[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 76 (Monday, May 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF SUSAN J. SPUNGIN'S RECEIPT OF THE MIGEL MEDAL FROM 
                 THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 2009

  Mr. NADLER of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
Dr. Susan J. Spungin. In March of 2009, the American Foundation for the 
Blind (AFB) awarded the M.C. Migel Medal to Dr. Spungin at their 
Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute in Washington, DC.
  The M.C. Migel Medal was established in 1937 by the late M.C. Migel, 
the first chairperson of the American Foundation for the Blind. The 
award was created to honor professionals and volunteers whose 
dedication and achievements have improved the lives of people who are 
blind or visually impaired. It is the highest honor in the blindness 
field.
  This year's recipient, Dr. Spungin recently retired from her position 
as Vice President of International Programs and Special Projects at the 
American Foundation for the Blind, and as Treasurer of the World Blind 
Union.
  An internationally renowned expert on the education and 
rehabilitation of individuals who are blind or visually impaired, Dr. 
Spungin joined AFB in 1972 as a national specialist in education. In 
this capacity, she identified nationwide issues affecting blind, deaf-
blind, and severely visually impaired children and youths, and worked 
in partnership with schools, agencies, state departments of education, 
universities, the federal government, and other organizations to 
resolve those issues. Additionally, she was instrumental in shaping the 
American Foundation for the Blind's research and policy work, 
specifically, its national programs in the areas of early childhood 
development, aging, employment, rehabilitation teaching, low vision, 
orientation and mobility, and career education.
  Dr. Spungin's leadership and influence within the field of blindness 
and vision impairment are evident in her many publications and 
workshops, lectures, and keynote speeches she's presented around the 
world; in her mentorship of newer leaders in the field; and the awards 
and honors she has received and the enormous respect and reverence that 
greet her wherever she goes.
  Dr. Spungin's forty-four years of distinguished work on education and 
rehabilitation of blind people in national and international arenas is 
commendable and fully deserving of the commendation of the M.C. Migel 
Medal.

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