Washington, DC (January 29, 2019): The National Federation of the Blind presented Senator Charles E. “Chuck” Grassley with its Distinguished Legislator Award. The award was presented to Senator Grassley on January 28 as part of the opening ceremony of the annual Washington Seminar, during which our members from across the country visit with their members of Congress to advise them of the legislative and policy concerns of blind Americans. Senator Grassley received the award for championing the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled and its implementing legislation in his role as chair of the Judiciary Committee of the United States Senate.

“We are pleased to honor our friend Senator Grassley for his tireless support of the Marrakesh Treaty,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “His efforts have unlocked the door to expanded literacy and access to the world’s knowledge for the blind of America, and he has our profound respect and gratitude.”