Kanchan,
The circulated documents are quite comprehensive. I would like to highlight
the following points.
Bank notes:
1. The denomination numerals have to be large and using high contrast
2. Each denomination must have contrasting and distinctive colours
3. The sizes must also be distinctive and in ascending order
4. If tactile indicators have to be used, it should not be any kind of
embossing. It should be use of materials like plastics and so on.
Coins
1. Each coin must have distinctive shape and size. (The Australian coins
present a good example.
The directions to the RBI need to be simple and easy to understand.
Regards,
George
George Abraham
CEO
Score Foundation
Y-70, LGF,
Hauz Khas,
New Delhi 110016
India
Ph: 91 11 26852581
Telefax: 91 11 26852559
Mob: 91 9810934040/91 9810001181
Email: geo...@eyeway.org
Skype: georgeabraham13
----- Original Message -----
From: "pamnani" <kanchanpamn...@gmail.com>e large and in high contrast to
the background colourers should appear on both sides of the note in the same
way.
4
2. The numbers need to be clear not using stylised lettering
3. The numb
To: <accessindia@accessindia.org.in>
Sent: Friday, July 31, 2009 8:51 AM
Subject: Urgent Indian Currency
Friends,
Since there still seems to be a problem of receiving mails on the
accessindia group I am emailing this mail not only to the group but to all
email ids of the visually challenged that I personally have and I am
requesting all of you who are a part of any egroup and/or any organisation
to also circulate this email and discuss the matter in depth. It does not
matter how many times this is cross posted since it is a matter of great
importance. It is also being uploaded onto the Accessindia website. My
special request to NAB, NFB, AICB, BGFI and other organisations to
circulate this email to their members and beneficiaries. We do need to give
a comprehensive response.
The Reserve Bank of India has prepared a concept note on currency notes and
coins for the visually challenged which is copied hereinbelow for everyones
comments.
We need to send our comments in by 15th august so if everyone sends it in to
me by 12th August I can compile it by 15th august. Please send your
comments on the letter heads of your organisations if you are sending hard
copies and if you are sending emails then please clearly mention the
organisation name or your details if you are an individual.
The meeting with the Reserve Bank is fixed for 20th August. Those interested
in attending the meeting will please contact me seperately-. 7 can attend.
We on this group and at different fora, have discussed the issue of coins
and notes several times. Many of us have posted comments on earlier
occasions. We have expressed our pleasure and displeasure when new notes
and coins have been introduced and we have several suggestions. I am
requesting you to send in your comments once again so that we can send in a
final comprehensive reply.
My email id
kanchanpamn...@gmail.com
My postal address
Kanchan Pamnani
9 Suleman Chambers
battery Street
Behind Regal cinema
Mumbai 400039
Thanks
Kanchan
Reserve Bank of India
Department of Currency Management
Incorporation of Appropriate Features in Currency Notes and Coins for the
Visually Challenged - Concept Paper
The currency notes of several countries incorporate appropriate
distinguishing marks/ features to enable correct identification of
denomination of the currency note by the visually challenged. However, the
Indian currency is not easily distinguishable by the visually challenged,
though the different size of each denomination is somewhat helpful. There is
a need to incorporate appropriate features in the Indian currency notes and
coins to make them more user-friendly for the visually challenged.
2. The World Blind Union[1] has come out with guidelines to make coins and
bank notes easy to recognise and distinguish by the visually impaired. The
Guidelines are furnished in Annex 1. The focus of the guidelines is to
ensure that the currency systems are accessible to the visually impaired
people without the need for adaptation or special devices.
3. In order to make Indian currency more user friendly for the visually
challenged, it is necessary to incorporate features that the target group
can easily and quickly use to identify a piece of paper as a banknote and
determine its denomination, preferably without the use of any mechanical aid
or the need to acquire any additional skills. With this end in view, a list
of feature types which can be used for making currency notes user friendly
for the visually challenged is furnished below:
1. Variable-size banknotes;
2. Large numerals on banknotes;
3. Variable-color banknotes;
4. Special shaped patterns;
5. Specific engraved visible markings;
6. Specific engraved invisible markings; and
Variable size is a useful aid to the visually challenged, including the
blind population. Simple size gauges can be made that enable the note to be
examined by touch against a fixed reference point so that denomination can
be determined. The presence of large numerals helps both the normally
sighted and the visually challenged public. Although people have various
degrees of color vision, distinctive color differences among denominations,
using appropriately chosen colors, can form a major separation technique for
people with residual vision. Besides printing large denominational values to
assist certain sections of the visually disabled public, it is also possible
to print a distinctively shaped image on each note that changes with the
value (available in Indian bank notes).
Intaglio printing on currency can be used as a way of providing a tactile
feature for the visually challenged. Specific identifiers such as small
geometric shapes that form different groupings and locations for each
denomination, can be included to separate each denomination. However, it has
to be kept in mind that not all visually impaired people can read Braille.
Also, the relief of an average Braille dot above the paper surface is around
ten times that of the typical intaglio mark. Further, during the course of a
banknote's circulated life, as the note becomes worn, the level of the
mark's profile becomes reduced. To that extent the utility of intaglio as a
visually challenged friendly tactile feature is limited. Specific engraving
of the denomination in transparent intaglio ink using standard Braille
relief size may be a better option.
4. International experience of visually challenged features on banknotes in
respect of a few countries is presented in Annex 2. Different countries have
adopted different approaches to make their currency user friendly for the
visually challenged.
Annex 1
World Blind Union Guidelines to Make Coins and Banknotes Easy to Recognise
and Distinguish by Visually Impaired People
1. General principles
New currency systems should be accessible to visually impaired people
without the need for adaptation or special devices. Designs should seek to
maximise the number of different ways of distinguishing between different
denominations, using both vision and touch. The authorities should take on
the responsibility of providing information and ensuring that training is
available to visually impaired people to help them learn a new currency and
its systems. Careful planning should take place to avoid the simultaneous
circulation of currencies that can not be distinguished other than by sight.
Methodical practical testing, using a range of people with different degrees
of disability, should be carried out to confirm ease of distinction by
visually impaired people before final decisions are made on any design.
2. Principles applicable to both notes and coins
The design should seek to maximise the number of different ways of
differentiating between different denominations e.g. using different aspects
of touch, sight, etc. It is recommended that a difference in size should
represent difference in value and difference in tactile features (texture or
material) should represent difference between concurrent currencies. Simple
note gauges for people relying entirely on size for distinction should be
designed as part of the system.
3. Recommendations on bank notes
Different denominations must be size differentiated by a minimum of 5 mm
(preferably more), in both length and width, between notes. Increasing size
should signify increasing value within a series. Different denominations
should also be easily distinguishable by strongly contrasting colours. This
is particularly important for close denominations which could more regularly
be confused. For people with residual vision it is the differences in
colour density which allow colour differentiation. Colour should never be
the only visual method of distinction.
The denomination should be boldly visible on both sides of the note. Figures
should be a simple shape, without fussy serifs or designs. Figures for the
denomination should have a height of no less than 15 mm. The denomination
figure should contrast strongly with the background. The background to the
denomination should have a minimum of lines and patterns to maximise the
contrast with the figure. The denomination should be located in a standard
position throughout the range of notes on both front and back of the note.
Boldly visible markings (which could be the denomination figures) should
assist in the orientation of the note for insertion into machines. There
should be a simple machine readable code in a standard accessible position
on the range of notes. This is to facilitate the use of simple low
technology devices to differentiate between denominations. This is
especially important to promote employment opportunities for visually
impaired people in retailing, banking, lotteries etc. The use of such
devices should be seen as a possible additional aid and should not in any
way be used as an alternative to the other differentiating features outlined
above.
Tactile features can be useful. If tactile features are to be incorporated
in notes, these should be resilient enough to last for the circulation
lifetime of the note. This suggests the use of durable materials such as
wire or plastic to create such features.
4. Recommendations on coins
The design of the series should maximise the number of ways that different
denominations can be distinguished, using different aspects of touch and
sight. These can involve the difference in size, thickness, weight, form
(round, square, etc.), edge milling, colour, tactile devices, hole etc. Each
coin should ideally be uniquely identifiable by a series of tactile devices,
without a reference to other coins in the series.
Coins using clearly different shapes can be a useful way of providing this
unique identification, as this is accessible both by sight and touch.
However, perception and distinction of apparently different shapes should be
thoroughly tested. What may be visually different may not be so to the same
extent through tactile discrimination.
There should be a minimum of 3 mm difference in the diameter of coins of
different denominations, where size is the main distinguishing factor. Where
the difference in diameter of 2 coins is lower than 3 mm, there should be
other clear tactile differences, for example form, thickness, milling etc.
to confirm distinction. In principle, increasing size, weight and thickness
should signify increasing value within a series. To avoid misunderstandings,
a coin of lesser value should, in principle, not be thicker than one of
higher value. Where a coin has a hole, this should be proportional to the
size of the coin. Different shapes of hole could be used to improve
distinction.
Where there is sufficient space, the denomination value should be shown in a
convex simple numeral, with "sharp" edges. However, this must not be the
only discriminating feature.
Milling should be coarse to maximise tactile contrast. Half-milled, half
smooth has been shown to be successful, for example in recent Danish issues.
When considering the colour of coins, the widest range possible should be
used in order to further assist those with residual vision as an additional
way of distinguishing between coins. Colour should never be the only method
of distinction.
There should be only one coin for one value in circulation at any point in
time. When new currency is introduced, the old coins should be withdrawn
from circulation as quickly as possible, at most within 12 months, to
minimise confusion.
Many blind and partially sighted people have problems with small coins on
account of impaired sense of touch. The minimum size of coins should
therefore be 17 mm in diameter. Below this size, handling becomes very
difficult. In addition, the edge design should assist people in picking up
small coins from flat surfaces.
Annex 2
Visually challenged friendly features in the currency of a few countries
1. Canada[2]:
Several features in the Canadian Journey and Birds of Canada series bank
notes are designed to help the blind and the visually impaired recognise
bank note denominations either by touch, by sight, or by electronic signal.
These design elements are not security features and should not be used to
authenticate bank notes.
The tactile feature is located in the upper right corner on the face of
Canadian Journey series notes. It consists of a series of symbols formed by
groupings of six raised dots separated by a smooth surface. Each symbol is
composed of two columns of three raised dots. These dots are embossed and
back-coated to enhance their durability. These symbols are not Braille. They
are a system developed in consultation with blind and visually impaired
Canadians after research indicated that not all potential users read
Braille.
The number and position of these symbols vary according to the denomination.
The $5 note has one symbol, the $10 note has two symbols separated by a
smooth surface, the new $20 note has three symbols separated by two smooth
surfaces, and the $50 note has four symbols separated by three smooth
surfaces. Like the $10 note, the new $100 bank note has two symbols, but the
smooth surface or space between them is wider.
Large high-contrast numerals that identify the note's denomination appear on
both sides of each note. A dark numeral on a pale background appears on the
front, and a white numeral against a dark background appears on the back.
The colours of the various denominations, and the contrast between them, are
similar to those used for previous series.
The Bank of Canada provides a bank note reader that helps the blind and
visually impaired to determine the denominations of the Canadian Journey and
Birds of Canada series through machine-readable codes. This hand-held device
is able to inform the user of the bank note denomination in one of three
user-selected ways: voice (English or French), tone, or vibration. Bank note
readers are available free of charge through the Canadian National Institute
for the Blind.
2. Chile[3]:
Chilean banknotes have special identification features to help those who are
visually impaired.
High-contrast colors:
The consecutive denominations have high-contrast colors: the $1.000 banknote
is green, the polymer $2.000 note is purple, the $5.000 note is red; the
$10.000 note is blue and the $20.000 is brown.
Large numerals
The face value of the banknotes is printed with large numerals.
Tactile features
As of the year 2006, all Chilean banknotes have tactile features located in
the lower left corner on the front of the notes. These features are designed
to help the visually impaired to recognize bank note denominations.
3. Euro:
The design of euro banknotes include several characteristics suggested in
co-operation with organisations representing blind people. These
characteristics aid both people who are visually impaired (people who can
see the banknotes, but cannot necessarily read the printing on them) and
those who are entirely blind.
Euro banknotes increase in size with increasing denominations, which helps
both the visually impaired and the blind. The predominant colouring of the
notes alternates between "warm" and "cool" hues in adjacent denominations
(see the chart above), making it still harder to confuse two similar
denominations for those who can see the colour. The printing of the
denominations is intaglio printing, which allows the ink to be felt by
sensitive fingers, allowing some people to distinguish the printed
denominations by touch alone. Lower denominations (5, 10, 20) have smooth
bands along one side of the note containing holograms; higher denominations
have smooth, square patches with holograms. Finally, the ?200 and ?500 notes
have distinctive tactile patterns along the edges of the notes: the ?200
note has vertical lines running from the bottom centre to the right-hand
corner, and the ?500 note has diagonal lines running down the right-hand
edge.
Although there have been other currencies pre-dating the euro that were
specifically designed in similar ways (different sizes, colours, and ridges)
to aid the visually impaired, the introduction of the euro constitutes the
first time that authorities have consulted associations representing the
blind before, rather than after, the release of the currency[4].
Intaglio printing is used to apply a tactile relief to the front of the
banknotes; the abbreviations of the European Central Bank in the various
national languages (BCE, ECB, EZB, EKT, EKP), the value numeral and the
pictures of the windows and gateways are identifiable by touch. At the edge
on the front of the ?200 and ?500 notes several distinctive features have
been printed, primarily to make it easier for the visually impaired to
recognise the banknotes. The euro banknotes are also printed on special
paper with a destinctive surface texture. However, through age and general
wear and tear, some of these properties may be partly or completely lost[5].
"A good design for the blind and partially sighted is a good design for
everybody." This was the principle behind the close cooperation with the
European Blind Union (EBU) during the currency design phase in the 1990s. It
led to the development of euro banknotes and coins with features that
visually impaired people can handle with confidence.
Banknotes
Features include:
· Different sizes: the higher the value, the bigger the banknote.
· Striking colours: neighbouring denominations have clearly
contrasting colours. The ?5 banknote is grey and the ?10 is red. The ?20 is
blue, followed by an orange ?50 and a green ?100 banknote. The ?200 banknote
is yellow-brown, the ?500 banknote is purple.
· Large value numerals.
· Raised print, which is easy to feel.
· Tactile marks near the edges of the ?200 and ?500 banknotes. There
are no such marks on the ?100 banknote, which is of the same width as the
higher-value notes.
Coins
Features include:
· Different sizes, shapes, colours and edges.
· Different weights - the higher the value, the heavier the coin
(except for the ?1 coin).
· Different thicknesses - the higher the value, the thicker the coin
(except for the ?2 and ?1 coins).
· Clearly displayed values on the European side of the coins.
Different edges:
a..
?2 coins have characters struck into the finely-ridged edge.
a..
?1 coins have three finely-ridged sections interspersed with three smooth
sections along the edge.
a..
50 and 10 cent coins have fine scallops along the edge.
a..
20 cent coins are smooth and have seven indents along the edge ("Spanish
flower shape").
a..
5 and 1 cent coins have a smooth edge.
a..
2 cent coins are smooth and have a groove along the edge[6].
4. UK[7]:
The existing features in Bank of England banknotes that are intended to
assist the visually-impaired to recognise different banknotes are
(a) the four denominations are different sizes and colours;
(b) each note, except for the £50 which is an old design, carries large
numerals of the denomination in a colour that is markedly differentiated
from the background;
(c) all the notes are designed to look different from other currencies
This approach reflects consultation with the Royal National Institute of
Blind People.
5. Latvia[8]:
Intaglio printing on steel plates, a special engraving technique, is used to
print the following elements on the obverse of the banknote:
· the ornamental band on the right-hand side,
· the motif in the central area,
· the denomination in letters and figures on the left-hand side,
· the sign (Braille) for the visually impaired.
6. Japan[9]:
To assist the visually impaired in detecting the note by touch, a
recognition symbol with a rougher texture, printed intaglio, is adopted
instead of the watermark symbols used for the current note.
The new 5,000 Yen note: To assist the visually impaired in detecting the
note by touch, a recognition symbol with a rougher texture, printed
intaglio, is adopted instead of the watermark symbols used for the current
note.
The new 1,000 Yen note: To assist the visually impaired in detecting the
note by touch, a recognition symbol with a rougher texture, printed
intaglio, is adopted instead of the watermark symbols used for the current
note.
7. Bahrain[10]:
In addition to the security features, the new banknotes also incorporate,
for the first time, a feature to enable the visually-impaired to easily
recognize the value of each note. The feature comprises a series of short,
raised lines, which appear at the top right on the front face of the note.
The BD1/2 has one line; BD1 has two lines and so on, up to BD20, with five
lines.
8. US[11]:
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has worked closely with the
public to study ways to improve the currency, including ways to help the
public more readily identify currency denominations. These efforts have
already resulted in design changes in 1996 and 2004 to improve security and
to feature larger, high-contrast numerals with distinct background colors,
and for Series 1999 to include a machine-readable feature.
BEP continues to explore and develop solutions for the blind and visually
impaired. For example, BEP has been working with the private sector since
2004 to help develop an even lower cost, hand-held currency reading device
to supplement hand-held readers that are already commercially available. In
late 2006, BEP issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking updated
information about currency readers, and in June 2007, BEP issued another RFI
specifically to gather information regarding cell phone technology that can
be used to allow the blind and visually impaired to use camera cell phones
as currency readers. The results of these RFIs are currently being reviewed.
Most recently, BEP has taken steps to commission a comprehensive three-phase
study to gather additional data, research and analyses to support its
development of methods to help the blind and visually impaired:
· Phase 1 of the study will focus on defining the characteristics of
the blind and visually impaired Americans and their projected trends;
· Phase 2 of the study will examine the technical and practical
feasibility of currency design changes that could assist the blind and
visually impaired, with a particular emphasis on banknote size changes, and
on implementation, operational, timing and security considerations relating
to any proposal deemed feasible, and
· Phase 3 will provide an economic analysis of feasible design
changes identified in phase 2 and other technological solutions such as
hand-held readers. It will examine the cost to the public and private
sectors and the effectiveness of these solutions.
9. Turkey[12]:
On the obverse side of the banknote, to the upper left corner of the
watermark, "dots" using the Braille alphabet, are applied by intaglio
printing which are different for each denomination and can be felt with
fingertips.
10. Barbados[13]:
The large value numeral found on the left side (front view) of the note is
more raised than in previous series, allowing the visually impaired to more
easily differentiate between denominations.
11. Norway[14]:
A new 500-krone note was put into circulation in June, 1999. This was the
fourth note of the new series (series VII) issued by the Norges Bank. The
first note of this series was the 200-krone note, which was issued in 1994,
followed by the 50-krone and 100-krone notes, both issued in 1997. The final
series VII note to be issued was the 1000-krone note, which was put into
circulation in 2001. Each of the series VII banknotes is of a different
size, increasing by 8 mm in width and by 5 mm in height from the lowest
denomination to the highest. This was done in order to accommodate requests
from the visually impaired that it be made easier to distinguish between the
various denominations of banknotes.
12. Qatar[15]:
Qatar Central bank introduced new bank notes of QR 1, 5, 10 and 50
denominations in September, 2008. These notes have a value numeral and
vertical bars facilitating the visually impaired to recognize the value.
13. Azerbaijan [16]:
The Azerbaijan Yeni Manat was based on the design of Euro banknotes, which
include several characteristics to assist the blind in distinguishing the
different denominations of the notes. These were incorporated into the
design in cooperation with organizations representing blind persons. Such
characteristics aid both people who are visually impaired (people who can
see the banknotes, but cannot necessarily read the printing on them) and
those who are entirely blind.
Size: For example, both Manat and Euro banknotes increase in size with
increasing denominations. Each larger bill increases in increments of seven
millimeters.
Color: The predominant coloring of the notes alternates between "warm" and
"cool" hues in adjacent denominations, making it easier to distinguish
between two similar denominations for those who can see color.
Printing process: The printing of the denominations is intaglio printing,
which allows the ink to be felt by sensitive fingers, enabling some persons
to distinguish the printed denominations by touch alone.
Holograms: Lower denominations have smooth bands along one side of the note
containing holograms; higher denominations have smooth, square patches with
holograms.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] The World Blind Union (WBU) is a non-political, non-religious,
non-governmental and non-profit-making organisation, representing over 160
million blind and partially sighted persons in 177 member countries. It is
the internationally recognized organisation speaking on behalf of blind and
partially sighted persons at the international level. Source -
http://www.worldblindunion.org.
[2] http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/banknotes/accessibility.html
[3]
http://www.bcentral.cl/eng/banknotes-coins/banknotes/visually-impaired/index.htm
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro_banknotes
[5] http://www.fleur-de-coin.com/eurocoins/security.asp
[6] http://www.ecb.int/euro/visually/html/index.en.html
[7]
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm081009/text/81009w0019.htm
[8] http://www.bank.lv/eng/main/am/ba/
[9] http://www.boj.or.jp/en/type/release/zuiji/kako03/bnnew3.htm
[10] http://www.ameinfo.com/150040.html
[11] http://www.moneyfactory.gov/section.cfm/19
[12] http://www.tcmb.gov.tr/yeni/egm/ing/e9_100tl_c.html#h
[13]
http://www.centralbank.org.bb/WEBCBB.nsf/webpage/24552A987FAB2CBB04257314006599F5?OpenDocument
[14] http://www.norges-bank.no/templates/article____16376.aspx
[15]
https://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidKUN0052080909122901/QCB%20introduces%20new%20bank%20notes%20of%20special%20features%20on%20Sept%2015
[16]
http://www.azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/ai143_folder/143_articles/143_manat.html
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