Tool for the blind is right on the money

JOHN ANTHONY Five thousand free plastic gauges to help blind people identify New Zealand banknotes have been released by the Reserve Bank.

The banknote gauges were developed in collaboration with organisations representing the blind community, including the Blind Foundation and Blind Citizens New Zealand.

The gauge is being released on the back of the development of the ‘‘brighter money series 7’’ banknotes released earlier this year.

The new notes included features to help people who have low vision to identify notes and distinguish denominations, including different note sizes, greater colour contrast between notes, large bold numbers, and clearer backgrounds.

The new note gauge is another tool to help people with sight loss. It features both braille and large, bold printed denominations.

Last month Australia introduced a single bump on both sides of its A$5 note for vision-impaired people.

The Reserve Bank considered using braille and other tactile features on banknotes but was not satisfied they could be incorporated without causing production, processing and durability issues.

Bumps on notes are used around the world but can wear off over time and can affect ATM machines.

The gauges work with both old and new banknotes in circulation.

Smartphone apps that identify currencies from around the world are also popular for people with sight loss.

The ‘‘brighter money’’ banknotes are being progressively released into circulation.