[NFB-NM] NFB Applauds Introduction of Access Technology Affordability Act

[Tonia Trapp]

From: NFBNet-Members-List [mailto:nfbnet-members-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Danielsen, Chris via NFBNet-Members-List
Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 1:34 PM
To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Applauds
Introduction of Access Technology Affordability Act

 

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 Applauds Introduction of Access Technology
Affordability Act
Urges Swift Passage of Legislation to Help Blind People Buy Access
Technology

Baltimore, Maryland (March 28, 2017): The National Federation of the Blind,
the oldest and largest organization of blind Americans, today applauded the
introduction of the Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017 in both
houses of Congress (H.R. 1734, S. 732). The bill was introduced by
Representatives David Young (R-IA) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) in the
House and by Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) in
the Senate. The legislation will establish a per-person individual
refundable tax credit to be used over a multi-year period to offset the cost
of access technology for blind people. Access technology includes items such
as text-to-speech screen access software and electronic Braille displays
that blind people use to access computers, tablets, smart phones, and other
devices, as well as digital content.
Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
"Access technology has enabled many blind people to participate in
educational and employment opportunities, but the high cost of this
technology is still a barrier for too many blind Americans. Furthermore,
different individuals have different skills and requirements, so there can
be no one-size-fits-all technological solution; each blind individual must
have the flexibility to identify and purchase the access technology that
will best meet his or her needs. The National Federation of the Blind
therefore applauds the introduction of this legislation, which represents a
flexible, practical, and cost-effective means of helping the blind to
acquire the technology we need to live the lives we want. We appreciate the
outstanding work of Representatives Young and Roybal-Allard and Senators
Boozman and Cardin, and we urge all of their colleagues to join them in
supporting this initiative and securing its swift passage."
Senator Boozman said: "As an optometrist, I know firsthand how important
access technology is for blind Americans trying to engage in their
communities. With almost 60 percent of blind Americans unemployed, I am
pleased to introduce this commonsense legislation to increase the
availability and reduce the financial burden associated with these items to
ensure the visually impaired receive the tools they need to succeed in the
classroom, the workplace, and within the community." 
"Making access technology affordable is critical to ensuring that blind and
seeing impaired individuals can participate fully in our communities and
have equal access to every opportunity," said US Senator Ben Cardin. "I am
proud to be a lead cosponsor on this legislation, which gives blind
Marylanders, and all blind Americans, flexible economic support to help them
lead full and successful lives."
"The ability to purchase access technology makes all the difference in
providing vital quality of life services for blind Iowans," said Congressman
David Young. "I am happy to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation
that helps these blind Iowans live independent lives and participate in
expanded employment and education opportunities, as well as give them
flexibility to purchase the technology they need to best fit their needs."
Rep. Roybal-Allard said: "Technology for the blind can have a prohibitively
high cost, and we should not stand by and let that cost prevent blind
Americans from accessing current technology.  That is why I am proud to help
introduce this bill to help the blind afford the technology they need to
achieve and excel in the classroom and the workforce.  The Access Technology
Affordability Act will help blind Americans to pursue their dreams and reach
their fullest potential."

###

About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.
 

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