We can't say it any better than Representative Markey (D, MA), whose remarks (reprinted below) appear in last Friday's Congressional Record. Congratulations to the dedicated staff of the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library and Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA, on such well-deserved recognition.
[Congressional Record: June 19, 2009 (Extensions)] [Page E1513] From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
Recognizing the Achievements of Pertkins Braille and Talking Book Library Hon. Eward J. Markey of Massachusetts in the House of Representatives
Friday, June 19, 2009
Mr. MARKEY of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Perkins School for the Blind on being recognized by the Library of Congress as the 2008 Talking Book Library of the Year.
The Perkins School for the Blind, the first school for the blind in the United States, began with its founding over 175 years ago. Within a few short years, Perkins became known for its effective instructional techniques, including teaching Laura Bridgman, the first known deaf blind person to be educated. Perkins School is also responsible for nurturing the talents of Helen Keller, who came to Perkins on her way to breaking down barriers and perceptions about what people who are blind or deaf blind can accomplish.
Since first joining Congress, I've held the deep belief that there is no reason why anyone living in our country should not have equal opportunity to the literary genius of our nation and world. This belief, has led me to support efforts like that of the Perkins School, which always innovate with accessibility in mind.
The Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library, for over 174 years, has distinguished itself as a leader in providing innovative literary accessibility to those amongst us with visual and other disabilities.
In 2008, the Perkins School Braille and Talking Book Library circulated over 442,935 book and magazines, served 22,814 borrowers, and loaned over 5,000 play machines and accessories. The great staff of the Perkins School researched 13,164 title inquiries and found over 89 percent of those titles in an accessible format.
The Perkins School for the Blind should be commended for their tremendous effort to educate not only those with visual and other disabilities, but all of us. Because of the work of institutions like the Perkins School for the Blind, millions of individuals actively learned that with training and opportunity, those with visual and/or other disabilities can attain self-sufficiency and independently thrive throughout their lives.
Madam Speaker, I'm proud to congratulate the Perkins School for the Blind.
Posted
Jul 02 2009, 02:09 PM
by
BusyBee