The saying “money-grubbing” is used to describe someone who is overeager to make money. Literally, however, it means grasping money in one’s hand. It also describes well the actual handling of bills and coins, as cash is not exactly the most sanitary thing we come across everyday.

The tactile experience, however, is particularly significant to many people. While money isn’t everything and it certainly won’t buy love or happiness, the satisfaction of hard-earned cash in your pocket is something anyone can appreciate. This is the reason, for instance, why many people choose not to opt for direct-deposit of their paycheck.

Imagine, however, that you cash your paycheck, you are handed a wad of bills, and you have no idea how much money you actually have in your hand. If you have a visual impairment, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Because the different denominations of American currency are all printed the same size with no discernable tactile differences, counting one’s cash is impossible for someone with visual impairment.

As someone who’s sight is only corrected by the contact lenses I use everyday, I take for granted that I can easily count the cash in my wallet, pay for the things I purchase, and know that I am receiving the right change in return. The homogeneity of American currency has been evident to me in traveling to other countries where different denominations are printed in different sizes. At first, it doesn’t quite make sense, especially when trying to fit differently-sized bills into your wallet. But when you realize that there’s a reason for the different sizes, you wonder why the United States Mint doesn’t print different bills with tactile differences.

In May, a Federal appeals court ruled that the United States Treasury’s failure to design and issue currency with discernable tactile differences is a violation of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This Act was intended to extend civil rights to individuals with disabilities and provide full opportunity to participate in society, with a guarantee of “meaningful access.” This court ruling upheld a 2006 district court ruling that could force the United States to redesign its money so values are distinguishable. The judge wrote in her ruling that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has not adequately demonstrated that changing American currency would pose significant undue burden. Suggested solutions include making bills different sizes, including raised markings or using foil printing which is tactically discernable.

It would not be surprising if the U.S. Treasury chooses to appeal the ruling. It would, however, be shameful and appalling for another government entity to deny the rights of all individuals to have full access to all government-sponsored services. Perhaps it would be appropriate to call a potential appeal of such a ruling on the basis of fiscal hardship true “money grubbing,” given the desire of all of us to hold our earnings in our own two hands.