Support For North American Inclusion Month

Floor Speech

* 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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