[NFBF-Tampa] To the NFB Tampa chapter list

[Ineko Gary]

Greetings all

This is from the nfB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Federation of the Blind Applauds the Introduction of the Access
Technology Affordability Act in the House

Baltimore, Maryland (April 4, 2019): The National Federation of the Blind,
the oldest and largest organization of blind Americans, applauds the
introduction of the Access Technology Affordability Act (ATAA) of 2019 (H.R.
2086) by Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee Chairman Mike Thompson
(D-CA-5) and Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-16). This bipartisan
legislation removes an employment barrier commonly experienced by blind
Americans who cannot afford the high cost of access technology by creating a
refundable tax credit in the amount of $2,000 to offset the cost of these
technologies. Bipartisan companion legislation (S. 815) was previously
introduced in the Senate on March 15.

Chairman Thompson said: "Blind people in America deserve to have the same
economic opportunity through workforce participation as everyone else. Far
too often, access technologies that blind individuals need to be competitive
employees, like screen readers or Braille note takers, are so expensive that
blind individuals can't purchase them and are underemployed or unemployed as
a result. That's why I'm proud to introduce the Access Technology
Affordability Act, which creates a refundable credit to help purchase
technology needed to compete in the workforce. This credit will help unlock
critical economic opportunities for blind individuals across our nation."

"Ensuring that blind Americans have access to important technology will help
more Americans have the same educational and employment opportunities to
thrive," said Representative Mike Kelly. "I am proud to cosponsor this
bipartisan legislation, which will ease the financial burden on blind
students to acquire the access technology they need to succeed in their
academic pursuits."

Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
"My wife, my two daughters, and I are all blind, and the children's
technology needs are going to increase as they continue their education and
start their careers. My family is not unique; blind people across the nation
face this challenge, and this legislation will provide critical assistance.
We thank and commend our outstanding House champions for putting forward
this legislation, which will help give blind people the technology they need
to live the lives they want."

Always 
Ineko 

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