People who have good eyesight are not the only ones who can identify and manage money. Even the visually impaired and the blind are very much capable of handling money matters.
If you still don't know how they can go about shopping, getting groceries and paying the bills without seeing the money or currency in front of them then it's time to find out. They fold money!
If, for others, folding money (like origami) is a form of art then for the blind, it is their way of telling which is which. They can indentify paper currency by folding every denomination in a different way. There is even a standard set by the American Foundation for the Blind in terms of folding currency.
. Five dollar bills - should be folded lengthwise
. Ten dollar bills - should be folded widthwise
. Twenty dollar bills - should be folded twice (lengthwise and widthwise)
Obviously, they can easily identify the bills by touch. For added convenience, there are wallets that are specially designed with separate compartments for every bill denomination.
For the visually impaired and the blind, it is easier to identify coins than bills because they are already in different sizes.
. Dimes - the smallest coin. They also feature ridges around the circumference.
. Half dollars - the largest coin. They are also ridged.
. Quarters
. Nickels
. Pennies
Eve the faces on these coins differ. So if the blind person can read Braille, he will find it easier to recognize which is which through touch.
The Latest Technology
These days, there are visually impaired and blind individuals who use a currency reader. It works like a vending machine. All you need to do is to insert the bill into the feeder then the machine will announce the denomination.
This machine is very sensitive so if you insert the bills in an incorrect way, it won't be able to read the denomination. Also, if the bills you have are torn and wrinkled, it will not be able to read it correctly.
Aside from the cost (more or less $250), this machine is not portable. Also, you need to insert the bill face up so that the machine won't have problems reading it.
Proposed Changes in Paper Currency
There was a case a few years ago that claimed that paper currency seemed discriminatory because of its uniform shape, size and texture. There was an appeal to change the sizes and even the color of currency. With the implementation of these changes in color and texture, it can help those who may not be totally blind or those who can still discern color and light such as the elderly.
Author Resource:
By learning ways to fold money , the blind and visually impaired can determine and manage the currency and coins that they have. Through different ways to make money , you may have a bright future ahead.