NFB wins in IRS Ruling. National Federation for the Blind.

[underpants]

San Francisco (July 15, 2020): Today, as millions of taxpayers file their income tax returns, the IRS is announcing that it has agreed to develop and implement a process to allow blind taxpayers to request post-filing tax notices—such as notices about additional taxes or penalties owed—in Braille, large print, or electronic formats. The new alternative media process (AMP) will be in place by January 31, 2022. The agency will also consider whether it can add audio notices to the alternative formats that can be requested, work with third-party entities to improve the accessibility of tax forms and documents, and take other steps to improve the accessibility of interactions with the agency and its partners.

The actions to be taken by the IRS resolve a lawsuit filed last year by individual blind taxpayers, along with the National Federation of the Blind, alleging violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which the agency denies. The legal team in the lawsuit included attorneys from Brown Goldstein Levy LLP and Disability Rights California, the protection and advocacy system for the state.

“ Everyone should receive information about the taxes they pay in a format that is accessible to them,” said Autumn Elliott, senior counsel at Disability Rights California. “We are thrilled that the IRS has committed itself to sending notices to blind taxpayers that they can read independently


https://www.browngold.com/wp-content/uploads/2020.07.14-IRS-Settlement-Joint-Release-ACE.pdf

[Doreen]

1. GOOD

One of my best friends is blind and I know several others. Blind people have to work harder than any other disability group. They are considered blind and not disabled so getting assistance is harder. If you look at legal forms you are asked if you are blind OR disabled. Blind people were not considered citizens until in the 60's. My friend remembers well. Her mother abused her and nobody would do anything because blind people were not human. We need to stand with the blind and fight with them for their rights and fair treatment.

[underpants]

3. I was not aware of them not being considered people

I will look into that.

The NFB doesn’t play. They are relentless.

[thucythucy]

2. Jezuz H. Christ! It's thirty years since the passage of the ADA

and forty seven years since passage of the Rehab Act and Section 504, and providing blind taxpayers access to vital tax information is STILL an issue?

Hurray for the NFB and the plaintiffs. A giant raspberry--in Braille and alternate media--to anyone who resists implementing these laws.

[underpants]

4. No kidding. BTW - gmail is not ADA compliant

At least it doesn’t accept all screen reader software. I think they want you to buy their software.