Access to Paper Currency by Visually Impaired Individuals: The American Council of the Blind v. Paulson

Carol J. Toland
Legislative Attorney

In May 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued a decision in The American Council of the Blind v. Paulson. The court held that under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the U.S. Department of the Treasury discriminates against blind and visually impaired individuals through the issuance of currency in denominations which are not readily distinguishable by touch. The Department of the Treasury did not file an appeal of the decision, and the case was remanded to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to address the American Council of the Blind's request for injunctive relief. An injunction order was granted by the district court on October 3, 2008. A January 7, 2010, audit report from the Treasury addresses this issue, stating that changes to currency must be finished by the date when a redesign is next approved by the Secretary. This report discusses the court of appeals' decision and factors and viewpoints by affected parties that may have implications for a proposed remedy.


Date of Report: January 21, 2010
Number of Pages: 10
Order Number: RL34563
Price: $29.95

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