[NFBNJ] Access Technology Affordability Act in the Senate

[Linda Melendez]

Request for distribution from Ryan Stevens, NFBNJ Legislative Director

Submitted by Linda Melendez, President NFBNJ
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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
National Federation of the Blind Applauds the Introduction of the Access
Technology Affordability Act in the Senate

*Baltimore, Maryland (February 5, 2021):* The National Federation of the
Blind, the premier membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans,
applauds the introduction of the Access Technology Affordability Act of 2021
<https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=19880&qid=4845204>
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.

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.”

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 introduced in the House of Representatives
<https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=19881&qid=4845204>
(H.R. 431) by Congressmen Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Mike Kelly (R-PA).

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 nfb.org/washington-seminar
<https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=19892&qid=4845204>
for more details.

###
About the National Federation of the Blind

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 nfb.org
<https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=19882&qid=4845204>.
CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen at nfb.org
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