[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8483-S8484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF KENTUCKY

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity to recognize 
an organization who has represented the visually impaired for 50 years. 
Members of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky will 
convene on September 5 and 6 to celebrate their work and commitment to 
improving the lives of visually impaired citizens in the Commonwealth 
of Kentucky.
  The organization's first president, Harold L. Reagan, lived his life 
not as a blind person, but as an American citizen with a dream. Not 
only was Reagan blind, but he also lost his arm. In the 1930's this was 
not easy to overcome. However, this did not stop Reagan. He created an 
enterprise selling candy, soft drinks and cigarettes over a counter at 
the Jefferson County Courthouse in Louisville, KY. Reagan was the first 
visually impaired person to manage this type of business in Kentucky 
and inspired many others to follow in his footsteps.
  Reagan faced adversity with courage and strength. Along with fellow 
supporters, Reagan helped shape a small organization that became known 
as the Kentucky Federation of the Blind. This group challenged society 
to set aside their biases, and opened doors for the visually impaired. 
Their efforts led to the establishment of a separate agency for the 
blind in Kentucky which improved services to the blind through 
additional resources and the elimination of bureaucratic hurdles.
  In 1947 Kentucky became the 27th State affiliated with the National 
Federation of the Blind. In 1979 Betty Niceley filled the shoes of her 
mentor as President of the Kentucky chapter.
  Visually impaired Kentuckians, family, friends and citizens now reap 
the

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benefits of current information, education, and a forceful advocate on 
State and Federal issues.
  Ongoing activities and constant public contact continues to make the 
National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky a united force. Their 
efforts have distinguished Kentucky as a leader throughout the country 
for its research and promotion of technology assisting visually 
impaired users in obtaining highly sought after computer jobs.
  As times change, so do biases and expectations. This year the U.S. 
Senate saw a staffer join us on the floor to assist with important 
legislation. While this is not unusual, it was unusual to see this aid 
assisted by her guide dog. This same aid and guide dog assisted my 
office a little over a year ago.
  I would never say the road that Reagan and other visually impaired 
Kentuckians have traveled was an easy one to travel, but a necessary 
journey to benefit generations to come. As friends and family gather 
today and tomorrow, it will not only be a time to reflect on the past, 
but toward the future.
  I am proud to stand before you and say the world is changing for the 
better. I know you will join me in congratulating the National 
Federation of the Blind of Kentucky for 50 years of dedication and 
service in our quest for a better future.

                          ____________________