Telecom legislation affecting blind and deaf community

Below is a press release I thought some readers would find of interest.


For Immediate Release





Contact:






Eric Bridges, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs


American Council of the Blind
(202) 467-5081
ebridges@acb.org




American Council of the Blind Applauds House Passage of Landmark Telecommunications Legislation








WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2010 -- Late Tuesday, members of the House of Representatives from both sides of the aisle voted to send S. 3304, the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, to the White House for presidential signature. This bill will significantly improve the accessibility of smart phones, as well as a variety of communications via the Internet for people who are deaf, blind, or deaf-blind. "We are very pleased by the passage of this landmark legislation," stated Mitch Pomerantz, ACB's president. "It will greatly enhance the quality of life for our members, and we very much appreciate the hard work of those in both the House and Senate who made this possible."


Eric Bridges, ACB's Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, said, "ACB wishes to express our sincere appreciation for the tireless advocacy that Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR) demonstrated through this long and difficult process. The blind and deaf-blind communities have staunch advocates in both of these congressional leaders."


He added, "It is also quite appropriate to express our thanks to the chairmen of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, along with the Senate Commerce Committee, Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Sen. Rockefeller (D-WV) for the critical role they played in working with us, and the Republicans on his committee so that the bill could be bipartisan. Thank you also to the ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Joe Barton (R-TX) and Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) along with Sens. Hutchison (R-TX) and Ensign (R-NV) for their willingness to work in a bipartisan way."




About the American Council of the Blind




The American Council of the Blind is the largest consumer-based organization of blind and visually impaired Americans advocating for the rights of blind Americans. Comprised of more than 70 affiliates across the United States, the organization is dedicated to making it possible for blind and visually impaired Americans to participate fully in all aspects of American society. For more information, visit www.acb.org; write to American Council of the Blind, 2200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650, Arlington, VA 22201; phone (202) 467-5081; or fax (703) 465-5085.