[Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Condemns Lack of Access to New Kindle Fire

[Freeh, Jessica]

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 at nfb.org




National Federation of the Blind Condemns
  Lack of Access to New Kindle Fire



Baltimore, Maryland (September 29, 2011): The National Federation of 
the Blind commented today on the release of Amazon's new Kindle Fire, 
which cannot be used by people who are blind.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, 
said: "Blind Americans have repeatedly asked Amazon to include 
accessibility for the blind in its Kindle product line.  The 
feasibility of including accessibility in similar products has been 
demonstrated.  The Department of Education and the Department of 
Justice have made it clear that Kindle devices cannot be purchased by 
educational institutions, libraries, and other entities covered by 
this country's disability laws unless the devices are fully 
accessible.  Despite all this, Amazon has released a brand new Kindle 
device, the Kindle Fire, which cannot be used by people who are 
blind.  Enough!  We condemn this latest action by Amazon and 
reiterate that we will not tolerate technological 
discrimination.  The National Federation of the Blind seeks nothing 
less than equal access to all technology for blind people.  It is one 
of the most critical civil rights issues facing blind Americans in 
the twenty-first century, and we will do everything in our power to 
see that this right is secured."





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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.


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