Demonetisation has created a new demon for the city's visually impaired, who are struggling to identify the new notes on the basis of length and width

For the sighted among us, the inconveniences of demonetisation have been limited to serpentine queues at banks and ATMs, quarrels over change and the need to grapple with changing rules every day. For the visually-impaired, however, the move has further complicated the exercise of identifying the currency notes they receive and transact with on a daily basis. While they usually identify notes on the basis of length, width and tactile markings on the side - an exercise perfected over months of practice and familiarity - the introduction of the new Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 note has meant that those tactics are no longer foolproof.This, because both new notes are similar in width to the Rs 20 note and Rs 10 note, respectively, they tell us.

Faizal KA, Operations manager at Dialogue in the Dark, an experiential zone and restaurant in Whitefield that aims to sensitise people to the challenges faced by the differentlyabled, says adjusting to the new currency has been a challenge, even two months into the move. To circumvent the problem, Faizal has been relying on apps such as KNFB Reader and Blind-Droid, which help him identify the currency he is receiving.However, not everyone is that techsavvy. His colleague, Zabeth, a guide at Dialogue in the Dark, is finding it a challenge to not be duped into getting a lower denomination currency note in place of the Rs 2,000 note, "especially if it has been folded and stored in the wallet", he says. Until now, he was identifying currency by feeling for the length, width and tactile markings. After the demonetisation - since he doesn't use apps - he has been trying to avoid transacting in large denominations. "And if I do have large denominations, I go around asking people for change, especially in 100s. I can identify those," he says. And wherever possible, he uses his cards to make payments, to try and avoid using currency altogether.

Like him, guide Janki R has been finding it hard to distinguish between the length of the Rs 2,000 note and the old Rs 500 note, and the width of the Rs 2,000 note and the Rs 20 note. Janki doesn't use apps either. Her method of choice has been to keep a Rs 20 note handy in her pocket, and measure any notes she receives against those. She also uses a ruler and measuring tape at times, to ensure she is getting the right currency.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/new-currency-notes-a-problem-for-visually-impaired/articleshow/56079918.cms