First Bill In Braille Introduced By Congressman Fitzpatrick

The first piece of legislation ever submitted in Braille was introduced Thursday by Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick of Bucks County.

The legislation, which supports the designation of February 28, 2016 as National Rare Eye Disease Awareness Day, was passed in an effort to increase funding for and education about rare disorders that cause blindness.

“For millions of Americans, living without sight is a reality – and one made more difficult when caused by rare eye diseases. We owe it to them as constituents and as members of our community to advocate for increase mindfulness of and critical funding for these conditions,” said Fitzpatrick. “By calling for a national day of awareness and introducing the resolution in Braille we’re sending a clear message that this Congress stands with those families impacted by eye diseases and blindness.”

A Bucks County family from Ivyland joined Fitzpatrick in the chamber as he introduced the legislation.

The Smedley family, whose sons, Michael, 16, and Mitchell, 12, suffer from Leber’s Congenital Amauroisis, were in Washington D.C. for the event.

Both Michael and Mitchell use Braille to read and write, according to information from Fitzpatrick’s office. “Blindness rarely stops them from pursuing their interests and chasing their dreams,” the congressman said.

The boys’ mother, Kristen, called the congressman “a champion for rare disease patients.”

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