[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.
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