From: Jamal Mazrui 
Subject: NFB of Kentucky in Congressional Record (Forward From 
dandrews@visi.com)
Thought this may interest you,
Jamal
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              Congressional Record dated Thursday, July 31, 1997
                           Senate - Part II Section
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Tribute by FORD (D-KY): THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF KENTUCKY
         [CR page S-8483, 50 lines]
                  Attributed to FORD (D-KY)
                THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF KENTUCKY
    Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity to recognize an
  organization who has represented the visually impaired for 50 years. 
embers
  of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky will convene on 
September
  5 and 6 to celebrate their work and commitment to improving the lives of
  visually impaired citizens in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
    The organization's first president, Harold L. Reagan, lived his life not 
as
  a blind person, but as an American citizen with a dream. Not only was 
eagan
  blind, but he also lost his arm. In the 1930's this was not easy to 
overcome.
  However, this did not stop Reagan. He created an enterprise selling candy,
  soft drinks and cigarettes over a counter at the Jefferson County 
ourthouse
  in Louisville, KY. Reagan was the first visually impaired person to manage
  this type of business in Kentucky and inspired many others to follow in his
  footsteps.
    Reagan faced adversity with courage and strength. Along with fellow
  supporters, Reagan helped shape a small organization that became known as 
the
  Kentucky Federation of the Blind. This group challenged society to set 
side
  their biases, and opened doors for the visually impaired. Their efforts led
  to the establishment of a separate agency for the blind in Kentucky which
  improved services to the blind through additional resources and the
  elimination of bureaucratic hurdles.
    In 1947 Kentucky became the 27th State affiliated with the National
  Federation of the Blind. In 1979 Betty Niceley filled the shoes of her 
mentor
  as President of the Kentucky chapter.
    Visually impaired Kentuckians, family, friends and citizens now reap the
  benefits of current information, education, and a forceful advocate on 
tate
  and Federal issues.
    Ongoing activities and constant public contact continues to make the
  National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky a united force. Their efforts
  have distinguished Kentucky as a leader throughout the country for its
  research and promotion of technology assisting visually impaired users in
  obtaining highly sought after computer jobs.
    As times change, so do biases and expectations. This year the U.S. Senate
  saw a staffer join us on the floor to assist with important legislation.
  While this is not unusual, it was unusual to see this aid assisted by her
  guide dog. This same aid and guide dog assisted my office a little over a
  year ago.
    I would never say the road that Reagan and other visually impaired
  Kentuckians have traveled was an easy one to travel, but a necessary 
ourney
  to benefit generations to come. As friends and family gather today and
  tomorrow, it will not only be a time to reflect on the past, but toward the
  future.
    I am proud to stand before you and say the world is changing for the
  better. I know you will join me in congratulating the National Federation 
f
  the Blind of Kentucky for 50 years of dedication and service in our quest 
for
  a better future.
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