[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1034 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 1034

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         June 23, 2010.
Whereas since its invention by Louis Braille (1809-1852), the reading and 
        writing code for the blind that bears his name has become the accepted 
        method of reading and writing for the blind the world over;
Whereas the Braille code is used to represent not only the alphabets of most 
        written languages, but is also used for mathematical and scientific 
        notation and the reproduction of musical scores;
Whereas while technology has improved the lives of blind people by facilitating 
        quick access to information, Braille literacy gives blind people the 
        ability to read and to write and to do the two interactively;
Whereas despite its efficiency, versatility, and universal acceptance by the 
        blind, the rate of Braille literacy in the United States has declined to 
        the point where only 10 percent of blind children are learning the code;
Whereas Braille is an important tool in the independence, productivity, and 
        success for blind people;
Whereas while 70 percent of the blind are unemployed, 85 percent of those who 
        are employed know Braille;
Whereas the United States Congress officially recognized the importance of 
        Braille by passing the Louis Braille Bicentennial-Braille Literacy 
        Commemorative Coin Act authorizing the striking of a United States 
        silver dollar marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis 
        Braille and emphasizing the connection between learning Braille and true 
        independence and opportunity for the blind; and
Whereas the National Federation of the Blind, the Nation's oldest and largest 
        organization of blind people and a leading advocate for Braille literacy 
        in the United States, has launched a national ``Braille Readers are 
        Leaders'' campaign to promote awareness of the importance of Braille and 
        to increase the availability of competent Braille instruction and of 
        Braille reading materials in this country: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the importance of Braille and the role that Braille 
        plays in the lives of blind people;
            (2) recognizes the 70th anniversary of the National Federation of 
        the Blind; and
            (3) supports the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind and 
        other organizations to promote Braille literacy.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.