Australia's newest banknote goes
into circulation on September 01,2016 with a tiny new feature designed to help
people who are blind or visually impaired.
The A$5 note has two raised dots on both of its long sides, allowing those who cannot see to identify its value
It's the country's first note to feature the tactile markings, and is being hailed as a major breakthrough.
"For the first time in the history of Australian currency it will be possible for someone who is blind or vision-impaired to just pick up a note and know instantly what it is," says Bruce Maguire from the non-profit Vision Australia organisation. He says the change will help 360,000 Australians.
Currently, blind or visually impaired people have to rely on others to identify the note and give the correct change.
Some use a measuring instrument - which ABC News notes can be fiddly in a busy shop - or smart phone apps.
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