A federal appeals court has been considering what to do about the difficulties blind people have distinguishing between a $50 bill and $1 bill. But judges are expressing reluctance about forcing a redesign of U.S. currency.
The panel of three U.S. Court of Appeals judges in D.C. did not
rule immediately on the American Council of the Blind's lawsuit.
But in proceedings today, one judge questioned where regulations
accommodating the blind would stop, asking if postage stamps and
government Web sites also violate the Rehabilitation Act.
Another noted that if the entire currency system is based on the
idea that people can see money, blind people are denied access and
must rely on the kindness of strangers.
The Treasury Department has put possible changes to the currency
on hold while the court case plays out.
