[blindlaw] FW: National Federation of the Blind Praises DOJ Settlement with Louisiana Tech

[Scott C. LaBarre]

FYI

 

From: Freeh, Jessica [mailto:JFreeh at nfb.org] 
Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2013 8:39 AM
To: Subject: National Federation of the Blind Praises DOJ Settlement with
Louisiana Tech

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen at nfb.org

National Federation of the Blind Praises 
DOJ Settlement with Louisiana Tech

Baltimore, Maryland (July 24, 2013): The National Federation of the Blind
<http://www.nfb.org/> , the nation's leading advocate for full access to
higher education by the blind, today praised a settlement reached by the
United States Department of Justice with Louisiana Tech University
<http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2013/July/13-crt-831.html>  and the Board of
Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.  The settlement requires
Louisiana Tech to ensure that course materials, including those made
available online, and other technologies used by the university are fully
accessible to students with disabilities, including blind students who
require nonvisual access.

Dr. Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind
<http://www.facebook.com/NationalFederationoftheBlind> , said: "Online
course materials and course management systems are a critical part of
education today, and these technologies must be accessible to blind students
in order for them to receive an equal education.  This groundbreaking
settlement not only ensures full access to all of Louisiana Tech
University's courses and programs for its blind students, but also makes it
clear that the Americans with Disabilities Act requires all institutions of
higher education to procure and deploy technology that is fully accessible
to their blind students.  Moreover, the settlement puts in place policies
and procedures that emphasize the accountability of university personnel,
including members of the faculty, to ensure that courses and materials
offered by the university are fully accessible to blind students.  As we
mark the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act,
we commend the Department of Justice for this outstanding result and for its
commitment to protecting the right of blind students to an equal education."

 

###

 

About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest, largest, and most
influential nationwide membership organization of blind people in the United
States.  Founded in 1940, the NFB advocates for the civil rights and
equality of blind Americans, and develops innovative education, technology,
and training programs to provide the blind and those who are losing vision
with the tools they need to become independent and successful.  We need your
support.  To make a donation, please go to  <http://www.nfb.org/>
www.nfb.org.