[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 82 (Thursday, May 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF RICHARD BERNSTEIN, THE JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS 
                  COUNCIL'S 2007 ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2007

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the 
accomplishments of Richard Bernstein and congratulate him as he 
receives the Jewish Community Relations Council's Activist of the Year 
Award for 2007. His unparalleled dedication to upholding and defending 
the rights of the disabled is a priceless commodity to the citizens of 
the State of Michigan.
  Mr. Bernstein has been an inspiration to many throughout his career. 
Blind since birth, he is a graduate of the University of Michigan and 
Northwestern University Law School and currently serves as an attorney 
with the Law Offices of Sam Bernstein in Farmington Hills. His tireless 
work ethic and advocacy for disabled rights and the public interest has 
ensured that the disabled have an equal footing with the entire 
community. His penchant for running marathons epitomizes his work 
ethic; he does not shy away from daunting tasks and knows how to finish 
them.
  I am proud to have been able to work with Mr. Bernstein to help blind 
and dyslexic students to access textbooks and keep up with students 
that can read the printed word. After securing federal funding, Mr. 
Bernstein and I were able to work together with the Recording for the 
Blind and Dyslexic--Michigan Unit to provide blind and dyslexic 
students access to audio texts so that they can learn and succeed in 
school, providing them with the knowledge and skills to find jobs after 
graduation. This important work underscores Mr. Bernstein's commitment 
to helping the disabled achieve an equal footing in our society.
  Madam Speaker, Richard Bernstein has been and will continue to be a 
pillar for our community. I congratulate him upon receiving this well-
deserved award and look forward to working with him in the future as he 
continues to devote his work to bettering the lives of so many.

                          ____________________