[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 170 (Tuesday, November 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING ED EAMES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2009

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Ed 
Eames.
  Ed Eames was a resident of Fresno, California and was a committed 
advocate for individuals with disabilities. At the age of 42, Mr. Eames 
lost his sight and this life-altering circumstance motivated him to 
strive for the improvement of services for the disabled.
  Ed was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Toni, who is also 
blind. They met when he was writing a book on guide dog schools and 
asked her to be a co-author. Ed and Toni co-authored two books, 
numerous magazine columns and articles, and even scripted the award-
winning video, ``Partners in Independence''. The couple also co-taught 
a class on the sociology of disabilities at California State 
University, Fresno. Furthermore, along with their guide dogs, Latrell 
and Keebler, Ed and Toni traveled the world to further their joint 
commitment to assistance dog programs for the disabled.
  Mr. Eames was active in his community and was a fervent supporter of 
the addition of sidewalks for wheelchair ease and accessibility in the 
Fresno area. Mr. Ed Eames was the founder and President of the 
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners. He served on the 
Americans With Disabilities Act Advisory Committee for Fresno Area 
Express and was also a member and former president of the North Fresno 
Lions Club.
  On October 25, 2009 at the age of 79, Ed Eames passed away. He will 
be greatly missed by all who knew him and the work that he did for the 
disabled will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________