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<DIV>
<DIV>Hello All,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>As President Riccobono announced earlier, Maryland will be visiting our
Representatives in Washington on Tuesday February 10th. Please read the
information below so that you are informed of the issues.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Thanks,</DIV>
<DIV>Sharon</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message -----
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A
title=LPovinelli@aol.com href="mailto:LPovinelli@aol.com">LPovinelli@aol.com</A>
</DIV>
<DIV><B>To:</B> <A title=undisclosed-recipients:
href="mailto:undisclosed-recipients:">undisclosed-recipients:</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>Sent:</B> Monday, January 19, 2009 12:38 AM</DIV>
<DIV><B>Subject:</B> Legislative Agenda of Blind Americans: Priorities for the
111th Congress</DIV></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV><FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT
id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt"><FONT
size=5>Legislative Agenda of Blind Americans:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><FONT size=5><B><SPAN
style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt">Priorities
for the 111th Congress, FIRST Session</SPAN></B><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoHeader style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoHeader style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0in"><FONT
size=3><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest
organization of blind people in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As the Voice of the Nation’s Blind, we
present the collective views of blind people throughout society.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>All of our leaders and the vast majority
of our members are blind, but anyone can participate in our movement.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There are an estimated 1.3 million blind
people in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United
States</st1:place></st1:country-region>, and every year approximately 75,000
Americans become blind.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The social
and economic consequences of blindness affect not only blind people, but also
our families, our friends, and our coworkers.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Three legislative initiatives demand the immediate attention of the 111th
Congress in its first session:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">1.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">We urge
Congress to ensure the safety of blind and other pedestrians by passing the
Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>This legislation would require the U.S. Secretary of Transportation
to:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Begin a
study within ninety days of its enactment to determine the most practical means
of assuring that blind and other pedestrians receive essentially similar
information to what they now receive from sound emitted by internal combustion
engines; <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Determine
the minimum amount of sound necessary to offer sufficient information for blind
pedestrians to make safe travel judgments based on appropriate scientific
research and consultation with blind Americans and other affected groups;
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Within
two years of beginning the study, promulgate a motor vehicle safety standard to
address the needs of blind and other pedestrians by requiring either a minimum
level of sound or an equally effective means of providing the same information
as is available from hearing internal combustion engines; and
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Apply the
standard to all motor vehicles manufactured or sold in the <st1:country-region
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>
beginning no later than two years after the date it is promulgated.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">2.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">We urge
Congress to work with blind Americans to create a Technology Bill of Rights for
the Blind that mandates consumer electronics, home appliances, and office
equipment to provide user interfaces that are accessible through nonvisual
means.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This legislation
should:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; tab-stops: list .75in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.0in; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Mandate that
all consumer electronics, home appliances, and office equipment be designed so
that blind people can access the same functions as sighted people through
nonvisual means and with substantially equivalent ease of use;
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; tab-stops: list 1.0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.0in; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Create a
commission comprised of essential stakeholders to establish standards for
nonvisual accessibility of electronic devices intended for use in the home or
office; <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt 1.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.25in; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Endow the
commission with enforcement powers or locate it within a government agency
having such powers; and <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 1.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.25in; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Authorize it
to reexamine and rewrite standards to keep pace with the evolution of consumer
electronic technology.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">3.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">We urge
Congress to <SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">promote and facilitate the
transition by blind Americans from recipients of Social Security Disability
Insurance benefits to income-earning, taxpaying, productive members of the
American workforce</SPAN> by enacting legislation to:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Replace the
monthly earnings penalty with a graduated 3-for-1 phase-out (i.e., a $1
reduction in benefits for each $3 earned above the limit);
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; tab-stops: list 1.0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Replace the
monthly earnings test with an annualized earnings test with an amount equal to
twelve times. Substantial Gainful Activity amount; and
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; tab-stops: list 1.0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Establish an
impairment-related work expense deduction for blind Social Security Disability
Insurance beneficiaries equal to the amount applicable for this deduction when
determining an appropriate income subsidy under Medicare Part D or 16.3 percent
of earnings, whichever is greater.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>For more information about these priorities, please consult the attached
fact sheets.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0in"><FONT
size=3><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Blind Americans need your help to achieve our goals of economic security,
increased opportunity, and full integration into American society on a basis of
equality.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Enactment of these
legislative proposals will represent important steps toward reaching these
goals.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We need the help and support
of each member of Congress.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Our
success benefits not only us, but the whole of <st1:country-region
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> as
well.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In this time of national
economic insecurity, these measures will contribute to increasing the tax base
and encouraging the purchase of consumer goods.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoBodyText style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">ENHANCING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>ENSURING THE BLIND CAN CONTINUE TO
TRAVEL SAFELY AND INDEPENDENTLY<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Purpose:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>To require hybrid, electric, and other
vehicles to emit a minimum level of sound to alert blind and other pedestrians
of their presence.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Background:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Until recently independent travel for
the blind has been a relatively simple matter, once a blind person has been
trained in travel techniques and has learned to use a white cane or travel with
a guide dog.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Blind people listen to
the sounds of automobile engines to determine the direction, speed, and pattern
of traffic.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Sounds from traffic
tell blind pedestrians how many vehicles are near them and how fast they are
moving, whether the vehicles are accelerating or decelerating, and whether the
vehicles are traveling toward, away from, or parallel to them.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>With all of this information, blind
people can accurately determine when it is safe to advance into an intersection
or across a driveway or parking lot.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The information obtained from listening to traffic sounds allows blind
people to travel with complete confidence and without assistance. Studies have
shown that sighted pedestrians also use this information when traveling.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Over the past few years, however, vehicles that are completely silent in
certain modes of operation have come on the market, and many more silent
vehicles are expected in the near future.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>These vehicles are designed to have many benefits, including improved
fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, but they do not need to be silent in
order to achieve these intended benefits.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>An unintended consequence of these vehicles as they are currently
designed is that they will reduce the independence of blind Americans and
endanger the lives, not only of blind people, but also of small children,
seniors, cyclists, and runners.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Currently the most popular of these vehicles is the gasoline-electric
hybrid, which alternates between running on a gasoline engine and on battery
power (although a few electric automobiles are already on <st1:country-region
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s roads
and new all-electric models are planned).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The blind of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> do not oppose the
proliferation of vehicles intended to reduce damage to the environment, but for
safety these vehicles must meet a minimum sound standard.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>On April 9, 2008, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Congressmen</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Ed</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Towns</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> and Cliff Stearns introduced H.R.
5734 (the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2008).<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This legislation sought to solve the
problem of silent cars by authorizing a two-year study to determine the best
method for allowing blind individuals to recognize the presence of silent cars,
and by requiring that, two years after the study was completed, all new vehicles
sold in the United States must comply with the solution determined by the
study.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the 110th Congress,
eighty-eight members of the House cosponsored this legislation.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Need for Congressional
Action:</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For several years the National
Federation of the Blind has been concerned about the proliferation of silent
vehicles.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Recently automobile
manufacturers have acknowledged the problems posed to blind pedestrians by
silent vehicle technology and have begun to work with the National Federation of
the Blind to seek solutions.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>However, federal regulators have indicated that, in the absence of
statistics on injuries or deaths caused by hybrid vehicles, nothing can be
done.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Congress must therefore
direct the Department of Transportation to take action.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It is crucial that this problem be
addressed before the inevitable avalanche of tragedies involving blind people,
small children, seniors, cyclists, runners, and newly blinded veterans shocks
the nation.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextIndent
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0in"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0in"><FONT
size=3><B>Proposed Legislation:</B><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Congressmen</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Towns</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and Stearns have
reintroduced the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act to direct the Secretary of
Transportation to conduct a study and establish a </FONT><A
name=OLE_LINK2></A><A name=OLE_LINK1><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2"><FONT
size=3>motor vehicle safety standard </FONT></SPAN></A><FONT size=3>that
provides a means of alerting blind and other pedestrians of motor vehicle
operation, based on appropriate scientific research and consultation with blind
Americans and other affected groups.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>This national motor vehicle safety standard must have the following
characteristics:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></P>
<UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type=disc>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">In all phases of operation
(including times when the vehicle is at a full stop) vehicles shall be
required to emit an omni-directional sound with similar spectral
characteristics to those of a modern internal combustion engine.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">The sound should vary in a way
that is consistent with the sound of vehicles with combustion engines to
indicate whether the vehicle is idling, maintaining a constant speed,
accelerating, or decelerating.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI></UL>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The standard need not prescribe the apparatus, technology, or method to
be used by vehicle manufacturers to achieve the required minimum sound
level.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This approach will encourage
manufacturers to use innovative and cost-effective techniques to achieve the
minimum sound standard.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The addition of components to emit a minimum sound discernible by blind
and other pedestrians will not negatively affect environmental benefits of
gasoline-electric hybrids and other automobiles running on alternate power
sources, and the emitted sound need not be loud enough to contribute to noise
pollution.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Automobiles that operate
in complete silence, however, endanger the safety of all of us; silent operation
should be viewed as a design flaw comparable to the lack of seat belts or air
bags.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Requested Action:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please support blind Americans by
cosponsoring the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act to authorize the U.S.
Department of Transportation to establish and promulgate regulations specifying
a minimum sound standard for all new automobiles sold in the <st1:country-region
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the House of Representatives,
members can be added by contacting Emily Khoury in Congressman Towns’s office,
or James Thomas in Congressman Stearns’s office.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the Senate members can support
independence for blind Americans by sponsoring companion legislation.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Contact
Information:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><st1:PersonName w:st="on"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Jesse
Hartle</SPAN></st1:PersonName><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Government
Programs Specialist<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">NATIONAL
FEDERATION OF THE BLIND<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Phone:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>(410) 659-9314, extension
2233<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Email:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>jhartle@nfb.org<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt"><FONT size=5>A TECHNOLOGY
BILL OF RIGHTS FOR THE BLIND<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Purpose:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>To create a Technology Bill of Rights
for the Blind that mandates consumer electronics, home appliances, and office
equipment to provide user interfaces that are accessible through nonvisual
means.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Background</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In recent years rapid advances in
microchip and digital technology have led to increasingly complex user
interfaces for everyday products like consumer electronics, home appliances, and
office equipment.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Many new devices
in these categories require user interaction with visual displays, on-screen
menus, touch screens, and other user interfaces that are inaccessible to
individuals who are blind or have low vision.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>No longer are settings on the
television, home stereo system, or dishwasher controlled by knobs, switches, and
buttons that can be readily identified and whose settings can be easily
discerned, with or without the addition of tactile markings by the user.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Moreover, the use of inaccessible
interfaces on office equipment such as copiers and fax machines makes these
devices unusable by the blind and therefore a potential threat to a blind
person’s existing job or a barrier to obtaining new employment.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>This growing threat to the independence and productivity of blind people
is unnecessary since digital devices can function without inaccessible
interfaces.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Today text-to-speech
technology is inexpensive and more nearly ubiquitous than it has ever been; it
is used in everything from automated telephone systems to the weather
forecasting service broadcast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Indeed, a few
manufacturers have incorporated this technology into their products to create
talking menus or to articulate what is on the display; there is no reason why
other manufacturers cannot do so as well.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>And text-to-speech technology is not the only mechanism by which consumer
electronics, home appliances, and office equipment can be made accessible to
blind people.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Need for
Legislation:</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Currently there are no enforceable
mandates for manufacturers of consumer electronics, home appliances, or office
equipment to make their devices accessible and no accessibility standards to
provide guidance to manufacturers on how to avoid creating barriers to access by
the blind.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Congress should
therefore enact a Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind, which clearly
establishes that manufacturers must create accessible user interfaces for their
products, provide a means for enforcement, and establish standards that will
provide meaningful benchmarks that manufacturers can use to make their products
accessible.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Congress need not mandate a single, one-size-fits-all solution for all
consumer technology.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Rather
any such legislation should mandate regulations that set meaningful
accessibility standards, while at the same time allowing manufacturers to select
from a menu of potential solutions that, singly or in combination, will allow
blind users to operate the technology easily and successfully.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This will not only give manufacturers
the freedom and flexibility they desire, but encourage innovations that make
consumer technology more usable for everyone.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always; mso-special-character: line-break"
clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Proposed
Legislation:</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Congress should enact a Technology Bill
of Rights for the Blind that:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type=disc>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Mandates that all consumer
electronics, home appliances, and office equipment<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>be designed so that blind people are
able to access the same functions as sighted people by nonvisual means and
with substantially equivalent ease of use; and<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI></UL>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type=disc>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Creates a commission to establish
standards for nonvisual accessibility of electronic devices intended for use
in the home or office.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Such a
commission should represent all stakeholders, including organizations of the
blind; manufacturers of consumer electronics, home appliances, and office
equipment or associations representing such manufacturers; and experts on
universal design, electronic engineering, and related fields.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This commission should have
enforcement powers or be housed within a government agency having such powers
(e.g., U.S. Department of Commerce), and should be authorized to reexamine and
rewrite standards periodically, as consumer electronic technology continues to
evolve.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI></UL>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Requested Action</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please support blind Americans by
introducing legislation to create a Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind (or
by cosponsoring once legislation has been introduced) so that blind people will
be able to participate fully in all aspects of American society.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Increased access leads to increased
independence, increased employment, and increased tax revenue.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Contact
Information:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><st1:PersonName w:st="on"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">James
McCarthy</SPAN></st1:PersonName><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Government
Programs Specialist<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">NATIONAL
FEDERATION OF THE BLIND<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Phone:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>(410) 659-9314, extension
2240<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Email:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>jmccarthy@nfb.org<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt"><FONT size=5>REMOVING THE
EARNINGS PENALTY:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>A COMMON SENSE
WORK INCENTIVE FOR BLIND SOCIAL SECURITY
BENEFICIARIES<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Purpose</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>To promote and facilitate the transition
by blind Americans from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
beneficiaries to income-earning, taxpaying, productive members of the American
workforce.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Background:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The unemployment rate for working-age
blind people is over 70 percent.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Part of the reason for this disproportionately high statistic is the
myths and misconceptions about the true capacities of blind people.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>These erroneous perceptions are
manifested when employers refuse to hire the blind.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>In addition, governmental programs intended to help blind people meet
their basic economic needs, especially the SSDI program, have had the unintended
consequence of creating an incentive for blind people to remain unemployed or
underemployed despite their desire to work.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Low societal expectations result in low
representation of the blind in the workforce.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This low representation of the blind
reinforces low societal expectations—it is a vicious circle that perpetuates
systemic employment discrimination against the blind.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Despite the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind, blindness
still has profound social and economic consequences.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Governmental programs should encourage
blind people to reach their full employment potential; they should not encourage
economic dependence.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Existing Law</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Title II of the Social Security Act
provides that disability benefits paid to blind beneficiaries are eliminated if
the beneficiary exceeds a monthly earnings limit.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This earnings limit is in effect a
penalty imposed on blind Americans when they work.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This penalty imposed by the SSDI program
means that, if a blind person earns just $1 over $1,640 (the monthly limit in
2009 following a Trial Work Period), all benefits are lost.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Section 216(i)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act defines blindness as a
disability based on objective measurement of acuity and visual field, as opposed
to the subjective criterion of inability to perform Substantial Gainful Activity
(SGA).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For blind people, doing work
valued at the SGA earnings limit terminates benefits but does not terminate
disability.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Only blind people not
working or those with work earnings below an annually adjusted statutory
earnings limit receive benefits.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Need for
Legislation:</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>When a blind person enters the
workforce, there is no guarantee that wages earned will replace SSDI benefits
after taxes are paid and work expenses are deducted.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For example, Jane worked as a customer
service representative with an annual income of $35,000 until she became blind
from diabetic retinopathy.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Jane
meets the criteria for SSDI benefits, which provide income of $1,060 a month (or
$12,720 a year) tax-free while she is not working.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Jane wants additional income to meet her
financial needs.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>After an
adjustment period and blindness skills training, she finds employment as a
part-time representative making $10 an hour for 35 hours a week.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Jane grosses $350 a week for an average
of $1,517 a month.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Using a
conservative 25 percent withholding tax, Jane nets $1,137.50 from her work,
combined with her $1,060 disability benefit, for a net total of $2,197.50 a
month.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If Jane should have the
opportunity to work full time (40 hours), her weekly salary would go up to $400
a week for a monthly average of $1,733.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>This amount is over the 2009 earnings limit, so Jane loses all of her
disability benefits.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Using the same
25 percent tax level, Jane nets only $1,300 a month—working an extra five hours
a week has cost Jane $897.50 net income (over $10,500 a year).<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This example illustrates the work
disincentive contained in current law.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>A gradual reduction of $1 in benefits for every $3 earned over the
earnings limit would remove the earnings penalty and provide a financial
incentive to work.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The benefit
amount paid to an individual will gradually decrease, while the individual’s
contribution to the Social Security trust fund increases over time.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Under this approach, as Jane earns more,
she pays more into the trust fund, and her dependence on benefits
decreases.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Monthly earnings evaluations are unnecessarily complicated for both the
beneficiaries and the Social Security Administration.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Since the medical prognosis for blind
people rarely changes, and because blindness is objectively measurable, blind
people should be subject to an annual earnings test with the limit equal to the
twelve times applicable monthly SGA amount. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Under current law blind workers frequently pay for items and services
related to their disabilities that are necessary for them to work, and they are
permitted to subtract these Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) from monthly
earnings when determining monthly income.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Properly crediting IRWE poses a serious challenge to the SSDI program and
creates a lack of predictability for the blind person trying to determine
whether benefits will be available.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>To address both issues, Congress should permit SSDI recipients to claim
the same amount used when determining an income subsidy under the Medicare
prescription drug program, currently 16.3 percent.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 9pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Congress should enact legislation to:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 9pt 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Provide
that earnings of blind SSDI beneficiaries in excess of the annual earnings limit
result in a gradual benefit reduction of $1 for each $3 earned over the limit;
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 9pt 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Establish
an annual earnings test for blind SSDI beneficiaries; and<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Establish
one standard IRWE deduction for blind SSDI beneficiaries equal to the amount
presently applicable for this deduction when determining an appropriate income
subsidy under the Medicare prescription drug program or 16.3 percent of
earnings, whichever is greater.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Requested Action: <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Please support blind Americans by
cosponsoring legislation that provides a common sense work incentive for blind
Social Security beneficiaries.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Contact
Information:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><st1:PersonName w:st="on"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">James
McCarthy</SPAN></st1:PersonName><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Government
Programs Specialist<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">NATIONAL
FEDERATION OF THE BLIND<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Phone:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>(410) 659-9314, extension
2240<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Email:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>jmccarthy@nfb.org<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextIndent
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0in"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P></DIV></FONT></FONT><BR><BR><BR>
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