Many countries claim to practice inclusion, but as a blind traveler, I have often found that accessibility is not always a reality. One of the first things I notice in any new country is the accessibility of its currency notes. For a visually impaired person, identifying money is crucial for independence. Regardless of education or employment, if one cannot distinguish currency notes, financial autonomy becomes a challenge.
I moved to Canada in 2022 and was pleasantly surprised to find that Canadian currency is one of the most accessible in the world. Unlike many other nations where identifying paper money is difficult for the visually impaired, Canada has taken concrete steps to ensure inclusion.
How Canadian Currency is Accessible
The Bank of Canada has implemented a tactile feature on all polymer banknotes, making it easier for blind individuals to identify denominations without relying on sighted assistance or mobile applications. Each denomination has a unique set of raised dots in the top right corner, following a simple pattern:
$5 Bill - One raised dot
$10 Bill - Two raised dots
$20 Bill - Three raised dots
$50 Bill - Four raised dots
$100 Bill - Two raised dots, but spaced differently from the $10 bill
These tactile markings allow blind individuals to quickly and confidently determine the value of a note by touch. This feature is a gamechanger because, even in developed countries where digital payment systems are widespread, physical currency remains essential in many day-to-day transactions.
Why Physical Accessibility Still Matters
While smartphone applications can assist in identifying money, they are not always practical. A phone’s battery can die, the internet might not be available, or an app may fail to function in real-time transactions. This is why having an independently accessible currency system is vital. Canada has taken an important step toward true inclusion by ensuring that its banknotes are easy to use for everyone, including the visually impaired.
A Global Example for Inclusion
Many countries, even those considered progressive in accessibility, still lack effective tactile features on their currency. While some nations have different-sized bills for different denominations, this is not always enough, as it requires comparison rather than immediate identification. Canada’s use of distinct tactile markers sets a standard that other countries should follow.
As a blind individual, I feel a strong sense of independence when I can confidently recognize the exact currency note I am using. Accessibility in currency is not just a convenience-it is a fundamental right. Countries aiming for true inclusion should look at Canada’s model and implement similar features to empower visually impaired individuals worldwide.