the raised tactile feature be
>>>>> arranged?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 2. How should the large, high contrast numerals be incorporated? In
>>>>> other
>>>>> words, what colors should BEP use, what is the optimal size of the
>>>>> numerals, and where should the numerals be placed on the note?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 3. What background colors would provide the highest color contrast
>>>>> for
>>>>> people who are visually impaired?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 4. What technological solutions should BEP explore to help people who
>>>>> are
>>>>> blind and visually impaired denominate currency?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 5. What is the nature of the burden, if any, on the general public of
>>>>> including a raised tactile feature on U.S. currency?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 6. If there are any burdens imposed on the public by a raised tactile
>>>>> feature on currency, how can such burdens be minimized?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 7. What is the nature of the burden, if any, on industry and business
>>>>> of
>>>>> including a raised tactile feature on U.S. currency?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 8. If there are such burdens, how can they be minimized?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 9. Does the supplemental currency reader program impose a burden on
>>>>> the
>>>>> blind and visually impaired?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 10. If so, what are those burdens, and how can they be minimized?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 11. Does a verification process of the currency reader program
>>>>> inspired
>>>>> by the Library of Congress process impose too a great a burden on the
>>>>> blind and visually impaired?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 12. If so, what are those burdens, and how can they be minimized?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 13. Alternatively, if a person who is blind or visually impaired has
>>>>> verification of visual impairment from another Federal agency (such
>>>>> as
>>>>> the Social Security Administration or Library of Congress), or a
>>>>> State
>>>>> or
>>>>> local agency, should BEP allow that person to submit a copy of that
>>>>> verification in order to satisfy a proof of visual impairment
>>>>> requirement
>>>>> in order to obtain a currency reader? If so, what burdens might this
>>>>> impose, and how can those burdens be minimized?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 14. Should BEP consider working with local governments and/or State
>>>>> agencies to deliver the currency readers?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 15. Should BEP consider additional or different criteria when
>>>>> determining
>>>>> eligibility for the currency reader program?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 16. What administrative and/or operational challenges does the
>>>>> currency
>>>>> reader program create?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Electronic Submission of Comments, Electronic Access and Mailing
>>>>> Address
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Regulations.gov offers the public the ability to comment on, search,
>>>>> and
>>>>> view publicly available rulemaking materials, including comments
>>>>> received
>>>>> on rules. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
>>>>> You
>>>>> may also e-mail electronic comments to meaningful.access at bep.gov. You
>>>>> may
>>>>> fax comments to 202-874-1212. Please mail any written comments to
>>>>> Meaningful Access, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Office of
>>>>> External
>>>>> Relations, 14th and C Streets, SW., Room 530-1M, Washington, DC
>>>>> 20228.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> In general, comments received will be published on Regulations.gov
>>>>> without change, including any business or personal information
>>>>> provided.
>>>>> Comments received, including attachments and other supporting
>>>>> materials,
>>>>> are part of the public record and subject to public disclosure. Do
>>>>> not
>>>>> enclose any information in your comment or supporting materials that
>>>>> you
>>>>> consider confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> You may also inspect and copy comments at: Treasury Department
>>>>> Library,
>>>>> Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) collection, Room 1428, Main
>>>>> Treasury
>>>>> Building, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220. Before
>>>>> visiting, you must call (202) 622-0990 for an appointment.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Public Forum
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> BEP will host two open public forums simultaneously on June 22, 2010.
>>>>> One
>>>>> will be held at the Eastern Currency Facility (14th and C Streets,
>>>>> SW.,
>>>>> Washington, DC 20228) and the other at the Western Currency Facility
>>>>> (9000 Blue Mound Road, Ft. Worth, TX 76131). BEP representatives will
>>>>> be
>>>>> available to discuss the proposed accommodations for meaningful
>>>>> access
>>>>> and to hear public comment. Registration to attend the public forum
>>>>> (at
>>>>> either the Washington, DC or Fort Worth, TX facility) must be made by
>>>>> calling (877) 874-4114. Because the BEP is a secure Federal
>>>>> installation,
>>>>> all attendees must pre-register for the public forum by providing
>>>>> their
>>>>> name and are subject to magnetometer inspection and their bags are
>>>>> subject to x-ray prior to entering and upon exiting the facility. To
>>>>> ensure your access, please notify BEP of your intent to attend by 5
>>>>> p.m.,
>>>>> EDT on June 18, 2010.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Larry R. Felix,
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Director.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> [FR Doc. 2010-12091 Filed 5-19-10; 8:45 am]
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> BILLING CODE 4840-01-P
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Endnotes
>>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
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