[Nfbmo] FW: Accessibility for the blind petition

[Jordan Gallacher]

I would love to sign it, but Change.org cannot find it when I click on the
provided link.
Thanks,
Jordan

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbmo [mailto:nfbmo-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Gary Wunder
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 1:18 PM
To: 'NFB of Missouri Mailing List'
Subject: [Nfbmo] FW: Accessibility for the blind petition

 

 

From: Gene Fleeman [mailto:gfleeman55 at gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 8:14 AM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Accessibility for the blind petition

 

Hi!

I've started the petition "Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers:
Incorporate voice technology, audio queues, and/or tactile buttons into your
flat panel appliances to make them accessible to the blind and those with
low vision." and need your help to get it off the ground.

Will you take 30 seconds to sign it right now? Here's the link:

http://www.change.org/petitions/association-of-home-appliance-manufacturers-
incorporate-voice-technology-audio-queues-and-or-tactile-buttons-into-your-f
lat-panel-appliances-to-make-them-accessible-to-the-blind-and-those-with-low
-vision
<http://www.change.org/petitions/association-of-home-appliance-manufacturers
-incorporate-voice-technology-audio-queues-and-or-tactile-buttons-into-your-
flat-panel-appliances-to-make-them-accessible-to-the-blind-and-those-with-lo
w-vision?utm_source=guides&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=petition_created> 

Here's why it's important:

I started this petition on Change.org, because of the perceived lack of
demand, appliance manufacturers have been reluctant to build inexpensive
voice/touch technology into their products, thereby making them inaccessible
to the blind.  There are approximately seven million blind or low-vision
people living in the United States today, and that number is growing every
day, due to causes ranging from birth defects, diabetes, to combat injuries,
etc.  We clean, do laundry, iron, sew, and travel independently. We are
foodservice managers, attorneys, scientists and more.  And yet, when it
comes to operating our touch panel home appliances we are practically
helpless.  Why?, because appliance manufacturers refuse to incorporate
inexpensive technology that already exists-such as those used in smartphones
and iPads that make their flat panel appliances accessible to the blind. 

By including audio cues, speech output, or tactile buttons, manufacturers
will reduce the likelihood that a blind or sighted person will inadvertently
touch a spot on a panel and turn on a burner without knowing it, potentially
causing a fire or serious personal injury. Without accessible technology
being offered to consumers, people who were once able to cook and clean
independently could well find themselves unable to live alone in their own
homes.

But it doesn't have to be this way! If manufacturers incorporate inexpensive
audio and/or tactile technology into their products, they will make a huge
difference in the safety of the blind and others as well as the ability of
the blind to continue to lead their lives independently, while
simultaneously gaining thousands, if not millions, of newly satisfied
customers. This is good for blind people who will remain independent; good
for manufacturers who will sell products that the blind can use and that are
safer for all who buy them; and good for society, which will not be asked to
help normally competent human beings live in assisted living or nursing
facilities simply because new appliances do not have displays they can read.

By signing our petition, you will be showing your support and telling the
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers to work in collaboration with
the National Federation of the Blind to get their manufacturer members to
incorporate these immeasurable improvements in the quality of life,
convenience, and safety of the blind and those who are losing their vision.

Thank you for your support,

Gene Fleeman

Member,

National Federation of the Blind

You can sign my petition by clicking here.
<http://www.change.org/petitions/association-of-home-appliance-manufacturers
-incorporate-voice-technology-audio-queues-and-or-tactile-buttons-into-your-
flat-panel-appliances-to-make-them-accessible-to-the-blind-and-those-with-lo
w-vision?utm_source=guides&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=petition_created> 

Thanks! 
Gene 

 

Wondering what to do with your old car or truck? Donating your vehicle to
the National Federation of the Blind is convenient and may qualify you for a
tax deduction. Call 1-855-659-9314 or visit www.carshelpingtheblind.org Your
donation can take the blind further.

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