2017-09-25 Mon

American banknotes are generally of the same size, shape, and feel, making it difficult for visually impaired persons to identify denominations. The Bank of England’s new £10 note, depicting Jane Austen on the other hand, has a series of raised dots and fine raised lines on its sides. Apart from that, they are made of a new material which is smooth and made of durable plastic polymer. Visually impaired people are extremely happy with the new notes and believe that it is a great invention.

The UK notes and Australian Notes vary in size depending upon their denomination. Canadian dollars are same in size but come with Braille dots to help visually impaired people. Euros, Japanese yen, Hong Kong dollars also have both these features.

The American Council of the Blind had filed a lawsuit for introducing special features like these. Blind people in America make use of a folding system—ones are left unfolded, fives are folded in half, tens folded lengthwise, the 20s get both folds. Electronic scanners were offered in 2015 which read out the denomination for free in 2015. Visitors don’t have this facility though.