Press Release January, 2009
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Associated Services for the Blind
The 49th Annual Louis Braille Awards Ceremony
With Honorary Chairman Robert L. Barchi, M.D., Ph.D
President, Thomas Jefferson University
The Honorable Lynne Abraham presents
Isaac J. Lidsky with Louis Braille Award
First Blind Law Clerk Serving in the Supreme Court
February 10, 2009- The Annual Louis Braille Awards are presented to honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions on behalf of the blind and visually impaired. At the recent Awards Ceremony, Honorary Chairman Robert Barchi, M.D., Ph.D., President of Thomas Jefferson University welcomed the 150 attendees to the event at The Union League. The Louis Braille Award Recipient was Isaac J. Lidsky, the first blind law clerk serving a Supreme Court Justice. Awards have previously been given to people who are blind or visually impaired who have overcome great odds, accomplished outstanding achievements, while inspiring others including the sighted.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Barchi’s stated, “I’m delighted to salute Patricia C. Johnson, ASB CEO and President and ASB for their work in fostering a greater sense of independence and dignity in the blind and visually impaired community.” He continued, “Through a range of services and community partnerships, ASB helps people with low vision cope, adapt and live, so that blindness is no longer a barrier.”
Award presenter, the Honorable Lynne Abraham introduced herself by explaining her dedication to the Associated Services for the Blind, “My husband Frank Ford and I try to pitch in, helping ASB in anyway we can, including donating all of our large print books, book on cds and tapes when we are finished reading them.” Abraham continued with her introduction of Award Recipient Isaac Lidsky, “Sandra Day O’Connor had the great intellect and the great wisdom to choose Isaac Lidsky as her law clerk. Our awardee, Mr. Lidsky is a trail blazer. Not only by being the first blind law clerk ever to serve on the Supreme Court. But also because he has taken his need to make sure everything is being done to end retinitis pigmentosa and other visual impairments.”
Lidsky accepted his award saying, “It’s really truly very humbling to be selected for this award.” His acceptance speech continued with inspiration for all listeners, sighted and unsighted, “Our goal today is nothing short of meaningful, independent fulfilled lives for the blind: a world in which blind people can achieve anything that they want to do, anything that a sighted person could do.”
Lidsky’s accomplishments are noteworthy:
- Honors graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School
- Served on the appellate staff for the Civil Division of the Justice Department
- Served as a law clerk to The Honorable Judge Thomas Ambro of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- First blind clerk in the Supreme Court’s history.
- Previously served as a Law Clerk for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
- Currently serves as a Law Clerk for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
Veolia Energy was a Gold Sponsor of the Louis Braille Award Ceremony. Steam from Veolia Energy’s district energy system is utilized for heating ASB’s offices, classrooms, common areas and recording facilities. District energy plays an integral role in the infrastructure of the City of Philadelphia. Kevin Brown, SVP of Veolia Energy North America’s Central Region and a member of ASB’s Board of Directors since 2006 said “We are excited at the opportunity to continue our support for the Associated Services for the Blind through our contribution to this meaningful event. We appreciate the opportunity to both give back to the community and expand the ways in which we can support our partners.”
Patricia C. Johnson, CEO and President of ASB commented on the success of the 49th Annual Louis Braille awards Ceremony, "The true essence of the Louis Braille Awards is to recognize those who have exceeded expectations and embraced opportunities to provide a better quality of life for individuals who are blind or visually impaired." Commenting on the presence of Dr. Barchi as the Honorary Chairman, she continued by adding, "Dr. Barchi is a true visionary. He is one of Thomas Jefferson University's most coveted assets, and rightly so."
Reviewing the “All-Star” line-up of the 49th Annual Louis Braille Ceremony of presentations, sponsors and award recipients and attendees, Johnson’s enthusiasm is hard to disguise. "In all honesty, it is a privilege to be on the same stage with Isaac, his story is captivating and his energy is quite contagious." She finished by remarking on Timmy Kelly, who sang the National Anthem at the kick-off of the Awards Ceremony. "We have watched Timmy grow from an amazing child into extraordinary young man," said Johnson. "His singing talent has developed significantly, and as always, I am in awe." ASB President and Chief Executive Officer says, "Timmy is a true inspiration to individuals who are blind and visually impaired."
With roots dating back to 1874, ASB has as its mission to promote self-esteem, independence, and self-determination in people who are blind or visually impaired. ASB provides a full spectrum of rehabilitation and life skills education from computer training to hands-on gardening, Latino outreach, and support groups. ASB also produces approximately eleven million pages of Braille per year. Visit us online at www.asb.org.
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