Number: RL34563
Title: Access to Paper Currency by Visually Impaired Individuals: The American Council of the Blind v. Paulson
Authors: Carol Toland, American Law Division 
Abstract: 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 Treasury Department of the U.S. government discriminates against blind and visually impaired individuals through the issuance of currency in denominations which are not readily distinguishable by touch. The Treasury Department 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. The House Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing on this issue on July 30, 2008. This report discusses the court of appeals' decision and factors and viewpoints by affected parties that may have implications for a proposed remedy.
Pages: 8
Date: October 15, 2008