[NFB_of_Georgia] Fwd: [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] Blind Intelligence Analyst Sues FBI and Department of Justice

Tue Nov 19 16:24:08 UTC 2019

From: Danielsen, Chris via State-Affiliate-Leadership-List <
state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org>
Date: Tue, Nov 19, 2019 at 10:22 AM
Subject: [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] Blind Intelligence Analyst Sues
FBI and Department of Justice

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

*Blind Intelligence Analyst Sues FBI and Department of Justice*

*Lawsuit Says FBI Technology is Inaccessible*

*Washington, DC (November 19, 2019): *Joe Orozco, a blind intelligence
analyst with the Federal Bureau of Investigation since 2012, is suing the
FBI and the United States Department of Justice for violating his civil
rights under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The
lawsuit alleges that technology Mr. Orozco is required to use in his job,
some of which is proprietary, is inaccessible to him and to other blind
employees, and that the FBI has offered no alternative means for him to
access the information, data, and services available through this
technology.

Like many other blind people, Mr. Orozco uses screen reader technology,
which converts digital information into synthesized speech and uses
keystrokes to execute many functions, to read and interact with computer
software, Internet and intranet websites, and mobile apps. When not
properly coded, however, these technologies can present barriers so that
screen readers cannot interpret them or access their functions. Section 508
of the Rehabilitation Act requires the FBI, like other federal agencies, to
ensure that the information technology it develops, procures, maintains, or
uses allows all federal employees, with or without disabilities, to have
access to, and use of, information and data. The law’s implementing
regulations contain specific guidelines for creating and procuring
accessible technology. Mr. Orozco’s lawsuit, brought with the assistance of
the National Federation of the Blind, alleges that the FBI and Justice
Department have failed to follow or deliberately ignored these guidelines.

“It is nothing short of shameful that two of our nation’s top law
enforcement agencies are flouting a federal civil rights law and failing to
value the contributions of Mr. Orozco and other blind people who are
helping to protect all Americans,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the
National Federation of the Blind. “America’s civil rights organization of
the blind is proud to stand up for the right of blind people to play an
equal role in our nation’s security.”

Mr. Orozco is represented by Timothy Elder and Albert Elia of the TRE Legal
Practice.

*###*

*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.

*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

This press release Is also available at:
https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/blind-intelligence-analyst-sues-fbi-and-department-justice

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

[image: 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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-- 
Dorothy Griffin - President
National Federation of the Blind of Georgia
dgriffin at nfbga.org
770-374-4832

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.