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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> tech-vi@groups.io <tech-vi@groups.io> <b>On Behalf Of </b>David Goldfield via groups.io<br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, May 20, 2025 4:48 PM<br><b>To:</b> Tech-VI Announcement List <tech-vi@groups.io><br><b>Subject:</b> [Tech-VI] Disability Advocates Commend the Introduction of the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act -- Comprehensive Legislation to Define, Support, and Enforce Digital Accessibility<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/disability-advocates-commend-introduction-websites-and-software-applications">Original Source</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>Release Date<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>Tuesday, May 20, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>Type<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'><a href="https://nfb.org/press-release-types/press-release"><span style='color:#005AA3;text-decoration:none'>Press Release</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>Category<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'><a href="https://nfb.org/press-releases/national"><span style='color:#005AA3;text-decoration:none'>National</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:22.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box;color:inherit'><span style='font-size:39.0pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black;font-weight:normal'>Disability Advocates Commend the Introduction of the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act<o:p></o:p></span></h1><h2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:22.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box;color:inherit'><span style='font-size:27.0pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black;font-weight:normal'>Comprehensive Legislation to Define, Support, and Enforce Digital Accessibility<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>May 20, 2025</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>\u2014Baltimore, MD: The National Federation of the Blind, the American Council of the Blind, American Foundation for the Blind, and the National Disability Rights Network applaud the introduction of <strong><span style='font-family:"Lato",sans-serif'>the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act,</span></strong> <strong><span style='font-family:"Lato",sans-serif'>H.R. 3417</span></strong>, into the House of Representatives by Representative Pete Sessions (Texas) and lead cosponsor Representative Steny Hoyer (Maryland). This legislation seeks to eliminate persistent digital accessibility barriers faced by blind and disabled Americans. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><i><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>"For too long, blind Americans have faced inconsistent standards and persistent barriers in the digital world,\u201d said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. \u201cThis comprehensive Act will finally provide the clarity and enforcement mechanisms needed to ensure genuine digital inclusion. By establishing clear federal standards and supporting small businesses in implementation, we're creating a framework for full participation in modern life. Whether accessing healthcare portals, applying for jobs, or shopping online, blind Americans deserve the same access as everyone else." <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p style='margin:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><i><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>\u201cACB strongly supports the Websites and Software Application Accessibility Act because it brings us one step closer to a truly inclusive society,\u201d says American Council of the Blind Executive Director Scott Thornhill. \u201cThis bill will finally make digital accessibility a legal requirement\u2014not just a best practice\u2014and ensure that websites and software are designed with everyone in mind from the start. ACB has long championed this critical issue, and we remain committed to advocate for its passage for as long as necessary." <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p style='margin:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><i><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>Eric Bridges, President and CEO of American Foundation for the Blind shared, "Websites and digital applications remain some of the most frustrating barriers that blind and low-vision people face on a daily basis. This legislation would dramatically shift accessibility for people with disabilities and make it easier for businesses to create accessible websites and apps while enabling people with disabilities to use their products and services. Thank you to Representatives Sessions and Hoyer for reintroducing this legislation to improve access to work, school, shopping, and healthcare for blind Americans." <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p style='margin:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><i><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>\u201cFor too long, digital access for people with disabilities has consistently been an afterthought, if thought of at all,\u201d Said Marlene Sallo, Executive Director of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), \u201cIt\u2019s absolutely critical that the tools and technologies essential for disabled people to navigate the ever-evolving online world are fully accessible.\u201d <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>Virtually all Americans are using the internet and mobile applications in some way. This legislation addresses long-standing concerns about the inconsistent accessibility of the digital environment. And it will position the United States as a global leader in digital inclusion while providing practical support to businesses implementing accessibility standards. Accessibility is achievable. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>###</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>About the National Federation of the Blind</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'><br>The National Federation of the Blind, headquartered in Baltimore, defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. Founded in 1940, the NFB is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans with affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at<a href="https://nfb.org/"><span style='color:#005AA3;text-decoration:none'> nfb.org</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>CONTACT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>Stephanie Cascone<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>Director of Communications<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>National Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>410-659-9314, extension 2244<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'><a href="mailto:communications@nfb.org"><span style='color:#005AA3;text-decoration:none'>communications@nfb.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>David Goldfield,<span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Blindness Assistive Technology Specialist<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.davidgoldfield.com/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.DavidGoldfield.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Director of Marketing,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Blazie Technologies<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.blazietech.com/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.BlazieTech.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Am Yisrael Chai<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Nation of Israel Lives!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.freedomscientific.com/Training/Certification"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=86 height=86 style='width:.8958in;height:.8958in' id="_x0000_i1027" src="cid:image001.png@01DBC9A6.EBC51F00" alt="JAWS Certified, 2022"></span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://certification.nvaccess.org/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>NVDA Certified Expert</span></a><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Subscribe to the Tech-VI announcement list to receive blindness technology news, events and information.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Email: <a href="mailto:tech-vi+subscribe@groups.io"><span style='color:#0563C1'>tech-vi+subscribe@groups.io</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white;mso-ligatures:none'>_._,_._,_<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>Groups.io Links:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>You receive all messages sent to this group. <o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/9323" target="_blank">View/Reply Online (#9323)</a> | <a href="mailto:tech-vi@groups.io?subject=Re:%20%5BTech-VI%5D%20Disability%20Advocates%20Commend%20the%20Introduction%20of%20the%20Websites%20and%20Software%20Applications%20Accessibility%20Act%20--%20Comprehensive%20Legislation%20to%20Define%2C%20Support%2C%20and%20Enforce%20Digital%20Accessibility" target="_blank">Reply to Group</a> | <a href="mailto:david.goldfield@outlook.com?subject=Private:%20Re:%20%5BTech-VI%5D%20Disability%20Advocates%20Commend%20the%20Introduction%20of%20the%20Websites%20and%20Software%20Applications%20Accessibility%20Act%20--%20Comprehensive%20Legislation%20to%20Define%2C%20Support%2C%20and%20Enforce%20Digital%20Accessibility" target="_blank">Reply to Sender</a> | <a href="https://groups.io/mt/113218549/12354" target="_blank">Mute This Topic</a> <br><a href="https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/editsub/12354">Your Subscription</a> | <a href="mailto:tech-vi+owner@groups.io">Contact Group Owner</a> | <a href="https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/leave/9088041/12354/186235728/xyzzy">Unsubscribe</a> [margo.downey@roadrunner.com]<o:p></o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white;mso-ligatures:none'>_._,_._,_<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></body></html>