New tactile bank notes let blind people get a feel for money

By Caitlin Fitzsimmons
Updated September 18 2016 - 10:08am, first published August 31 2016 - 12:15am
The new $5 note features a small bump on both of the long sides to assist blind and partially sighted people. Photo: RBA
The new $5 note features a small bump on both of the long sides to assist blind and partially sighted people. Photo: RBA
Ally McLeod with her son Connor McLeod, a 15-year-old who was born blind and convinced the Reserve Bank to introduce tactile banknotes. 
 Photo: James Brickwood
Ally McLeod with her son Connor McLeod, a 15-year-old who was born blind and convinced the Reserve Bank to introduce tactile banknotes. Photo: James Brickwood
Bruce Maguire, policy adviser at Vision Australia, demonstrates a device he uses for measuring bank notes. Photo: Janie Barrett
Bruce Maguire, policy adviser at Vision Australia, demonstrates a device he uses for measuring bank notes. Photo: Janie Barrett
Bruce Maguire, policy adviser at Vision Australia,who has been blind since birth is excited about the new Australian money that will feature a tactile element for the vision impaired community. Photo: Janie Barrett
Bruce Maguire, policy adviser at Vision Australia,who has been blind since birth is excited about the new Australian money that will feature a tactile element for the vision impaired community. Photo: Janie Barrett
The new $5 note has tactile features for blind people. Photo: RBA
The new $5 note has tactile features for blind people. Photo: RBA

For Bruce Maguire, the best thing about the new $5 notes coming out this week is the presence of two small bumps "about the size of a chocolate sprinkle".

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

$0/

(min cost $0)

or signup to continue reading

See subscription options

Get the latest Stawell news in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.