The NCD is the National Council of Disability, a body that advises Congress on disability policy. in August, NCD released a "State of the Union" report on disability. Here is the link to the report: <a href="http://www.ncd.gov/progress_reports/Aug202012">http://www.ncd.gov/progress_reports/Aug202012</a> I pasted one part specifically relevant to blind people below - regarding accessible currency-, but note that much of it is relevant to the disability community as a whole. <br>
<br><h3>Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act</h3>
<h4>Accessible Currency</h4>
<p>On October 3, 2008, United States Court of Appeals for the District
of Columbia Circuit Judge James Robertson issued an historic injunction
against the United States Treasury Department. In a case brought by the
American Council of the Blind and other advocates, Judge Robertson held
that the Treasury “violated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by
failing to provide meaningful access to United States currency for blind
and other visually impaired persons.”<span class="invisible">endnote</span><a name="ch1ednref23"></a><a href="http://www.ncd.gov/progress_reports/Aug202012#ch1edn23">[xxiii]</a> The Treasury was ordered to take steps to make U.S. currency accessible to people who are blind and/or visually impaired.<span class="invisible">endnote</span><a name="ch1ednref24"></a><a href="http://www.ncd.gov/progress_reports/Aug202012#ch1edn24">[xxiv]</a></p>
<p>Since that time, the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has
worked with the Treasury Department and DOJ to increase the
accessibility of American paper currency. This process is ongoing, and
logistical, technological, and administrative challenges remain to meet
the court’s mandate and guarantee comprehensive and timely compliance.
Questions remain about what the phase-out period should be for the use
of existing currency, and how best to determine ways of maximizing
accessibility during the transition to new tactile currency.</p>
<p>In December of 2011, BEP reported two key developments:</p>
<ul><li>In consultation with experts and stakeholders, BEP is researching
the most practical method for rendering tactile bills of a denomination
larger than $1.00. With periodic reporting to DOJ, BEP anticipates
finalization within the near future of the shape and type of tactile
symbol to be affixed.</li><li>Interim computer applications (including the Eyenote™ application
for Apple, a free download) and development and distribution of more
advanced currency readers will help during the transition period while
older inaccessible bills near a natural obsolescence. Eventually, new
paper currency will include symbols and raised textural numbers for
bills larger than $1.00.<span class="invisible">endnote</span><a name="ch1ednref25"></a><a href="http://www.ncd.gov/progress_reports/Aug202012#ch1edn25">[xxv]</a></li></ul>
<h4>Recommendations</h4>
<div class="highlighted-list">
<p>NCD recommends:</p>
<p class="NCDRecommendNumList">1.8 The U.S. Bureau of Engraving
and Printing should complete research and set a timetable for
commencement of production of tactile currency within two years.</p>
<p class="NCDRecommendNumList">1.9 BEP should finalize a plan for
how to distribute, or support by voucher application the distribution of
easy-to-use handheld currency readers, which will make existing paper
currency audibly accessible. Mandatory biannual reports submitted by BEP
to the District of Columbia Court and the Department of Justice should
be made available to the public, other agencies, and interested parties.</p>
</div><br clear="all"><br>-- <br><div>Kathryn Carroll</div><div>St. John's University School of Law 2013<br>(Ph.) 347-455-1521<br></div><div style="padding:0px;text-align:left;color:black;line-height:130%;overflow:hidden;font-size:10px;margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;word-wrap:break-word">
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