<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div><b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</b></div><blockquote type="cite"><div><b>
CONTACT:<br>
</b>Chris Danielsen<br>
Director of Public Relations <br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330<br>
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)<br>
<a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a><br>
<div align="center"><b>National Federation of the Blind Applauds
Introduction of Access Technology Affordability Act<br>
</b><i>Urges Swift Passage of Legislation to Help Blind People Buy Access
Technology<br>
</i></div>
<b>Baltimore, Maryland (March 28, 2017):</b> 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.<br>
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."<br>
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.” <br>
“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.”<br>
“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.”<br>
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.”<br>
<div align="center"><b>###<br>
</b></div><b>
<i>About the National Federation of the Blind<br>
</i></b>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.<br>
<br>
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