Well, this one is emerging again!
David Andrews
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 1996 17:54:13 EST
From: Jamal Mazrui <74444.1076@COMPUSERVE.COM>
To: Multiple recipients of list EASI <EASI@SJUVM.STJOHNS.EDU>
Subject: Tactile currency bill
A low tech information access issue concerns nonvisual
identification of paper currency. Folks may be interested in a
resolution on this topic that has recently been introduced in
Congress. I am posting the remarks the sponsor inserted in the
Congressional Record, followed by the text of the bill itself.
Jamal Mazrui
National Council on Disability
Email: 74444.1076@compuserve.com
----------
Congressional Record dated Thursday, March 14, 1996
Extensions of Remarks Section
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Remarks by BAKER (R-LA) on H.Res. 385
TACTILE CURRENCY FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED [CR page E-367, 48 lines]
Attributed to BAKER (R-LA)
TACTILE CURRENCY FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
----------
HON. RICHARD H. BAKER
OF LOUISIANA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, March 14, 1996
Mr. BAKER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation
that encourages the Bureau of Printing and Engraving to consider making
Federal Reserve Notes tactually identifiable by the blind and visually
impaired. This legislation enjoys considerable bipartisan support from my
colleagues on the House Committee on Banking as well as other Members who
share the same interests in assisting visually impaired individuals exert
their independence.
In March 1994, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing commissioned the
National Academy of Science to execute a study entitled "Current Features
for
Visually Impaired People." This recently published study explores methods of
making currency more accessible for all Americans.
The report concluded that the needs of the blind could be better served if
further study on specific changes such as size, color, and tactile marks be
initiated.
Currently, the Department of the Treasury is engaged in efforts to
redesign
the Federal Reserve Note to prevent counterfeiting. Indeed, the new $100
bill is prepared to be issued nationwide right now. With this window of
opportunity upon us, I believe Congress has the chance to assist the
millions
of visually impaired Americans who strive to live independently by marking
their money more accessible to them.
My bill simply endorses the efforts of the Bureau of Printing and
Engraving
to study cost-effective tactile changes in Federal Reserve Notes and
encourages the incorporation of those change in the national currency.
My bill does not cost the Federal Government any money, nor does it impose
any undue, unfair mandates.
Such a minor change in currency will have a significant impact on the
independence of visually impaired Americans. Further, a tactual mark can
serve other purposes, such as being an additional counterfeit deterrent.
Visually impaired individuals are capable, independent people whose
valuable contributions touch all of our lives. It is important that all
Americans are afforded equal opportunities to perform at the best of their
abilities. My bill stresses that importance. I hope all Members will join me
to pass this legislation.
-----
104th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 385
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding tactile
currency for the blind and visually impaired.
------------------------------
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 14, 1996
Mr. Baker of Louisiana (for himself, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Bachus, Mr. Lazio of New
York, Mr. Kennedy of Massachusetts, Ms. Velazquez, Ms. Roybal-Allard,
Mr.
Kanjorski, Mr. LoBiondo, Mrs. Meek of Florida, Mr. Chrysler, Mr. King,
Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, Mr. Schumer, Mr. McCrery, Mrs. Maloney, Mr.
Cremeans, Mr. Heineman, Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Stockman, Mr.
Gutierrez, Mr. Watt of North Carolina, Mr. Tauzin, Mr. LaFalce, Mr.
Ehrlich, Mr. Flake, Mr. Bono, and Mr. Roth) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Banking and Financial
Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned
------------------------------
RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding tactile
currency for the blind and visually impaired.
==============================
Whereas currency is used by virtually everyone in everyday life,
including blind and visually impaired persons;
Whereas the Federal reserve notes of the United States are inaccessible
to individuals with visual disabilities;
Whereas the Americans with Disabilities Act enhances the economic
independence and equal opportunity for full participation in society for
individuals with disabilities;
Whereas most blind and visually impaired persons are therefore required
to rely upon others to determine denominations of such currency;
Whereas this constitutes a serious impediment to independence in
everyday living;
Whereas electronic means of bill identification will always be more
fallible than purely tactile means;
Whereas tactile currency already exists in 23 countries worldwide; and
Whereas the currency of the United States is presently undergoing
significant changes for security purposes: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) endorses the efforts recently begun by the Bureau of Engraving
and Printing to upgrade the currency for security reasons; and
(2) strongly encourages the Secretary of the Treasury and the Bureau
of Engraving and Printing to incorporate cost-effective, tactile
features
into the design changes, thereby including the blind and visually
impaired community in independent currency usage.
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sun Dec 02 2012 - 01:30:04 PST