U.S. Attorney General re "inaccessible electronic readers"

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Excerpt from Remarks as Prepared for Delivery By Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez at the National Disability Rights Network Annual Conference

"In the 21st century, technology drives so much of our work and our lives, and it seems to advance daily. Technology has revolutionized our economy and culture. It has made obtaining information, entertainment, education and goods easier and more efficient. But many of these technologies, from Web sites to cell phones, from ticket kiosks to TV set-top devices, are either in whole or in part inaccessible to persons who are blind and other people with disabilities.

We know that inaccessible technologies can pose significant challenges to individuals with disabilities, and we must remain vigilant to ensure new technologies don't leave individuals with disabilities in their wake.

We acted swiftly on the complaints we received from the National Federation of the Blind about the use of the Amazon Kindle at universities, and we reached agreements with five major universities: Princeton; the University of Arizona; Pace; Case Western; and Reed College. Those institutions have agreed not to use inaccessible electronic readers, and we will continue to make sure other institutions nationwide are aware of their accessibility obligations."