[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E871-E872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE VOLUNTEERS OF RADIO VISION: 19 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to pay 
tribute to the volunteers of Radio Vision of Orange County, New York 
for their 19 years of dedicated service. Radio Vision Volunteer Day 
this year is Saturday, May 15th. Radio Vision is a closed circuit 
service for the blind and sight impaired of the Mid-

[[Page E872]]

Hudson region of southeastern New York. Over 600 blind and virtually 
handicapped listeners are informed of local events, news, sales, and a 
variety of other information only by volunteers.
  Oftentimes, we take the gift of sight for granted. With the 
convenience of being able to watch the television or read the newspaper 
to learn about the world around us, we have little reason to think 
about the world around us in any other way. However, for the blind, the 
world of television and radio is not an option. For the blind residents 
of the Mid-Hudson, turning on the radio provides an equal alternative 
to the paper and the TV.
  Over the past 19 years over 105 dedicated volunteers have kept Radio 
Vision running for the more than 600 who have no other option. These 
people have given their time, their hearts, and their voices to those 
in need. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have been given the opportunity 
to speak about the commendable deeds of those at Radio Vision and I 
invite all of my colleagues to join in praising their devoted work in 
serving the blind.

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