I think this is important for all of us to see, no matter where you stand in
the field of blindness politics.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen@xxxxxxx
National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of Access Technology
Affordability Act
Urges Swift Passage of Legislation to Help Blind People Buy Access Technology
Baltimore, Maryland (March 28, 2017): The National Federation of the Blind, the
oldest and largest organization of blind Americans, today applauded the
introduction of the Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017 in both houses
of Congress (H.R. 1734, S. 732). The bill was introduced by Representatives
David Young (R-IA) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) in the House and by
Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) in the Senate. The
legislation will establish a per-person individual refundable tax credit to be
used over a multi-year period to offset the cost of access technology for blind
people. Access technology includes items such as text-to-speech screen access
software and electronic Braille displays that blind people use to access
computers, tablets, smart phones, and other devices, as well as digital content.
Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
"Access technology has enabled many blind people to participate in educational
and employment opportunities, but the high cost of this technology is still a
barrier for too many blind Americans. Furthermore, different individuals have
different skills and requirements, so there can be no one-size-fits-all
technological solution; each blind individual must have the flexibility to
identify and purchase the access technology that will best meet his or her
needs. The National Federation of the Blind therefore applauds the introduction
of this legislation, which represents a flexible, practical, and cost-effective
means of helping the blind to acquire the technology we need to live the lives
we want. We appreciate the outstanding work of Representatives Young and
Roybal-Allard and Senators Boozman and Cardin, and we urge all of their
colleagues to join them in supporting this initiative and securing its swift
passage."
Senator Boozman said: As an optometrist, I know firsthand how important access
technology is for blind Americans trying to engage in their communities. With
almost 60 percent of blind Americans unemployed, I am pleased to introduce this
commonsense legislation to increase the availability and reduce the financial
burden associated with these items to ensure the visually impaired receive the
tools they need to succeed in the classroom, the workplace, and within the
community.
Making access technology affordable is critical to ensuring that blind and
seeing impaired individuals can participate fully in our communities and have
equal access to every opportunity, said US Senator Ben Cardin. I am proud to
be a lead cosponsor on this legislation, which gives blind Marylanders, and all
blind Americans, flexible economic support to help them lead full and
successful lives.
The ability to purchase access technology makes all the difference in
providing vital quality of life services for blind Iowans, said Congressman
David Young. I am happy to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation
that helps these blind Iowans live independent lives and participate in
expanded employment and education opportunities, as well as give them
flexibility to purchase the technology they need to best fit their needs.
Rep. Roybal-Allard said: Technology for the blind can have a prohibitively
high cost, and we should not stand by and let that cost prevent blind Americans
from accessing current technology. That is why I am proud to help introduce
this bill to help the blind afford the technology they need to achieve and
excel in the classroom and the workforce. The Access Technology Affordability
Act will help blind Americans to pursue their dreams and reach their fullest
potential.
###
About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between
blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not
what holds you back.
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