[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO DALLAS LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a great American 
and a great organization. The Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind has a 
long history in Dallas of providing blind individuals with work 
opportunities. The six decades of work improve and enhance the job 
opportunities for sight-disabled Dallas residents. I am proud to have 
this modern industrial center in the Fifth Congressional District of 
Texas.
  This year the fifth district has been doubly blessed. One of my 
constituents, Jeddie Alexander, has been named the Dallas Lighthouse 
for the Blind's Ronald Pearce Blind Employee of the Year. Jeddie is a 
machine operator in the molding department of the lighthouse. In 
addition, he helped produce eyeglass cases and binders. Jeddie is 
completely blind, but his uncommon ability has allowed him to run a 
sewing machine.
  Jeddie's story vividly shows that we should focus on abilities, not 
disabilities. In 1985, Jeddie was shot. He lost the use of both eyes 
and has no light perception. As he recounts, ``When I lost my sight, I 
had the impression that that was the end of myself. I would have to 
wait on other people to do things for me. After about a month and a 
half, I realized I didn't have to do that.''
  I applaud Jeddie's commitment to improving his life and the lives of 
the people around him. He has truly taken advantage of the 
opportunities the Lighthouse has given him. As a father of a young 
Down's syndrome boy, I understand the desperate need for organizations 
like the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind. Organizations like this give 
the greatest gift in all of the world--freedom, independence, and self-
reliance to individuals that need an extra boost on the road of life.

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