May 9th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

The National Federation of the Blind, the transformative advocacy organization of blind Americans, applauds the introduction of the Access Technology Affordability Act of 2023 (S. 1467) in the United States Senate by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD). Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Ron Wyden (D-Or), and Todd Young (R-IN) are original co-sponsors of the bill. This legislation removes an education and employment barrier commonly experienced by blind Americans who cannot afford the high cost of access technology by creating a refundable tax credit in the amount of $2,000 to be used over a three-year period to offset the cost of these technologies.

Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “My wife, my two daughters, and I are all blind, and the children’s technology needs will increase as they complete their education and start their careers. My family is not unique; blind people across the nation face this challenge, and this legislation will provide critical assistance. We thank and commend Senators Cardin, Boozman, Wyden, and Young for being champions of this act, which will help give blind people the technology they need to live the lives they want.”