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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Legislative Agenda of Blind
Americans: </FONT></DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase"><FONT size=5>Legislative Agenda of Blind
Americans:<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase"><FONT size=5>Priorities for the 113th
Congress, FIRST Session<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<DIV
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: purple 3pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: purple 3pt solid; BORDER-TOP: purple 3pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: purple 3pt solid"><FONT
face=Arial></FONT><FONT face=Arial></FONT>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoHeader><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt"><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoBodyTextIndent><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><FONT face=Arial>The
N<ST1>at</ST1>ional Feder<ST1>at</ST1>ion of the Blind (NFB) is the nation’s
oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind people.<SPAN>
</SPAN>As the voice of the nation’s blind, we represent the collective views of
blind people throughout society.<SPAN> </SPAN>All of our leaders and the
vast majority of our members are blind, but anyone can particip<ST1>at</ST1>e in
our movement.<SPAN> </SPAN>There are an estim<ST1>at</ST1>ed 1.3 million
blind people in the <ST1><ST1>United St<ST1>at</ST1>es</ST1></ST1>, and every
year approxim<ST1>at</ST1>ely 75,000 Americans become blind.<SPAN>
</SPAN><O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt"><O></O></SPAN></P><FONT
face=Arial></FONT></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The NFB’s three
legisl<ST1>at</ST1>ive initi<ST1>at</ST1>ives for 2013 are:
<O></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN>·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><B><SPAN style="COLOR: #333399; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The Fair
Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act </SPAN></B><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O></O></SPAN></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">This legislation phases out
Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows employers to pay
disabled workers subminimum wages.<SPAN> </SPAN>By ending this
exploitative, discriminatory practice, disabled Americans will receive equal
protection under the law to earn at least the federal minimum wage and reach
their full employment potential. <SPAN> </SPAN><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN>·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><B><SPAN style="COLOR: #333399; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The
Technology, Education and Accessibility in College and Higher Education Act
</SPAN></B><U><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O></O></SPAN></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Electronic instructional
materials and related technology have replaced traditional methods of learning
in postsecondary settings.<SPAN> </SPAN>Although it would be inexpensive
to create e-books, courseware, applications, and other educational devices and
materials in accessible formats, the overwhelming majority of these materials
are inaccessible to disabled students.<SPAN> </SPAN>This bill calls for
minimum accessibility standards for instructional materials, ending the
“separate but equal” approach to learning.<O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN>·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><B><SPAN style="COLOR: #333399; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Equal
Access to Air Travel for Service-Disabled Veterans (HR 164)</SPAN></B><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O></O></SPAN></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The Space Available Program
allows active-duty military, Red Cross employees, and retired members of the
armed services to travel on military aircraft if there is space
available.<SPAN> </SPAN>HR 164 reverses the exclusion of 100 percent
service-disabled veterans who were discharged before retirement and entitles
them to the program’s privileges.<SPAN> </SPAN><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<DIV
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: purple 3pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: purple 3pt solid; BORDER-TOP: purple 3pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: purple 3pt solid"><FONT
face=Arial></FONT><FONT face=Arial></FONT>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoBodyTextIndent><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt"><O><FONT
face=Arial></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoBodyTextIndent><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><FONT face=Arial>The real
problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight; it is the misunderstanding and
lack of information that exist.<SPAN> </SPAN>Given the proper training and
opportunity, blindness can be reduced to a physical nuisance.
<SPAN> </SPAN>Blind Americans need your help to achieve these goals and
reach economic security and full integr<ST1>at</ST1>ion into
society.<SPAN> </SPAN>Supporting these measures will benefit more than
just the blind, as promoting our economic welfare increases the tax
base.<SPAN> </SPAN>We urge Congress to hear our demands for equality and
support these legislative initiatives.
<SPAN> </SPAN><O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoBodyTextIndent><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt"><O><FONT
face=Arial></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoBodyTextIndent><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt"><O></O></SPAN></P><FONT
face=Arial></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: purple 3pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: purple 3pt solid; BORDER-TOP: purple 3pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: purple 3pt solid"><STRONG><FONT
size=5 face=Helvetica></FONT></STRONG>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt"><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN><FONT
size=5><FONT face=Helvetica>Equal Access to Air Travel for Service-Disabled
Veterans (HR 164)<O></O></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><O><FONT face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<DIV
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: purple 4.5pt solid"><STRONG><FONT
size=5 face=Helvetica></FONT></STRONG>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN><FONT size=5><FONT face=Helvetica>The
Space Available Program denies 100 percent
of<O></O></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN><FONT size=5><FONT
face=Helvetica>Service-Disabled Veterans the opportunity to
participate.<O></O></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Discharged service-disabled veterans are not
entitled to air travel privileges to which other members of the military have
access.<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The Space
Available Program<B><SPAN style="COLOR: red"> </SPAN></B>allows members of the
active military, some family members, Red Cross employees, and retired members
of the armed services to travel on military aircraft if space is
available.<SPAN> </SPAN>However, members of the military who are 100
percent service disabled do not qualify for this program because they do not
fall into one of those categories.<O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">This unintentional exclusion denies
discharged service-disabled veterans a privilege to which they would be entitled
had they not been disabled during service.<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Those service members who are disabled during active
duty and are medically discharged do not have the chance to stay on active duty
or fulfill the twenty years requirement to become qualified for this
program.<SPAN> </SPAN>Had they not been medically discharged, 100 percent
service-disabled veterans are likely to have served until retirement. These men
and women have earned the right to space-available travel just as others have
because they have defended our country.<SPAN>
</SPAN><O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>Equal
Access to Air Travel for Service-Disabled Veterans would<SPAN
style="COLOR: black">:<SPAN> </SPAN><O></O></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="COLOR: #006699; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: #006699; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Provide travel privileges to totally
disabled veterans.<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">This bill amends Title 10 of the U.S. Code, to permit
veterans who have a service-connected, permanent disability rated as total to
travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired
members of the Armed Forces entitled to such travel. <O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<DIV
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: purple 4.5pt solid"><STRONG><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></STRONG>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>HONOR OUR SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS WITH
<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>PRIVILEGES THEY ARE ENTITLED TO.<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>Cosponsor HR 164.<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P><STRONG><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>To cosponsor the bill,
contact:<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>Mirium Keim, Legislative
Assistant<O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>Office of Congressman Bilirakis
(R-FL)<O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>Phone: (202) 225-5755 email:
</FONT><A href="mailto:mirium.keim@mail.house.gov"><FONT
face=Helvetica>mirium.keim@mail.house.gov</FONT></A><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>For more information
contact:<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>Jesse Hartle, Government Affairs
Specialist<O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>National Federation of the
Blind<O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>Phone: (410) 659-9314, Extension
2233 email: </FONT><A href="mailto:jhartle@nfb.org"><FONT
face=Helvetica>jhartle@nfb.org</FONT></A><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt"><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN><O><FONT
size=5 face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN><FONT
size=5><FONT face=Helvetica>The Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act of
2013<O></O></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><O><FONT face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<DIV
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: purple 4.5pt solid"><STRONG><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></STRONG>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>Current labor laws unjustly prohibit workers with disabilities
<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>from reaching their full socioeconomic
potential.<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Written in 1938, Section 14(c) of the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA) discriminates against people with disabilities
</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">by allowing the secretary of labor to
grant Special Wage Certificates to employers, permitting them to pay workers
with disabilities less than the minimum wage.<SPAN> </SPAN>Despite
enlightened civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of
disability, this antiquated provision is still in force, with some disabled
workers making only three cents an hour. <O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The subminimum wage model actually benefits
the employer, not the worker. </SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Subminimum wage employers receive taxpayer and
philanthropic dollars because the public believes they are providing training
and employment for people with disabilities.<SPAN> </SPAN>The executives
use the substantial proceeds to compensate themselves with six-figure salaries
on the backs of disabled workers they pay pennies per hour.<SPAN>
</SPAN>People who raise their own standard of living while taking advantage of
those who do not have the same rights as every other American are engaging in
discrimination, not charity.<B><SPAN style="COLOR: red"><SPAN>
</SPAN><O></O></SPAN></B></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><A name=OLE_LINK2></A><A name=OLE_LINK1><SPAN><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>This discrimination
persists because of the myths that Section 14(c)
is:<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></SPAN></A></P><SPAN></SPAN><SPAN></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Myth 1…a compassionate offering of
meaningful work.</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN>
</SPAN>Although the entities that engage in this practice demand the benefits
that come from being recognized as employers, subminimum wage work is not true
employment. <SPAN> </SPAN><SPAN> </SPAN>These so-called employers
offer days filled with only repetitive drudgery for which workers are
compensated with third-world wages, leading disabled employees toward learned
incapacity and greater dependence on social programs.<O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Myth 2…an employment training tool for
disabled workers. </SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Fewer<B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red"> </SPAN></B>than 5 percent of workers with disabilities in
subminimum wage workshops will transition into integrated competitive
work.<SPAN> </SPAN>In fact data show that they must unlearn the skills
they acquire in a subminimum wage workshop in order to obtain meaningful
employment.<SPAN> </SPAN>Therefore Section 14(c) is a training tool that
perpetuates ongoing underemployment.<O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Myth 3…a controversial issue among the
disability community. </SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN> </SPAN>More than fifty disability-related
organizations and counting support the repeal of Section 14(c) of the FLSA, and
many former subminimum wage employers have abandoned the use of the Special Wage
Certificate without terminating anyone.<SPAN> </SPAN>Only entities
profiting from this exploitive practice refuse to acknowledge that it is
discrimination.<SPAN> </SPAN><O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>T<SPAN
style="COLOR: black">he Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act of
2013:<SPAN> </SPAN><O></O></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: #006699; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Discontinues the practice of issuing
Special Wage Certificates.</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="COLOR: #333399; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The secretary of labor will no longer issue Special Wage
Certificates to new applicants.<SPAN> </SPAN><O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: #006699; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Phases out all remaining Special Wage
Certificates over a three-year period.</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN> </SPAN>Entities currently holding Special
Wage Certificates will begin compensating their workers with disabilities at no
less than the federal minimum wage, using the following schedule:<SPAN>
</SPAN><O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN>·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>private
for-profit entities’ certificates will be revoked after one year;
<O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN>·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>public
or governmental entities’ certificates will be revoked after two years; and
<O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN>·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>nonprofit entities’ certificates will be revoked after three
years.<SPAN> </SPAN><O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: #006699; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Repeals Section 14(c) of the
FLSA.</SPAN></B><B><SPAN style="COLOR: #333399; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">
<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Three years after
the law is enacted, the practice of paying disabled workers subminimum wages
will be officially abolished, and workers with disabilities will no longer be
excluded from the workforce protection of a federal minimum wage.<SPAN>
</SPAN><O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<DIV
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: purple 4.5pt solid"><STRONG><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></STRONG>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>STOP THE DISCRIMINATION.<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>Create opportunities for real work at real
wages.<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>Cosponsor the <SPAN style="COLOR: black">Fair Wages for Workers
with Disabilities Act.<O></O></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P><STRONG><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>For more information
contact:<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>Anil Lewis, Director of Advocacy
and Policy<O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>National Federation of the
Blind<O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>Phone: (410) 659-9314, Extension
2374<SPAN> </SPAN>email: </FONT><A
href="mailto:alewis@nfb.org"><FONT
face=Helvetica>alewis@nfb.org</FONT></A><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT></O></SPAN></P><FONT size=2 face=Arial>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt"><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O></O></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 13pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>The Technology, Education, and
Accessibility <O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 13pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>in College and Higher Education Act
(TEACH)<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><O><FONT face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<DIV
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: purple 4.5pt solid"><STRONG><FONT
size=3 face=Helvetica></FONT></STRONG>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>Inaccessible technology in the classroom creates a
separate-but-equal <O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>approach to learning that discriminates against disabled
students. <O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The evolution of technology has
fundamentally changed the education system.<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The scope of instructional materials used to facilitate
the teaching and learning process at institutions of higher education has
expanded.<SPAN> </SPAN>Curricular content comes in the form of digital
books, PDFs, webpages, etc.; and most of this content is delivered through
technology such as courseware, library databases, digital software, and
applications. These advancements have revolutionized access to information, but
the majority of these materials are partially or completely inaccessible to
students with disabilities. <O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Barriers to access for disabled students
create a separate-but-equal approach to learning.<SPAN>
</SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">According to a 2009 Government
Accountability Office report, approximately 10.8 percent of students enrolled in
postsecondary institutions had some disability.<SPAN> </SPAN>The mass
deployment of inaccessible electronic instructional materials creates barriers
to learning for millions of disabled students.<SPAN> </SPAN>When a website
is not compatible with screen-access software, a blind student is denied access
to online course information; if nondisabled students are using an inaccessible
e-reader, a student who cannot read print has to petition the school for an
accessible device and thus potentially different content.<SPAN>
</SPAN>This approach to access is discriminatory and places unnecessary barriers
in the way of students with disabilities.<SPAN>
</SPAN><O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Technology exists to remedy this
discrimination, but postsecondary institutions are not investing in
accessibility.<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN> </SPAN>Innovations in text-to-speech,
refreshable Braille, and other technologies have created promise for equal
access for disabled students; yet an unacceptable number of postsecondary
institutions do not make it a priority to purchase accessible
technology.<SPAN> </SPAN>Schools are buying inaccessible instructional
materials and then separate, accessible items on an ad-hoc basis for students
with disabilities.<SPAN> </SPAN>Some resort merely to retrofitting the
inaccessible technology, which sometimes makes accessibility worse.<SPAN>
</SPAN>Until postsecondary institutions harness their purchasing power, the
market for accessible instructional materials will remain limited, and disabled
students will continue to be left behind. <O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Equality in the classroom is a civil right.
<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit
discrimination on the basis of disability.<SPAN> </SPAN>The deployment of
inaccessible instructional materials violates these laws.<SPAN>
</SPAN><O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>Technology, Education, and Accessibility in College and Higher
Education Act:<SPAN> </SPAN><O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: #006699; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Develops accessibility guidelines for
instructional materials.</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="COLOR: #333399; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The Access Board will consult experts and stakeholders
to develop technical specifications for electronic instructional materials and
related information technologies so that those materials are usable by
individuals with disabilities.<SPAN> </SPAN><O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: #006699; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Establishes a minimum accessibility
standard for instructional materials used by the government and in postsecondary
academic settings.<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The Department of Justice will implement the guidelines
developed by the Access Board as enforceable standards applicable to all
departments and agencies of the federal government and institutions of higher
education covered in Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities
Act.<SPAN> </SPAN><O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Helvetica><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: #215868; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Promotes competition while ensuring
equality.</SPAN></B><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: #31849b; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The guidelines provide guidance to manufacturers on how
to develop products that are fully accessible to disabled users, and the
required standards will ensure that all colleges, universities, and federal
agencies procure and deploy only fully accessible instructional materials,
ending the separate-but-equal approach to learning.<SPAN>
</SPAN><SPAN> </SPAN><O></O></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<DIV
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: purple 4.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: purple 4.5pt solid"><STRONG><FONT
size=3 face=Helvetica></FONT></STRONG>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>PROTECT EQUALITY IN THE CLASSROOM.<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT
face=Helvetica>Cosponsor the <SPAN style="COLOR: black">Technology, Education,
and Accessibility<O></O></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica><SPAN> </SPAN>in
College and Higher Education Act (TEACH).<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"
class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P><STRONG><FONT size=3
face=Helvetica></FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>For more information
contact:<O></O></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>Lauren McLarney, Government Affairs
Specialist<O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>National Federation of the
Blind<O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Helvetica>Phone: (410) 659-9314, Extension
2207<SPAN> </SPAN>email:
lmclarney@nfb.org<O></O></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><O><FONT
face=Helvetica></FONT></O></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center>Sincerely,</P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center>Kenneth Chrane</P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal
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