[nabs-l] National Federation of the Blind Praises Bill to Create Work Incentives and Opportunity

[Corbb O'Connor]

Does anybody else find it odd that this press release doesn't tell us  
anything about what the bill actually does, other than a one-sentence  
summary? I *think* I know what this bill is about, based on the  
Washington Seminar materials that I read, but I wonder if the press  
does...I guess we'll see.

Corbb

On Feb 8, 2009, at 9:33 PM, Freeh, Jessica (by way of David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com 
 >) wrote:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:

Christopher 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 Praises Bill to

Create Work Incentives and Opportunity






Blind Persons Return to Work Act of 2009

Introduced by Congressman Lewis



Washington, D.C. (February 8, 2009):  Congressman John Lewis (D-GA)  
has introduced legislation designed to help blind persons receiving  
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to return to work.  The  
Blind Persons Return to Work Act of 2009 (H.R. 886), will eliminate  
penalties that prevent blind persons from reentering the workforce and  
will facilitate their transition to employment.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind,  
which has long advocated this change in policy, said: "This proposal  
will allow thousands of blind people to rejoin the workforce and  
become productive, tax-paying citizens.  Many blind people are  
understandably reluctant to take entry-level jobs because they are  
penalized by an immediate loss of SSDI benefits, and their work income  
rarely compensates for that loss.  This legislation will allow blind  
persons to make a smooth transition from dependence to opportunity.   
We will work with Congressman Lewis to ensure the swift passage of  
this landmark legislation."



Congressman Lewis said: "Americans who are blind deserve the same  
opportunities as all other Americans.  Their blindness does not  
prevent them from making valuable contributions to our society, as  
evidenced by the many successful blind people I have personally met  
over the years.  The gifts and opportunities of these citizens should  
not be hindered by policies that discourage them from entering the  
workforce.  That is why I am proud to stand with my blind brothers and  
sisters and introduce this much-needed legislation."







# # #








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.


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