New Five Dollar Bill Digitally Released is Not Accessible to the Blind

Recently, the United States had decided to alter the appearance of many bills used as currency. The ten, twenty, and fifty dollar bills have seen some changes. You may have noticed the larger pictures of the presidents have been slightly offset from center. More colors have been added to the primary green shade on the money.

Now, the five dollar bill will be seeing some changes. It is thought that the alterations made to the five dollar bill will limit the likelihood of counterfeiting. The changes made to the five dollar bill are thought to add to the security of our money here in the United States. Soon, we will be seeing new improved changes to the $100 bill.

Today, the five dollar bill was released digitally, over the internet. The bill contains small yellow fives and some splashes of pretty purple. Although the new changes add security and lower the likelihood of counterfeiting, the money still is not usable by persons who are blind or visually impaired. A visually impaired person is unable to detect independently the difference between U.S. bills.

With improved security and other changes, it would be nice for the United States of America to create bills that are tactile and different by touch. The technology exists to easily alter money to create bills that are useful for the blind. In fact, other countries have done just that. Institute the ADA to make money accessible to the blind and visually impaired. While the money is already being altered, it is time to take a look at what else can

Be done.

Security is the main reason behind the changes for the money, but practicality and accessibility should also be included in the mix. Instead of simply adding color, consider adding raised marks that are not only tactile and useful for the visually impaired and blind, but also decrease the likelihood of being reproduced for counterfeit bills. So many have access to printers, but fewer individuals have access to machines that can create embossed or tactile marks.