If there’s an action item you’d like to draw our attention to, please email us with a tip.
I received the following via email today:
National Federation of the Blind Applauds Measure To 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.”
This Bill is currently before the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has no co-sponsors yet.
If you are living in the US, please considering contacting your representative and asking hir to co-sponsor Bill H.R. 4533, the Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind.
Website Addresses for Representatives
Please pass the word to your friends and networks!
I wrote to mine!
And then I looked up who he was. A blue-dog Democrat. *headdesk*
But I put in a little bit of insurance in case he was conservative (of course he is) – more money for businesses! Blind folks want to spend their money on things too! (In case you know, COMPASSION doesn’t work.)
I also spent half of the time asking who he was and demanding that he air some g-d ads in our area this fall. I vote for him because of the D by his name, but who is he? I know, be proactive, look them up on your own, etc etc. But just one little ad in the southern part of your district? I know more about politics that don’t affect me (yet and hopefully never) because that’s what on the teevee.
Emailed my representative! She’s generally lovely, so I’m hopeful. (And I discovered that the email contact form on her site has a write-in box for prefix instead of a dropdown, which is kind of cool.)