Braille Literacy Proclamation
BRAILLE LITERACY MONTH
WHEREAS, in 1824, Louis Braille developed a system of embossed coding which made written communication accessible to the blind and visually impaired; and
WHEREAS, Braille is the primary method of written communication used by blind and visually impaired people, and It has improved the quality of life for millions of people throughout the State of Florida, the nation and the world; and
WHEREAS, blind and visually Impaired men and women throughout Florida overcome daily obstacles In their careers and in their daily lives, and these citizens inspire people facing challenges to lead fulfilling and productive lives; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Education Division of Blind Services, Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Services, serves more than 1,100 Braille readers in Florida; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau encourages the increased usage of Braille by transcribing reading materials to supplement the national Braille collection; and
WHEREAS, it is important to recognize the many important contributions and accomplishments of blind and visually Impaired Floridians, to support the daily efforts of Florida's blind and visually Impaired citizens and to celebrate Louis Braille's greatest gift to humanity;
NOW, THEREFORE, I Charlie Crist, Governor of the State of Florida do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing January 2009 as Braille Literacy Month.
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and
caused the great seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at
Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 24th day of December in the year of
our Lord two thousand eight.
THE CAPITOL
Tallahassee, Florida 32399 • (850) 488·2272 • FAX (850) 922-.4292