Paper Money Discriminates Against the Blind?
Originally posted May 15, 2008
MY OPINION – The U. S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled 2 – 1 that paper money discriminates against the blind. The court agrees with a lower court 2006 ruling that the federal government has to provide a workable solution. The court does not dictate the remedy. Some of the solutions, such as different sized money, may be worse for the blind. Smaller bills may be easily lost. Raising print or a seal on the bill may be the best solution. Bills may not last as long in circulation though. The cost may be higher than the value of the fix. Not all advocates for the blind agree that the U. S. currency discriminates against the blind. This case raises other questions
- Do merchants have to supply braille receipts?
- Should manufacturers provide braille instructions with their products?
- Do blind people need multiple retail clerks to verify purchase integrity?
- How about restaurants, how do blind people know if they are given the appropriate portions?
- Do towns and cities discriminate against blind people because they do not implement GPS audio maps?
- Do movie theaters discriminate because they do not provide alternative text/braille devices describing the action in the movie?
- Should all sporting events provide audio narratives for the visually impaired?
Not all situations in life discriminate against the blind. Blind people are not all victims. Life presents challenges to all people. Blind people have different challenges. It is society’s responsibility to do its best to accommodate all people allowing them to participate. This should not be legislated by the courts. I believe
1. The blind community needs to help establish accessibility guidelines and standards.
2. Responsible people will adapt the standards because it is the right thing to do.
Many accessibility standards are good for the population at large. Activism needs to come from individuals, not government mandates. Grant and contract providers can specify guidelines. Courts should not impose standards in all cases.