[Njabs-talk] U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky Introduces Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind

EVELYN E. VALDEZ tweetybaby19 at comcast.net
Thu Jan 28 02:26:39 UTC 2010


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 
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
 
Trevor Kincaid
Communications Director
Office of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
(202) 225-2111
U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky 

IntroducesTechnology Bill of Rights for the Blind
National Federation of the Blind Applauds 

MeasureTo Ensure Blind People Equal Access to 

Technology
 
Washington, DC (January 27, 2010): Representative Jan Schakowsky 

(D-IL) today introduced the Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind (H.R. 4533), 

which will mandate that all consumer electronics, home appliances, kiosks, and 

electronic office technology provide user interfaces that are accessible to the 

blind. 
 
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the 

National Federation of the Blind, said: “The National Federation of the Blind 

appreciates the wise and decisive action taken today by Representative 

Schakowsky.  In recent years, advances in microchip and digital technology 

have led to the proliferation of everyday products––such as dishwashers or copy 

machines––that have visual displays and other user interfaces that are 

inaccessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision.  

Inaccessibility of these devices is a major barrier to a blind person’s 

independence and productivity.  The 

Technology Bill of Rights will ensure that manufacturers make their products 

accessible to all consumers, and that blind people will not be left behind as 

technology continues to advance.”  
  
“The importance of access to 

technology in today’s society cannot be overstated.  In many cases, a 

person’s livelihood depends upon the ability to use technology,” said 

Representative Schakowsky.  “This bill will allow people who are blind or 

have low vision to compete on a level playing field with their sighted peers and 

remain productive members of society.”
 
 
 
###
 
 
About the National Federation of the 

Blind
 
With 

more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest 

and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United 

States.  

The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, 

research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and 

self-confidence.  It is the leading 

force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind.  In January 2004 the NFB opened the 

National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and 

training center in the United 

States for the blind led by the blind.  
 
 




More information about the NJABS-Talk mailing list