[Fopbc] National Federation of the Blind Condemns Lack of Access to New Kindle Fire

[Lenora Marten]

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 at nfb.org

 


National Federation of the Blind Condemns
 Lack of Access to New Kindle Fire
 

Baltimore, Maryland (September 29, 2011): The National Federationof the Blind commented today on the release of Amazon’s new Kindle Fire,which cannot be used by people who are blind.

 

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:“Blind Americans have repeatedly asked Amazon to include accessibilityfor the blind in its Kindle product line.  The feasibility ofincluding accessibility in similar products has been demonstrated. The Department of Education and the Department of Justice have made itclear that Kindle devices cannot be purchased by educationalinstitutions, libraries, and other entities covered by this country’sdisability laws unless the devices are fully accessible.  Despiteall this, Amazon has released a brand new Kindle device, the Kindle Fire,which cannot be used by people who are blind.  Enough!  Wecondemn this latest action by Amazon and reiterate that we will nottolerate technological discrimination.  The National Federation ofthe Blind seeks nothing less than equal access to all technology forblind people.  It is one of the most critical civil rights issuesfacing blind Americans in the twenty-first century, and we will doeverything in our power to see that this right is secured.”

 

 


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About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blindis the largest and most influential membership organization of blindpeople in the United States.  The NFB improves blind people’s livesthrough advocacy, education, research, technology, and programsencouraging independence and self-confidence.  It is the leadingforce in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation'sblind.  In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation ofthe Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center inthe United States for the blind led by the blind. 


 

 
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