[NFBMT] National Federation of the Blind Applauds the Introduction of the Access Technology Affordability Act in the House

Fri Apr 5 16:26:58 UTC 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

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

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

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

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

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About the National Federation of the Blind 

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at  <http://www.nfb.org> www.nfb.org. 

CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

410-659-9314, extension 2330

410-262-1281 (Cell)

 <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> cdanielsen at nfb.org

Joy Breslauer, First Vice President

National Federation of the Blind of Montana 

Web Site:  <http://www.nfbofmt.org/> http://www.nfbofmt.org

Live the life you want

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want. 

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