Blind teen's banknote work awarded

Getting cash for Christmas shouldn't be a frustrating experience - but that's how blind teenager Connor McLeod felt.

Not many people can boast about influencing Australia's new banknotes. One teenager can.

When he was 12, Connor McLeod received some cash for Christmas.

But instead of feeling elated, the blind primary school student was frustrated and embarrassed because he couldn't tell how much it was worth.

He had to ask others - and then he decided to do something about it.

Connor petitioned the Reserve Bank of Australia to introduce tactile banknotes with raised dots so the blind and vision-impaired could recognise the value.

It wasn't an easy campaign.

After initial resistance from the RBA, Connor engaged a legal team and made a formal complaint to the Human Rights Commission, as disability groups added their voice to his campaign.

That led to a five-hour meeting last year with the bank's assistant governor where he was promised an answer to his request by February 2015.

And then the bank announced the nation's next generation of banknotes would have tactile features.

They've yet to be rolled out but the notes will also include bright colours, large and bold numbers and different sizes for each denomination.

Connor was recognised for that achievement at the National Disability Awards in Parliament House on Wednesday, receiving the emerging leader in disability awareness award.

For the teenager, it's all about being as independent as his mates.

"I knew there were others, adults too, that wanted to be independent like I do," he said in a statement.

"So I thought I'd do something to make a better future for all of us."

The next time Connor is handed a cash note, he'll know he's made his mark.


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Source: AAP


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