[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 23, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H4693-H4694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1130
SUPPORTING THE IMPORTANCE OF BRAILLE IN THE LIVES OF BLIND PEOPLE
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 1034) expressing support for designation of July
2010 as ``Braille Literacy Month'', as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1034
Whereas since its invention by Louis Braille (1809-1852),
the reading and writing code for the blind that bears his
name has become the accepted method of reading and writing
for the blind the world over;
Whereas the Braille code is used to represent not only the
alphabets of most written languages, but is also used for
mathematical and scientific notation and the reproduction of
musical scores;
Whereas while technology has improved the lives of blind
people by facilitating quick access to information, Braille
literacy gives blind people the ability to read and to write
and to do the two interactively;
Whereas despite its efficiency, versatility, and universal
acceptance by the blind, the rate of Braille literacy in the
United States has declined to the point where only 10 percent
of blind children are learning the code;
Whereas Braille is an important tool in the independence,
productivity, and success for blind people;
Whereas while 70 percent of the blind are unemployed, 85
percent of those who are employed know Braille;
Whereas the United States Congress officially recognized
the importance of Braille by passing the Louis Braille
Bicentennial-Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin Act
authorizing the striking of a United States silver dollar
marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille
and emphasizing the connection between learning Braille and
true independence and opportunity for the blind; and
Whereas the National Federation of the Blind, the Nation's
oldest and largest organization of blind people and a leading
advocate for Braille literacy in the United States, has
launched a national ``Braille Readers are Leaders'' campaign
to promote awareness of the importance of Braille and to
increase the availability of competent Braille instruction
and of Braille reading materials in this country: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the importance of Braille and the role that
Braille plays in the lives of blind people;
(2) recognizes the 70th anniversary of the National
Federation of the Blind; and
(3) supports the efforts of the National Federation of the
Blind and other organizations to promote Braille literacy.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Payne) and the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. McMorris
Rodgers) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
General Leave
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House
Resolution 1034 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. PAYNE. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1034, which
recognizes the importance of braille in the lives of blind people. We
know that education is the key to success and that every American
deserves an equal opportunity to a good education. Literacy, or the
ability to read and write, is the key to this education.
Braille has been a recognized reading and writing code for the blind
since its invention by Louis Braille in 1821. Braille translates to
most written languages, and it is even used in converting figures in
the areas of math, science, and music. Braille code has improved the
lives of blind people by facilitating quick access to information and
technology resources. It has even given blind persons the ability to
read and write simultaneously.
Despite the freedom that comes from learning braille, fewer than 10
percent of the 1.3 million people who are legally blind in the United
States are braille readers. According to the American Printing House
for the Blind, there are approximately 58,000 legally blind children in
the United States, but only 10 percent of these children are learning
the code. This resolution honors, celebrates, and encourages the
learning of braille, but it also recognizes the need for more education
in the teaching of braille so that America's blind children can learn
this important code.
In 2006, Congress recognized the importance of braille by passing the
Louis Braille Bicentennial-Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin Act.
This act authorizes the striking of a United States silver dollar,
marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, and
emphasizes the connection between the learning of braille and the
empowerment of blind people everywhere. A portion of the sale of each
coin goes towards a braille literacy campaign that will help provide
more blind youth and adults with access to this important code.
Mr. Speaker, let us continue to emphasize the importance of learning
[[Page H4694]]
braille by supporting House Resolution 1034. I urge my colleagues to
support this legislation, which celebrates braille and which pays much
needed attention to braille literacy in America.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1034, expressing
support for the designation of July 2010 as Braille Literacy Month.
The braille language was developed by Louis Braille in 1821.
Unbeknownst to many, each braille character is comprised of six raised
dots that, when put in various positions, form 64 possible
combinations, combinations which allow individuals to communicate in
most written languages as well as in mathematics and in musical scores.
Literacy involves the ability to acquire information, to understand
it, and to communicate it with others. It is the ability to gain access
to written information, information that is stored so that it can be
referred to again and again. The braille code gives the blind the gift
of literacy--the ability to communicate through reading and writing.
Despite the advantages of learning and knowing braille, only 10
percent of blind children today are learning the braille code. In 1960,
50 percent of legally blind school-aged children were able to read
braille. The decline in braille literacy is a cause for concern.
According to a 2007 study, there are over 57,000 legally blind children
in the United States. Just as television and computers cannot replace
the written word, technology cannot replace the benefits of learning
the braille code for thousands of blind children and adults.
Supporting the designation of July 2010 as Braille Literacy Month
highlights the importance of braille literacy and of the benefits it
offers to blind children. I urge all of my colleagues to support House
Resolution 1034, expressing support for designating July 2010 as
Braille Literacy Month.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may
consume the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Maryland
(Mr. Sarbanes).
Mr. SARBANES. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, literacy is a fundamental building block for individuals
to thrive in our society and in a constantly changing world. Literacy
can have an impact on an individual's ability to be self-sufficient,
and it is essential in overcoming social and economic barriers. Low
literacy skills, on the other hand, are associated with poor health,
lower income levels, and social exclusion.
Braille is an internationally recognized method of reading and
writing for the blind community and is the key to literacy. It provides
the blind community with the tools they need to succeed and to improve
their lives. Yet braille literacy has declined to 10 percent in the
United States compared to 50 percent in the 1960s.
House Resolution 1034, which I was proud to introduce and which has
cosponsorship among both Republicans and Democrats, recognizes the
importance of braille for success and adult independence. Studies show
that braille literacy leads to higher educational levels, better
employment, and increased financial independence. While 70 percent of
blind adults face unemployment, 85 percent of those who are employed
are able to read and write braille fluently.
I am pleased to have worked with the National Federation of the Blind
in developing this resolution that calls attention to the need for a
renewed commitment to braille literacy. The National Federation of the
Blind, which is the Nation's largest blind membership organization and
is headquartered in my congressional district, helps blind persons
achieve self-confidence and self-respect, and it acts as a vehicle for
collective self-expression by the blind community. The NFB has been a
champion of braille literacy over the years, and I would like to
congratulate them on their efforts.
Mr. Speaker, literacy provides individuals with basic life skills
that can lead to access to higher educational opportunities and
economic success. By promoting literacy within all communities, we can
help our Nation and its citizens reach their full potential. I hope my
colleagues will join me in supporting this resolution.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that the House move in favor of
H. Res. 1034.
With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1034, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
The title of the resolution was amended so as to read: ``Expressing
support for the importance of Braille in the lives of blind people.''.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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