Washington, D.C. (February 6, 2007): A delegation of the National Federation of the Blind of Utah visited with both Senator Orrin Hatch and Senator Bob Bennett in Washington last week to discuss issues of importance to blind Americans.  Comprised of students, parents, and seniors from all across Utah, the group was among over 500 members of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) visiting their senators and representatives during the annual NFB Washington Seminar. 

As representatives of the National Federation of the Blind of Utah, the delegation discussed with Senator Hatch and Senator Bennett the importance of textbooks in alternative formats for blind students, ballot access for the blind, and the removal of disincentives to work that affect many blind Americans.

“We have found that blind constituents visiting their senators and representatives and discussing issues affecting the blind directly is an extremely effective way of educating our elected representatives about what blind Americans truly need,” said Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind.  The NFB, known as the voice of the nation’s blind, is the largest organization of blind people in the United States.

A photograph of Megan Palmer, of Centerville, Utah, reading Braille with Senator Hatch is available upon request.  A photograph of Kasondra Payne, of Logan, Utah, with Senator Hatch is also available upon request.