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think this is important for all of us to see, no matter where you stand in the
field of blindness politics.</DIV>
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<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri"; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'><B>FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE<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></DIV>
<DIV align=center><B>National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of
Access Technology Affordability Act<BR></B><I>Urges Swift Passage of Legislation
to Help Blind People Buy Access Technology<BR></I></DIV><B>Baltimore, Maryland
(March 28, 2017):</B> The National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and
largest organization of blind Americans, today applauded the introduction of the
Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017 in both houses of Congress (H.R.
1734, S. 732). The bill was introduced by Representatives David Young (R-IA) and
Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) in the House and by Senators John Boozman (R-AR)
and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) in the Senate. The legislation will establish a
per-person individual refundable tax credit to be used over a multi-year period
to offset the cost of access technology for blind people. Access technology
includes items such as text-to-speech screen access software and electronic
Braille displays that blind people use to access computers, tablets, smart
phones, and other devices, as well as digital content.<BR>Mark A. Riccobono,
President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Access technology has
enabled many blind people to participate in educational and employment
opportunities, but the high cost of this technology is still a barrier for too
many blind Americans. Furthermore, different individuals have different skills
and requirements, so there can be no one-size-fits-all technological solution;
each blind individual must have the flexibility to identify and purchase the
access technology that will best meet his or her needs. The National Federation
of the Blind therefore applauds the introduction of this legislation, which
represents a flexible, practical, and cost-effective means of helping the blind
to acquire the technology we need to live the lives we want. We appreciate the
outstanding work of Representatives Young and Roybal-Allard and Senators Boozman
and Cardin, and we urge all of their colleagues to join them in supporting this
initiative and securing its swift passage."<BR>Senator Boozman said: “As an
optometrist, I know firsthand how important access technology is for blind
Americans trying to engage in their communities. With almost 60 percent of blind
Americans unemployed, I am pleased to introduce this commonsense legislation to
increase the availability and reduce the financial burden associated with these
items to ensure the visually impaired receive the tools they need to succeed in
the classroom, the workplace, and within the community.” <BR>“Making access
technology affordable is critical to ensuring that blind and seeing impaired
individuals can participate fully in our communities and have equal access to
every opportunity,” said US Senator Ben Cardin. “I am proud to be a lead
cosponsor on this legislation, which gives blind Marylanders, and all blind
Americans, flexible economic support to help them lead full and successful
lives.”<BR>“The ability to purchase access technology makes all the difference
in providing vital quality of life services for blind Iowans,” said Congressman
David Young. “I am happy to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation
that helps these blind Iowans live independent lives and participate in expanded
employment and education opportunities, as well as give them flexibility to
purchase the technology they need to best fit their needs.”<BR>Rep.
Roybal-Allard said: “Technology for the blind can have a prohibitively high
cost, and we should not stand by and let that cost prevent blind Americans from
accessing current technology. That is why I am proud to help introduce
this bill to help the blind afford the technology they need to achieve and excel
in the classroom and the workforce. The Access Technology Affordability
Act will help blind Americans to pursue their dreams and reach their fullest
potential.”<BR>
<DIV align=center><B>###<BR></DIV><I>About the National Federation of the
Blind<BR></I></B>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>
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