In May 2011, then Secretary of the Treasury Timothy F. Geithner approved methods that the Department of the Treasury is pursuing to provide blind and visually impaired individuals with meaningful access to U.S. currency. The approved methods include:
- A Raised, Tactile Feature: Adding a raised tactile feature to U.S. currency unique to each U.S. Federal Reserve note that it may lawfully change1, which will provide users with a means of identifying each denomination via touch. 1Currently, U.S. law prohibits any changes to the $1 Federal Reserve note
- High Contrast Numerals: Continuing the program of adding large high contrast numerals and different colors to each denomination that it is permitted by law to alter.
- A Currency Reader Program: Implementing a currency reader distribution program for all eligible U.S. citizens and national residents.
