[Nfbv-announce] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of Access Technology Affordability Act

[Chris Walker]

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: *Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330 <(410)%20659-9314>
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen at nfb.org

*National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of Access
Technology Affordability Act*


*Urges Swift Passage of Legislation to Help Blind People Buy Access
Technology *
*Baltimore, Maryland (March 28, 2017):* 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.

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."

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.”

“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.”

“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.”

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.”


*### *


*About the National Federation of the Blind *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.


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