The office of Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., issued the following news release:
U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell honored the American Printing House for the Blind on Tuesday for 150 years of service to the millions of blind and visually impaired people across the United States. During a ceremony on Capitol Hill, Senator McConnell paid tribute to the Louisville facility with the following remarks:
"Hello and thank you for that introduction, Jim.
"I want to thank APH Chairman Jim Lintner and President Tuck Tinsley for their superb leadership of an institution that is very important to the city of Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and nationwide. Thank you, Jim, Tuck.
"I'm also grateful Gary Mudd and Nancy Lacewell, both of APH, could be here as well. Thank you for all your hard work putting together this event.
"This year marks the American Printing House for the Blind's 150th in operation, to the benefit of millions of blind and visually impaired people across the country. For these Americans, APH provides more than just a way to get an education. They provide full access to a life without limits, and the American Dream.
"Before this institution's founding, different schools for the blind across the country each prepared their own learning materials, but soon educators realized the need for a national printing house to fill this role.
"Louisville was chosen for its central location in the country, and its position along the Ohio River. So the Kentucky General Assembly passed an act to charter APH in 1858.
"The federal government designated APH as the nation's official source of learning materials for blind students in 1879, and Congress has continued to support APH's mission ever since.
"Over the last 150 years, the American Printing House for the Blind has created many remarkable products that have changed the lives of blind and visually impaired Americans. APH began printing books in Braille in the 19th Century.
"Today they create products to help the blind access the Internet. You'll get a chance to see some of that history in the traveling museum exhibit APH has created in the Russell Rotunda, and learn the incredible role this institution has played in education in America.
"The Commonwealth of Kentucky and the city of Louisville are proud to be the home of APH, and you have added a lot to our community. You've empowered millions of Americans to learn all they can, engage the world around them, and reach their full potential.
"I've always been a supporter of APH, and I'm glad I could join you to celebrate 150 years of service to this important mission. And we look forward to supporting you as you fulfill your vital role for so many in the years ahead."
No comments:
Post a Comment