[NFB-Krafters-Korner] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of Greater Access and Independence through Nonvisual Access Technology (GAIN) Act

[Tammy Freitag]

Just sharing!
Tammy

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Danielsen, Chris via NFBNet-Members-List"
<nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 2019 13:18:40 +0000
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind
Applauds Introduction of Greater Access and Independence through
Nonvisual Access Technology (GAIN) Act
To: "Danielsen, Chris" <CDanielsen at nfb.org>

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of
Greater Access and Independence through Nonvisual Access Technology (GAIN) Act

Urges Swift Passage of Legislation to Preserve Independence of Blind
People in their Homes

Baltimore, Maryland (July 31, 2019): The National Federation of the
Blind, the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind
Americans, today applauded the introduction of the Greater Access and
Independence through Nonvisual Access Technology (GAIN) Act of 2019 in
the House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by
Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE),
and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA). This legislation directs the Architectural
and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (the "Access Board") to
develop a minimum nonvisual access standard for home-use medical
devices, exercise equipment, and home appliances, and provide for the
enforcement of the standard.

"The inaccessible design of most current appliances, home-use medical
devices, and fitness equipment makes their controls difficult, or even
impossible, to use by blind people," said Mark Riccobono, President of
the National Federation of the Blind. "Inaccessibility is not a mere
inconvenience. Full access to all features of a device are necessary
for the privacy, wellbeing, and independence of blind Americans. We
therefore commend Representative Schakowsky for introducing this
legislation and urge members of Congress to act swiftly to pass it."

###

About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in
Baltimore, is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind
Americans. Founded in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters,
and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The
NFB 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. 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
www.nfb.org<http://www.nfb.org>.

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>

This press release is also available at:
https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-applauds-introduction-greater-access-and-independence

Christopher S. Danielsen, J.D.
Director of Public Relations
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314, Ext. 2330 | cdanielsen at nfb.org
Twitter: @rlawyer

[National Federation of the Blind]<https://nfb.org/>

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The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and
friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind.
Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they
want.

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-- 
Tammy Freitag, President
NFB Krafters' Division
H: 402-904-5105