Dedicated to Improving the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired People

Washington, DC Rally Demands Accessible and Inclusive Currency

On March 10, 2023, Harriet Tubman Day, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and supporters gathered in front of the White House, marching to the U.S. Treasury, to call attention to ensuring that “U.S. paper currency is accessible and inclusive.” As a result, ACB members have met with representatives of the U.S. Treasury and Bureau of Engraving and Printing, addressed the “certified tactile feature” that will be part of the redesign of the $10 bill in 2026. The U.S. Treasury will provide progress reports during quarterly meetings with ACB as the redesign progresses. “’We are on the cusp of the United States joining the more than 100 nations whose currency is already accessible to people who are blind and low vision,’” explained ACB President Dan Spoone, affirming that “’the American Council of the Blind remains resolute in our advocacy to help the Biden Administration and the U.S. Treasury finish the job.’” During this event, a coalition made up of disability, women’s, and civil rights organizations joined together to demand that the planned redesign of the $20 bill, that would feature a portrait of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, include accessibility features for people with vision loss. Tubman, as noted in a previous Bulletin, received a head injury early in her life that led to vision impairment and seizures. Read more about the recent event in the press release on The American Council of the Blind and Supporters Rally to Demand Accessible and Inclusive Currency. The rally in front of the White House is available on You Tube.