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                                                                        <p><strong><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:14pt">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></strong></p>

                                                                        <h1><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:24pt">National Federation of the Blind Applauds the Introduction of the Access Technology Affordability Act in the Senate</span></h1>

                                                                        <p><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:14pt"><strong>Baltimore, Maryland (February 5, 2021):</strong> The National Federation of the Blind, the premier membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans, applauds the introduction of the <a href='https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=19880&qid=4845204' rel='nofollow'>Access Technology Affordability Act of 2021</a> in the United States Senate (S. 212) by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Senator John Boozman (R-AR). This 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 be used over a three-year
period to offset the cost of these technologies.</span></p>

                                                                        <p><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:14pt">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 will increase as they complete 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 Senators Cardin and Boozman for continuing to be champions for this act, which will help give blind people the technology they need to live the lives they want.”</span></p>

                                                                        <p><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:14pt">In addition to Cardin and Boozman, the Senate bill is cosponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Richard Burr (R-NC). Companion legislation was <a href='https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=19881&qid=4845204' rel='nofollow'>introduced in the House of Representatives</a> (H.R. 431) by Congressmen Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Mike Kelly (R-PA).</span></p>

                                                                        <p><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:14pt">To learn more about this and our other legislative priorities, attend our Great Gathering-In event for Washington Seminar, Monday, February 8 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. Visit <a href='https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=19892&qid=4845204' rel='nofollow'>nfb.org/washington-seminar</a> for more details.</span></p>

                                                                        <p><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:14pt">###</span></p>

                                                                        <h2><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:18pt">About the National Federation of the Blind</span></h2>

                                                                        <p><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:14pt">The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, 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. Founded in 1940, the NFB is the premier membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans with affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. 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 <a href='https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=19882&qid=4845204'
rel='nofollow'>nfb.org</a>.</span></p>

                                                                        <h2><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:18pt">CONTACT:</span></h2>

                                                                        <p><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:14pt">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='https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=19883&qid=4845204' rel='nofollow'>cdanielsen@nfb.org</a></span></p>
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