Washington, D.C. (February 6, 2007): Kelly Thornbury, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, met with Senator Craig Thomas in his Washington office last week to discuss issues that are important to blind Americans.  Mr. Thornbury was one of over 500 members of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) visiting their senators and representatives during the annual NFB Washington Seminar. 

As a representative of the National Federation of the Blind of Wyoming, Mr. Thornbury spoke with Senator Thomas about the importance of textbooks in alternative formats for blind students in higher education.  (Mr. Thornbury is currently studying at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.)  They also discussed voting 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 to discuss issues directly affecting the blind is the best way to educate our elected officials 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 Kelly Thornbury with Senator Craig Thomas is available upon request.