[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E1844]]

                 CELEBRATING BRAILLE PROVISIONS OF IDEA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 1997

  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, Helen Keller, the moving spirit of the 
American Foundation for the Blind, once said, ``* * * when I hold a 
beloved [braille] book in my hand my limitations fall from me, my 
spirit is free.''
  During the recent reauthorization of the Individuals with 
Disabilities Education Act it was my pleasure to work with the American 
Foundation for the Blind and other advocates to include a provision for 
the teaching of braille for all blind or visually impaired students for 
whom it is appropriate as part of the IEP process. Now every blind or 
visually impaired child can have the chance to experience the same 
freedom enjoyed by Helen Keller.
  Specialized instruction in braille enables children who are blind or 
visually impaired to participate equally with their sighted peers in 
school and ultimately to compete in the workplace.
  Additionally, for those who cannot use print, braille provides an 
excellent means for accomplishing necessary daily activities such as 
reading confidential material, taking notes at meetings and giving 
presentations, recordkeeping, studying and reviewing critical 
information, and performing household management functions.
  I am pleased to report that in my State, 39,500 braille books were 
circulated by the Regional Libraries for the Blind in Pittsburgh and 
Philadelphia in fiscal year 1996.
  The mission of the American Foundation for the Blind is to enable 
persons who are blind or visually impaired to achieve equality of 
access and opportunity that will ensure freedom of choice in their 
lives. I am delighted that the braille provisions of the recently 
reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act will help all 
children who are blind or visually impaired to achieve this goal.

                          ____________________