They're making this such a problem!! I think all they need to do is to put raised print and Braille numbers on the existing currency. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rachel" <rachel720@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <Recipient list suppressed:> Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2008 9:09 PMSubject: [infoshare] FW: Court Says the Blind Will Have Meaningful Access to Currency
For Immediate Release<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />For more information, contact: Melanie Brunson, (202) 467-5081 Jeffrey A. Lovitky, (202) 744-9702 Court Says the Blind Will Have Meaningful Access to Currency. Tells Government 'No Unnecessary Delays'WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2008 -- The American Council of the Blind is pleased toreport that District Court Judge James Robertson has told lawyersrepresenting both sides in the case American Council of the Blind v. Paulsonthat the Department of the Treasury must make U.S. currency accessible to people who are blind and visually impaired as quickly as possible.In its decision on May 20, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />District of Columbia remanded the issue of injunctive relief back to the District Court for further consideration. Therefore, a status conference was held Sept. 4by Judge James Robertson, during which he made it clear to both sides that he will not allow any unnecessary delay by the Treasury as it seeks to comply with the court's ruling that requires paper currency to be distinguishable by people who are blind and visually impaired. Robertson ordered the parties to meet and attempt to reach agreement on a schedule. The court intends to impose a schedule on the government for making future generations of currency accessible and to ensure that it is complied with. Mitch Pomerantz, president of the American Council of the Blind, said, "It is apparent that this judge expects the Treasury to expeditiously comply with his earlier ruling in favor of accessible currency. Our outstandingattorney, Jeffrey Lovitky, is continuing to hold Treasury's feet to the fireand it is gratifying to know that the judge is likewise requiring accountability and transparency from the manufacturer of our legal tender. ACB and Mr. Lovitky shall stand firm on behalf of blind and visually impaired individuals in our demand that we have the same opportunity to independently determine what each bill is without the need for outside assistance, either human or electronic."The American Council of the Blind is the largest consumer-based organization of blind and visually impaired Americans advocating for the rights of blindAmericans. Comprised of more than 70 affiliates across the United States, the organization is dedicated to making it possible for blind and visuallyimpaired Americans to participate fully in every aspect of American society.
