Currency Accessibility

The design of physical money — coins and banknotes — so that people with visual impairments or other disabilities can independently identify and use different denominations. Many countries produce banknotes in different sizes, colours, or with tactile features (raised print, embossed patterns, or notches) to enable non-visual identification. U.S. paper currency has historically been inaccessible, with all denominations the same size and texture, leading to a landmark 2008 legal ruling requiring the Treasury to make bills distinguishable. Assistive technology solutions include dedicated currency readers, smartphone-based recognition apps, and tactile currency identifiers that fold bills in different ways.