[Nfbmt] More Washington Seminar Info

[James Aldrich]

From:Lewis, AnilTo:Affiliate Presidents 
(state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org)nfb-legislative-directors at nfbnet.orgSubject:[State-affiliate-leadership-list] 
2014 NFB Washington Seminar Legislative Topics


All:



We have been informed that some congressional schedulers would like to 
know the legislative topics in order to ensure that you meet with the 
staff responsible for the specific issue. Although it is helpful to 
have a staffer that is knowledgeable and responsible for our issues 
present, please do your best to schedule meetings with the actual 
members of Congress. The three legislative agenda topics for 2014 are:
• The Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act (HR 831)

Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act allows employers to pay 
workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage because of the 
false assumption that they are less productive than non-disabled 
workers. This antiquated provision breeds low expectations and 
discourages disabled Americans from reaching their full potential. HR 
831 responsibly phases out the use of the 14(c) special wage 
certificates, ending the era of segregated, subminimum wage work.
• The Technology, Education and Accessibility in College and Higher 
Education Act (TEACH) (HR 3505)

Electronic instructional materials have replaced traditional methods of 
learning in postsecondary education, but the overwhelming majority of 
e-books, courseware, web content, and other technology are inaccessible 
to students with print disabilities. The law mandates equal access in 
the classroom, but fails to provide a prescription to schools for how 
that applies to technology. The TEACH Act creates accessibility 
guidelines for electronic instructional materials that will guide the 
market, give clarity to schools, and protect blind students’ rights to 
critical course material.
• The Air Carrier Technology Accessibility Act (ACTA)

Passenger interaction with technology is a central component of air 
travel. The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination on the 
basis of disability by airlines, but it was written before the 
emergence of web sites, kiosks, and mobile apps. These tools are all 
inaccessible to blind travelers despite readily-available solutions, 
resulting in segregation and substandard service. ACTA calls for all 
technology-based air travel services to be accessible to blind passengers.



The full Legislative Agenda of Blind Americans, along with fact sheets 
for each issue, are being proofed and they will be published and 
distributed soon.



Please contact me if you have any additional questions.



Sincerely,



Anil







Mr. Anil Lewis, M.P.A.

Director of Advocacy and Policy



“Eliminating Subminimum Wages for People with Disabilities”

http://www.nfb.org/fairwages

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place

Baltimore, Maryland   21230

(410) 659-9314 ext. 2374 (Voice)

(410) 685-5653 (FAX)

Email: alewis at nfb.org

Web: www.nfb.org

twitter: @anillife



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