[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 17 (Thursday, February 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               SUPPORT FOR NORTH AMERICAN INCLUSION MONTH

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                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2010

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Representative 
Towns on H.R. 1014 which recognizes and supports the goals and ideals 
of North American Inclusion Month. I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution which demonstrates Congress' support for ensuring that all 
individuals are included in communities across the Nation. I would also 
like to commend Yachad and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations 
of America for their continued support of disabled Americans.
  I recently introduced two bills that support the ideals and goals of 
North American Inclusion Month, H.R. 4533, the Technology Bill of 
Rights and H.R. 1408, the Inclusive Home Design Act.
  The Technology Bill of Rights would allow the blind and visually 
impaired equal access to rapidly advancing electronics, which millions 
of Americans use every day. Because the blind are currently not able to 
interact with many new technologies, they must overcome barriers of 
which other Americans may not even be aware.
  The visually impaired are not able to use touch screens and visual 
displays, which have replaced knobs and buttons on many appliances. 
They face challenges in choosing new stoves, microwaves, fax machines, 
and cell phones. These technologies have become essential for many 
Americans, and inaccessibility has challenged the independence of and 
work opportunities of the blind. Even in good economic times, the blind 
face enormous barriers in their attempts to join the workforce, because 
of the inability to use many office technologies that require visual 
interaction. The recent economic downturn has amplified these hurdles 
to employment.
  H.R 4533 would ensure blind and visually impaired Americans equal 
access to these new technologies. The bill would mandate that consumer 
electronics, home appliances, kiosks, and electronic office technology 
are designed with nonvisual access components so that they are usable 
by all people. There are already inexpensive mechanisms that have been 
created which manufacturers can use to ensure equal access. This 
includes text-to-speech technology that has unfortunately not seen 
widespread implementation. This bill would increase the implementation 
of existing technologies and create new jobs as new technologies are 
developed to ensure that products are accessible for the visually 
impaired.
  The Inclusive Home Design Act would mandate that all new homes built 
with the assistance of Federal funds would be accessible for the 
disabled. This legislation is based on the principle of integrating 
basic accessibility, establishing ``visitability'' standards, and 
allowing elderly Americans to ``age in place'' rather than being forced 
to move, be institutionalized, or spend thousands of dollars on home 
renovations. This is a sustainable, affordable, and inclusive design 
approach. It would require the new homes to meet four accessibility 
standards. First, it would require at minimum one accessible entrance 
into the home. Second, doorways on the first floor must be large enough 
to accommodate wheelchairs. Third, at least one bathroom must be 
wheelchair accessible. Finally, the light switch and thermostats are 
required to be at a reachable height for those in a wheelchair. I am 
proud to have the support of Access Living and the Paralyzed Veterans 
of America in passing this legislation.
  I encourage my colleagues to support the resolution recognizing North 
American Inclusion Month, and I look forward to continuing to work with 
them to ensure equal access for all.

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