[NFBWV-Talk] Fwd: [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of Greater Access and Independence through Nonvisual Access Technology (GAIN) Act

[Sheri Koch]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Danielsen, Chris via State-Affiliate-Leadership-List <
state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org>
Date: Wed, Jul 31, 2019 at 9:21 AM
Subject: [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] National Federation of the Blind
Applauds Introduction of Greater Access and Independence through Nonvisual
Access Technology (GAIN) Act
To: Danielsen, Chris <CDanielsen at nfb.org>
CC: Danielsen, Chris <CDanielsen at nfb.org>


  *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

*National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of Greater Access
and Independence through Nonvisual Access Technology (GAIN) Act*

*Urges Swift Passage of Legislation to Preserve Independence of Blind
People in their Homes*



*Baltimore, Maryland (July 31, 2019): *The National Federation of the
Blind, the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans,
today applauded the introduction of the Greater Access and Independence
through Nonvisual Access Technology (GAIN) Act of 2019 in the House of
Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representatives Jan Schakowsky
(D-IL), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA). This
legislation directs the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board (the “Access Board”) to develop a minimum nonvisual access
standard for home-use medical devices, exercise equipment, and home
appliances, and provide for the enforcement of the standard.



“The inaccessible design of most current appliances, home-use medical
devices, and fitness equipment makes their controls difficult, or even
impossible, to use by blind people,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the
National Federation of the Blind. “Inaccessibility is not a mere
inconvenience. Full access to all features of a device are necessary for
the privacy, wellbeing, and independence of blind Americans. We therefore
commend Representative Schakowsky for introducing this legislation and urge
members of Congress to act swiftly to pass it.”



*###*



*About the National Federation of the Blind *

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is
the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded
in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the
fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB 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. 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 www.nfb.org.



*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



This press release is also available at:
https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-applauds-introduction-greater-access-and-independence



Christopher S. Danielsen, J.D.

Director of Public Relations

200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/200+East+Wells+Street,+Baltimore,+MD+21230?entry=gmail&source=g>

(410) 659-9314, Ext. 2330 | cdanielsen at nfb.org

Twitter: @rlawyer



[image: National Federation of the Blind] <https://nfb.org/>



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<https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind>



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.




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-- 
Sheri Koch, President
National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia
304-993-5103