<html>
<body>
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br>
<br>
CONTACT:<br>
</b>Chris Danielsen<br>
Director of Public Relations<br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330<br>
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)<br>
<a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a><br>
<b> <br>
<div align="center">National Federation of the Blind Applauds Issuance of
"508 Refresh" Regulations<br>
</div>
<br>
Baltimore, Maryland (January 9, 2017): </b>The National Federation of the
Blind, the nation's leading advocate for blind Americans to gain equal
access to information and technology, today applauded the publication of
new technical standards to bring information and communication technology
(ICT) into compliance with section 508 of the Rehabilitation act of
1973, which requires government agencies and contractors to make their
electronic information and technology accessible to the blind and others
with disabilities.<br>
<br>
Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind,
said: "Information and communication Technology has changed a great
deal since the last Section 508 regulations were issued, and has become
an even more integral part of everyday life. Yet blind people,
particularly blind federal employees, continue to struggle with access
barriers when interacting with electronic and information technology used
or procured by federal agencies. For these reasons, we are extremely
pleased that the new Section 508 standards have finally been published.
Government agencies and contractors should now understand how to make
information and services accessible to the blind, allowing federal
employees to perform their job functions effectively and other blind
Americans to exercise our rights and responsibilities as
citizens."<br>
<div align="center"><b> <br>
</b></div>
In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require
Federal agencies to make their ICT accessible to people with
disabilities. Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in
information technology, open new opportunities for people with
disabilities, and encourage development of technologies that will help
achieve these goals. The law applies to all Federal agencies when they
develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information
technology. <br>
<div align="center"><b> <br>
###<br>
</div>
<br>
About the National Federation of the Blind <br>
</b> <br>
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.<br>
<br>
Christopher S. Danielsen, J.D.<br>
Director of Public Relations<br>
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<br>
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330 |
<a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a> <br>
Twitter: @rlawyer<br>
<br>
<a href="https://nfb.org/">
<img src="cid:7.1.0.9.2.20170109160501.01a373a0@visi.com.4" width=210 height=76 alt="National Federation of the Blind">
</a><br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind">
<img src="cid:7.1.0.9.2.20170109160501.01a373a0@visi.com.5" width=24 height=24 alt="Facebook">
</a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice">
<img src="cid:7.1.0.9.2.20170109160501.01a373a0@visi.com.6" width=24 height=24 alt="Twitter">
</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind">
<img src="cid:7.1.0.9.2.20170109160501.01a373a0@visi.com.7" width=24 height=24 alt="Youtube">
</a><br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br><br>
<br>
</body>
</html>