This is another bill being introduced I find particularly interesting. I have run into these problems along the way. Back when I worked in a traditional office our copying machine had a tiny touch screen with dark purple on light purple background (lousy contrast). I knew what order to push the buttons in, but if anything went wrong, (and it did often) I had to go and get a sighted colleague to help me. Dido for the UPS and FedEx kiosk in our office.....which I had to use often and always had to get help.
When I fly and I can't read the kiosks - which happens sometimes - I have to stand in the line with everyone that has a problem so it can take forever. It's second-class treatment.
It's also a problem for which there's a fix.
U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky Introduces Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind
1/27/2010
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@nfb.org
Trevor Kincaid
Communications Director
Office of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
(202) 225-2111
U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky Introduces
Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind
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.”
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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.
When I fly and I can't read the kiosks - which happens sometimes - I have to stand in the line with everyone that has a problem so it can take forever. It's second-class treatment.
It's also a problem for which there's a fix.
U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky Introduces Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind
1/27/2010
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@nfb.org
Trevor Kincaid
Communications Director
Office of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
(202) 225-2111
U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky Introduces
Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind
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.”
###
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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