[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S10451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CHARITIES FOR THE BLIND

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing Charities for the Blind, a nonprofit organization in 
southern California. This organization continues to make a positive 
impact on the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
  Charities for the Blind is an organization that provides computer 
adaptive technology and training to blind and visually impaired 
individuals. The men and women who volunteer their time and energy to 
this organization provide an important service to the people of 
Southern California and our Nation.
  Charities for the Blind was created by Craig Schneider in 2000 after 
he suffered a complete loss of his vision. Craig Schneider is a general 
building contractor who became blind after complications from radiation 
treatments and exposure to radon gas. He found it difficult to adapt to 
a visually impaired lifestyle. He took computer courses with the 
assistance of computer adaptive technology but found them difficult and 
frustrating. Other students were similarly frustrated, and when some 
began to drop out of classes, he knew that he was not alone. After 
seeking assistance from State rehabilitation authorities and blind 
charities, Craig Schneider recognized that there is an important need 
among the visually impaired that needed to be met.
  According to the National Federation of the Blind, 70 percent of 
individuals who live with blindness or a visual impairment are 
unemployed. This overwhelming number of individuals have the potential 
to live highly productive lives and gain meaningful employment. 
Charities for the Blind recognizes this need and works to assist 
individuals with blindness and visual impairment, providing them with 
tools they need to overcome their disability.
  In addition to providing training, counseling, and computer adaptive 
equipment to the visually impaired and blind, Charities for the Blind 
also employs blind individuals directly. Craig Schneider has five 
employees who work with him who are also blind, who help make Charities 
for the Blind possible. Craig Schneider funds the organization from his 
private business, which allows him to pay for computers and equipment, 
employees and technicians, and travel to and from people's homes to 
help train them in the use of adaptive equipment.
  In its first year, Charities for the Blind gave away 12 computers. 
Today, the organization provides roughly 30 computers each month, with 
a short yet successful history of meeting needs in the blind and 
visually impaired community for individuals between the ages of 10 and 
96. Those who have received counseling and equipment from Charities for 
the Blind have gained new levels of independence, and more and more 
blind and visually impaired individuals are being empowered and 
employed each day.
  Today I salute the dedication and service of Charities for the Blind. 
This organization has recognized a tremendous need and works daily to 
help empower our Nation's blind and visually impaired. I applaud the 
work and commitment Charities for the Blind has made in bettering the 
lives of many.

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