STATE OF NEW
YORK
EXECUTIVE
CHAMBER
Proclamation
Whereas, the Empire State proudly recognizes milestones in the history of mankind, and as we are especially grateful for individuals who advanced the course of human progress through their pioneering work and discoveries that have improved the quality of life for disabled persons, including those with various forms of visual impairment, this year we join to commemorate the bicentennial of the birth of Louis Braille (1809-1852), whose invention of a reading and writing code for the blind brought revolutionary change to many lives, opening up a world of opportunity, learning and social integration; and
Whereas, since its development, the Braille Code for the blind has become the accepted method of reading and writing among visually-impaired persons worldwide, and one of universal convenience that enables representation of the alphabets of most written languages, as well as other forms of expression through symbols, including mathematical and scientific notations, and the reproduction of musical scores; and
Whereas, Louis Braille lost his sight at an early age and, dissatisfied with his school’s methods for promoting literacy among its visually-impaired students, he took the basic concept of a military code and created an ultra-efficient and accessible raised-dot system that gave blind persons a unique, new and easily-learned way to read and write; and
Whereas, the Braille Code provided the blind with the power of knowledge, expanded their opportunities and equipped them with a valuable tool that enabled them to be productive and creative contributors to society and, while technology has improved the lives of visually-impaired persons by facilitating quick access to information, no technology can replace Braille literacy in terms of the independence it offers to those who are blind, as Braille allows for the interactive ability to read and write – the foundation of communication and learning; and
Whereas, in 2006, the United States Congress officially recognized the importance of Braille and Braille literacy by passing the Louis Braille Bicentennial – Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin Act, authorizing the striking of a United States silver dollar in commemoration of the two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, being released on this day, by the United States Mint; and
Whereas, the National Federation of the Blind, the nation’s oldest and largest organization of blind people and the leading advocate for Braille literacy has launched a national “Braille Readers are Leaders” campaign to promote awareness of the importance of Braille and to increase the availability of qualified Braille instruction and of Braille reading materials in this country, and New York State joins to support the goals of this initiative, paying tribute to the life and legacy of Louis Braille – an extraordinary thinker, inventor and humanitarian whose influence on the world remains as profound and relevant as ever;
Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim March 26, 2009 as
BRAILLE READERS ARE LEADERS DAY
in the Empire State.
G i v e n
under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the
Capitol in the City of Albany this eleventh day of
March in the year two thousand nine.
David A. Paterson
Governor
Larry Schwartz
Secretary to the Governor
