Baltimore, Maryland (June 13, 2023): The National Federation of the Blind, the transformative advocacy organization of blind Americans, applauds the introduction of the Access Technology Affordability Act of 2023 (H.R. 3702) in the United States House of Representatives by Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA). A bipartisan group of twelve additional House members cosponsored the bill upon introduction. 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 two thousand dollars 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, two of my 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 Representative Kelly, Representative Thompson, and the bipartisan group of original cosponsors for being champions of this act, which will help give blind people the technology they need to live the lives they want.”