Facts
[P.] , born in 1947, had been suffering from bilateral glaucoma since birth and became completely blind at the age of eight. He studied law, obtained a doctorate in law, and worked as a self-employed lawyer. Since 1992, [P.] has been receiving assistive devices from the Disability Insurance (IV), such as electronic reading and writing devices as well as computer-based aids for the blind. From 1998 onwards, he was also reimbursed for reading assistance hours. On May 30, 1997, January 28/June 6, 2000, and August 10, 2004, the IV office of the Canton of Zurich covered the costs for the transcription of various laws into Braille. In a letter dated June 6, 2007, [P.] submitted a further request for the coverage of the costs for the transcription of five legal texts into Braille, amounting to a total of CHF 53,655.60. The IV office rejected the claim for benefits in a decision dated October 30, 2007. The appeal filed against this decision was dismissed by the Social Insurance Court of the Canton of Zurich in a ruling dated March 24, 2009.Considerations
The Federal Court confirms the decision of the lower instance. It states that the transcription of legal texts into Braille facilitates the work of the blind lawyer, but does not constitute an assistive device within the meaning of Art. 21 IVG, as it does not replace the loss of bodily functions. The category of disability-related work equipment according to No.…