Rothstein: Markey’s career of advocacy
The Belmont Citizen, March 18, 2009
By Steven M. Rothstein/Perkins School for the Blind
Watertown, Mass. - On March 5, in Washington, D.C., the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) presented Massachusetts Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., with the Migel Medal — the highest award in the field of blindness — for a lifetime of pioneering work promoting the rights of people with disabilities. Perkins School for the Blind is pleased to add our own accolades to that honor. Congressman Markey’s national leadership in authoring the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act is the most recent chapter in a career of constant and tireless effort to make all media accessible for all Americans.
From Mr. Markey’s own district on Perkins Watertown campus, we have seen first-hand the fervor with which he has worked to insure that every person has access to the wealth of information in the media, particularly via videos and the internet. Such universal access to information is vital to personal and financial independence for everyone. Passage of this new legislation will have a huge, positive impact on students, alumni and families served by Perkins, as well as others across the country who have sensory impairments or other disabilities.
Congratulations to Rep. Markey, not only for his award, but also for the decades of bi-partisan, people-first advocacy it represents. When leaders take up the cause of those who are disabled, the whole of society benefits. We proudly take this opportunity to thank Ed Markey for all he has done and continues to do.
Steven M. Rothstein
President, Perkins School for the Blind
Watertown
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