Americans with low vision can receive a free hand-held currency reader from the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) and Library of Congress' National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).
Called iBill®, the small device helps assist those with visual or hearing impairments identify a monetary note's denomination through either a clear natural voice, a pattern of tones or a patter of vibrations for privacy. To date, more than 47,000 currency readers have reportedly been distributed to eligible U.S. citizens and legal residents.
Patients can apply online for the currency reader program (applications are available in both English and Spanish).
Additionally, BEP also offers a free mobile app called EyeNote® for the Apple iOS platform as an aid for blind or visually impaired individuals to identify denominations of Federal Reserve notes. And in collaboration with the Department of Education, BEP assisted in the development of the free IDEAL® Currency Identifier mobile app for Android.
The iBill currency reader is processed and shipped by the NLS, which also administers a free library program of braille and audio materials for U.S. residents and citizens living abroad.
Click here to read the full press release.
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing