[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20305]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the Memorial 
Foundation for the Blind in Worcester, MA as they celebrate a century 
of good deeds in the Commonwealth. I would especially like to 
congratulate the board of directors on this special day, led by 
President Lawrence M. Raymond and Vice President Janet LaBreck. Without 
the board's leadership and dedication this day may not have been 
possible.
  For most of our Nation's history, blind and visually impaired men and 
women, like all people with disabilities, were treated like second-
class citizens. They had fewer opportunities to succeed in school and 
work and participate in the life of their communities, and their 
special needs were too often considered a burden without remedy and not 
worth addressing.
  Since those dark days, enormous progress has been made in promoting a 
life full of possibilities for blind and visually impaired men and 
women. Leaders like Helen Keller changed hearts and minds by showing us 
all that what is often seen as a limitation can be a blessing in 
disguise. But much of the credit also goes to local organizations such 
as the memorial foundation, that cared about these basic issues and 
stood up for civil rights. It represents the best in progressive 
philanthropic organizations that changed communities one at a time, and 
encouraged the rest of the Nation to follow suit. Their great legacy is 
a stronger and fairer America.
  In Worcester County, the foundation operated a special home and 
provided support services for many years, making sure that a safe and 
welcoming shelter existed in the community. In 1960 it shifted its 
focus to providing financial assistance to one and later on to many 
agencies and organizations in the community that exemplify its giving 
spirit. They continue to do so today, adapting to new developments, 
supporting assistive technologies and giving blind and visually 
impaired men and women unprecedented new independence.
  This new century holds great promise for further extraordinary 
progress, especially in the area of employment. I am proud to join the 
memorial foundation in its ongoing efforts for greater justice and 
equality. You represent the very best in our Commonwealth and our 
Nation.

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