Low Vision Tips to Distinguish Money

American paper currency has the unfortunate characteristic of having no distinguishing marks, texture or size. Unless American currency changes to include tactile features, those with limited vision will need to implement a system of distinguishing money. If you're beginning to lose your vision, taking measures to help yourself now will make your life easier as your vision deteriorates. Adjusting to a life of diminished vision can be difficult. However, gaining control over your own money should bring you some comfort.

Coins

• If you have impaired vision, become familiar with the varying sizes of coins. If you have difficulty telling coins apart just from their size, check the edges. Nickels and pennies do not have any ridges on the edges---they are completely smooth. Dimes and quarters, on the other hand, have ridged edges. Try quizzing yourself. Place a handful of coins in your pocket. Place your hand in your pocket and try to tell which coin is which just by feeling them.

  You may also wish to keep your coins separated. You could keep dimes and quarters in one pocket (or purse compartment), and nickels and pennies in the other. If you're storing coins at home, try using varying sizes of containers for the different coins. You could use a large coffee can for pennies, a smaller tin can for quarters, etc. Use whichever method is the easiest for you to remember.

Paper Money

• People with impaired vision all have their own way of distinguishing paper money; there is no established standard. People who are blind typically fold their money a certain way. For example, you could fold your one dollar bills in half widthwise, and fold your five dollar bills in half lengthwise. The tens you could fold in half twice. And you can mark your twenties by keeping them unfolded, or by folding only a corner down. Or you may choose to keep all of your bills except for your twenties in your wallet, and place your twenties in a certain pocket.

  If you're saving cash at home, you could use the folding method or you could store them in different places. Or you could use both techniques. Try using different-sized envelopes for separate bills. For example, place fifties in the largest envelope and ones in the smallest. Once you choose the method that will work best for you, don't try to change it. Changing your methods, especially more than once, may make it easier for you to forget which bills are which.