[il-talk] U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky Introduces Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind

[Patti Gregory-Chang]

Illinois does keep on keepin on.

P.S.  National Federation of the Blind of Illinois is now on twitter at 
www.twitter.com/nfbi.
We also have a facebook page.  Just search for our full name.

Patti Gregory-Chang
President, National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
pattichang at att.net
www.nfbofillinois.org
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Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 4:07 PM
Subject: U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky Introduces Technology Bill of 
Rights for the Blind


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 <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>



Trevor Kincaid

Communications Director

Office of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky

(202) 225-2111



U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky Introduces

Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind



National Federation of the Blind Applauds Measure

To Ensure Blind People Equal Access to Technology



Washington, DC (January 27, 2010): Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
today introduced the Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind (H.R.
4533), which will mandate that all consumer electronics, home
appliances, kiosks, and electronic office technology provide user
interfaces that are accessible to the blind.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind,
said: "The National Federation of the Blind appreciates the wise and
decisive action taken today by Representative Schakowsky.  In recent
years, advances in microchip and digital technology have led to the
proliferation of everyday products--such as dishwashers or copy
machines--that have visual displays and other user interfaces that are
inaccessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Inaccessibility of these devices is a major barrier to a blind person's
independence and productivity.  The Technology Bill of Rights will
ensure that manufacturers make their products accessible to all
consumers, and that blind people will not be left behind as technology
continues to advance."



"The importance of access to technology in today's society cannot be
overstated.  In many cases, a person's livelihood depends upon the
ability to use technology," said Representative Schakowsky.  "This bill
will allow people who are blind or have low vision to compete on a level
playing field with their sighted peers and remain productive members of
society."







###






About the National Federation of the Blind




With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is
the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people
in the United States.  The NFB improves blind people's lives through
advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging
independence and self-confidence.  It is the leading force in the
blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind.  In January
2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan
Institute, the first research and training center in the United States
for the blind led by the blind.