Slashdot Mirror
Judge Says U.S. Money Violates Rights of the Blind
An anonymous reader writes, "The United States is one of the few countries in the world whose currency isn't distinguishable by blind people. Most other nations use raised text, different-sized bills, or other methods to assist blind people in spending their money. If a recent decision by a federal court in D.C. survives appeal, however, that will soon change. Under Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, federal programs cannot deny 'meaningful access' to people with disabilities. Because blind people are unable to distinguish U.S. currency without assistance, the court held that they are denied meaningful access to their own money. U.S. District Judge James Robertson ordered the Treasury Department to come up with ways for the blind to tell bills apart. He said he wouldn't tell officials how to fix the problem, but he ordered them to begin working on it." How Appealing notes that Judge Robertson opened the door to a speedy appeal of his ruling.
So Monopoly money works in Australia huh? Now alls I need is $800 for a plane ticket and I can take a real 2 week vacation.
Somewhere along the line our nation went from a Republic to an odd politically correct hybrid of socialism where the rights of the few outweigh the rights of the many. 1% of the population can now dictate and control 99% of the population. That simply isn't right.
I'm certainly not for making the life of Blind people harder, or anyone with a disability. However, the disabilities act just is abused. This is a perfect example. Look, it sucks to be blind I'm sure, but it is not your god given right to have a society bend around you to meet your needs. It is your responsibility to find a way to work in the society. I can't ride in little sports cars, because I'm too tall... does that mean the automakers are violating my "right" to drive in their cars? The disabilities act may have been passed with good intentions, but it's just another example of liberals who are short sighted (or worse).
Blind people can use a money reader, or they could use credit cards, etc. Blind and people with disabilities often have to by special equipment, and there is nothing wrong with that. Frankly they aren't the only people in society that can't do things like normal people. Hell, if you are too tall, you have to go to specialty stores to buy clothes. The Government shouldn't be able to pass a law and mandate Wal-Mart carry all Big and Tall sizes.
The truth is this isn't about Blind people. This is about some a-hole lawyer/firm trying to make a name for themselves. Even worse a bunch of liberals, the self proclaimed "knower's of what's best for everyone else" will jump on board and give this some weight. This will cost society big $$ for no good reason.
I'll tell you one thing; this kind of stuff sure as hell isn't what the founding fathers had in mind when they founded the nation, that's for sure. Don't even get me started on legalized discrimination, a.k.a. Affirmative Action.