[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1199-E1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SUPPORTING THE IMPORTANCE OF BRAILLE IN THE LIVES OF BLIND PEOPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in 
supporting the designation of July 2010 as ``Braille Literacy Month,'' 
and in congratulating the National Federation of the Blind for seventy 
years of outstanding service. I am delighted that we have this 
opportunity to reflect on the progress made to services for the blind, 
and to build on this progress for the future of Braille literacy.
  One-hundred-eighty years ago, the first Braille book was published--
an accomplishment that has since allowed for millions of people, who 
are blind or of low vision, to read, write and communicate. For a 
person who is blind, Braille has become a basic skill that lies

[[Page E1200]]

at the center of the continuing efforts for fairness and equal 
education. The National Federation of the Blind, as both the oldest and 
largest organization of blind people in the United States, is integral 
to this continuous tight for equality. For the past several decades, 
the National Federation of the Blind has advocated strongly for the 
translation of more books and textbooks into Braille so as to both 
promote Braille literacy and help integrate blind persons into society. 
As policymakers, we must support the advancement of equality and 
knowledge that is imbibed in the actions of the NFB. Declaring July 
2010 as ``Braille Literacy Month'' would be one step, but an important 
one, in our efforts towards promoting equality and education for all 
persons in the United States.
  In my hometown of Chicago, there is a nonprofit organization called 
the Chicago Lighthouse that has provided services and support for the 
blind for several decades, much like the NFB. Amongst their many 
accomplishments in education and job training, the Chicago Lighthouse 
is also responsible for the manufacturing of the many clocks that you 
see in the U.S. government today--a testament to the skills, talent, 
and work of the people they serve. Though only one of many 
achievements, the clocks that you see around you today demonstrate the 
continuing need to provide equal access to job opportunities and 
education to those who are blind so as to fulfill their potentials.
  In declaring July 2010 as Braille Literacy Month, we would not only 
be promoting literacy for the blind, but progressing down a road of 
true equality as well.

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