[ivie] enhanced opportunities for the blind on eBay

[Ronald E. Milliman]

Here is a slightly edited version of a Press Release just put out by the
NFB concerning their relationship with eBay, which could also benefit our
ACB members.  I know some of you get upset at our re-sending these kinds of
things over our ACB lists, but when it has the potential of helping you,
don't stick your head in the sand! <Smile>

Ron M.

*****

eBay.com now includes enhanced features for users to buy, bid and sell
using the keyboard alone, as well as improved ways to navigate content
using assistive technologies such as screen access software. The blind can
now more easily connect with eBay's 92 million users and shop from 200
million live listings.

 

"We have great respect for the advocacy role the NFB plays in creating
employment opportunities for the blind," said John Donahoe, President and
CEO of eBay Inc. "eBay has built a reputation as a driver of job creation
by helping entrepreneurs start up and grow their businesses. We are excited
about connecting with an even wider audience through this partnership and
providing blind Americans with easier access to our marketplace for both
buying and selling."

 

"eBay is demonstrating true leadership and commitment to accessibility,
along with creating exciting opportunities for blind Americans," said Dr.
Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind. "The
National Federation of the Blind is thrilled with the accessibility of
eBay's buying and selling experience, and we look forward to working
together with eBay on employment opportunities for blind Americans. This
partnership demonstrates that when the blind and business leaders work
together, everyone wins."

 

With seventy percent of blind Americans either unemployed or
underemployed1, job creation is critical to tackle the employment
challenges facing the blind. The NFB and eBay aim to provide additional
tools and support to the blind community to enable their success on eBay
such as:

 

·        Providing seed funding for promising blind entrepreneurs

·        Recruiting members of the blind community to become eBay Trainers
to educate other blind individuals in selling on eBay

·        Creating an NFB ecommerce store on the eBay platform  

About eBay

Founded in 1995 in San Jose, Calif., eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) connects
hundreds of millions of buyers and sellers globally on a daily basis
through eBay, the world's largest online marketplace. For more information
about the company and our global portfolio of online brands, visit
www.ebayinc.com. 

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.  For
more information about the National Federation of the Blind, please visit
www.nfb.org.


Dr. Ronald E. Milliman, Professor of Marketing, Western Kentucky University

Chair, ACB Public Relations Committee
Chair, ACB Monthly Monetary Support Program (MMS) Committee