For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
Melanie Brunson,
(202) 467-5081
Jeffrey A. Lovitky, (202) 744-9702
Court Says the Blind Will Have Meaningful Access to Currency,
Tells Government ‘No Unnecessary Delays’
WASHINGTON,
Sept. 5, 2008 -- The American Council of the Blind is pleased to report that
District Court Judge James Robertson has told lawyers representing both sides
in the case American Council of the Blind v. Paulson that the Department of the
Treasury must make U.S. currency accessible to people who are blind and
visually impaired as quickly as possible.
In its decision on May 20, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia
remanded the issue of injunctive relief back to the District Court for further
consideration. Therefore, a status
conference was held Sept. 4 by Judge James Robertson, during which he made it
clear to both sides that he will not allow any unnecessary delay by the
Treasury as it seeks to comply with the court’s ruling that requires paper
currency to be distinguishable by people who are blind and visually
impaired. Robertson ordered the parties
to meet and attempt to reach agreement on a schedule. The court intends to
impose a schedule on the government for making future generations of currency accessible
and to ensure that it is complied with.
Mitch Pomerantz, president of the American Council
of the Blind, said, “It is apparent that this judge expects the Treasury to expeditiously
comply with his earlier ruling in favor of accessible currency. Our outstanding attorney, Jeffrey Lovitky, is continuing to hold Treasury's feet to the fire
and it is gratifying to know that the judge is likewise requiring
accountability and transparency from the manufacturer of our legal tender. ACB and Mr. Lovitky
shall stand firm on behalf of blind and visually impaired individuals in our
demand that we have the same opportunity to independently determine what each
bill is without the need for outside assistance, either human or electronic.”
The American Council of the Blind is the largest
consumer-based organization of blind and visually impaired Americans advocating
for the rights of blind Americans. Comprised of more than 70 affiliates across
the United States,
the organization is dedicated to making it possible for blind and visually
impaired Americans to participate fully in every aspect of American society. For more information, contact Melanie Brunson, (202) 467-5081, or Jeffrey A. Lovitky, (202) 744-9702.
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