Under the U.S. Currency Reader Program, U.S. citizens or persons legally residing in the U.S. and its territories who are blind or visually impaired can obtain a currency reader device at no cost.
The currency reader, known as the iBill® Talking Banknote Identifier, is compact in size, easy to use, and provides a response within just a few seconds. A user simply inserts a Federal Reserve note into the device, presses a button on the side, and the reader identifies the denomination. The device operates on a standard AAA battery and can read U.S. currency in circulation today. The reader can be set to indicate the note’s denomination by voice, a pattern of tones or series of vibrations.
To see and hear the iBill® in action, watch this YouTube video.
If you have a qualifying vision loss, increase your ability to use money independently by using this simple AT device. To apply for a reader, an individual must fill out an application, which is available on the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s website at http://www.bep.gov/uscurrencyreaderform.html.