> 
> Nation Privacy Protection Measure for the Visually Impaired Passes
> Assembly
> 
> Sacramento - Assembly Bill 768, by Assemblymember Joe Nation,
> (D-Marin/Sonoma), which would enable the visually impaired to utilize
> all touch-screen devices, today passed the state Assembly on a 41-32
> vote.
> 
> "The blind and visually impaired should be afforded every right to
> access the convenience, and often necessary, technology of
> touch-screens.  Many retail services rely on the availability of
> touch-screens to replace human contact in remote locations or during
> off-hours," said Nation.  "With our growing senior population, the
> number of those experiencing vision loss indicates more people will be
> unable to utilize touch-screens.  This is unconscionable and we need to
> correct this oversight before more inaccessible machines are developed
> and placed in our communities."
> 
> Non-audible touch-screen devices, particularly in retail and financial
> outlets, transportation facilities, and entertainment venues, present
> significant challenges to the blind and visually impaired.  Without the
> ability to feel the buttons or hear the prompts, blind individuals
> cannot utilize touch-screen devices without relying on the assistance of
> others - if others are available.  This places the visually impaired in
> potentially vulnerable situations where their safety may be compromised.
> 
> "It is only fair that the blind and visually impaired are able to use
> these machines with as much privacy, safety and ease as everyone else,"
> said Nation.  "This bill will help address those issues and ensures
> equal access for all individuals."
> 
> Specifically, this bill compels manufacturers to develop devices that
> are accessible to the blind and ensure they are available by 2009.  Only
> when this deadline is met by at least two separate manufacturers, hotels
> and airlines would be given a full year to install at least one device
> at specific locations.
> 
> Just a note:  AB 768 is sponsored by the National Federation of the
> Blind of California.
> 
> 
> 
> 
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