Access to Life Changing Technology for Blind Americans Increased in New House Bill

Statement

Representatives David Young (R-IA) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) recently introduced H.R. 1734, the Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017, in the United States House of Representatives. The bill offers a refundable tax credit for blind Americans helping with the purchases of specialized, but expensive, access technology which gives the blind the ability to use the same types of devices and technology that sighted people use on a daily basis for work and in their personal lives.

"The ability to purchase access technology makes all the difference in providing vital quality of life services for blind Iowans," said Congressman David Young." I am proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that helps blind Iowans live independent lives and participate in expanded employment and education opportunities, as well as give the flexibility to purchase the access technology they need to best fit their daily needs."

"Technology for the blind can have a prohibitively high cost, and we should not stand by and let that cost prevent blind Americans from accessing current technology. That is why I am proud to help introduce this bill to help the blind afford the technology they need to achieve and excel in the classroom and the workforce. The Access Technology Affordability Act will help blind Americans to pursue their dreams and reach their fullest potential." Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard

H.R. 1734 will establish a per-person individual refundable tax credit to be used over a multi-year period to offset the cost of access technology for the blind. Access technology includes items such as text-to-speech screen access software and electronic Braille displays that the blind use to access computers, tablets, smart phones, and other devices, as well as digital content.

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