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“IN RECOGNITION OF SUSAN J. SPUNGIN'S RECEIPT OF THE MIGEL MEDAL FROM THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1183 on May 18, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF SUSAN J. SPUNGIN'S RECEIPT OF THE MIGEL MEDAL FROM
THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND
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HON. JERROLD NADLER
of new york
in the house of representatives
Monday, May 18, 2009
Mr. NADLER of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Susan J. Spungin. In March of 2009, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) awarded the M.C. Migel Medal to Dr. Spungin at their Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute in Washington, DC.
The M.C. Migel Medal was established in 1937 by the late M.C. Migel, the first chairperson of the American Foundation for the Blind. The award was created to honor professionals and volunteers whose dedication and achievements have improved the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. It is the highest honor in the blindness field.
This year's recipient, Dr. Spungin recently retired from her position as Vice President of International Programs and Special Projects at the American Foundation for the Blind, and as Treasurer of the World Blind Union.
An internationally renowned expert on the education and rehabilitation of individuals who are blind or visually impaired, Dr. Spungin joined AFB in 1972 as a national specialist in education. In this capacity, she identified nationwide issues affecting blind, deaf-
blind, and severely visually impaired children and youths, and worked in partnership with schools, agencies, state departments of education, universities, the federal government, and other organizations to resolve those issues. Additionally, she was instrumental in shaping the American Foundation for the Blind's research and policy work, specifically, its national programs in the areas of early childhood development, aging, employment, rehabilitation teaching, low vision, orientation and mobility, and career education.
Dr. Spungin's leadership and influence within the field of blindness and vision impairment are evident in her many publications and workshops, lectures, and keynote speeches she's presented around the world; in her mentorship of newer leaders in the field; and the awards and honors she has received and the enormous respect and reverence that greet her wherever she goes.
Dr. Spungin's forty-four years of distinguished work on education and rehabilitation of blind people in national and international arenas is commendable and fully deserving of the commendation of the M.C. Migel Medal.
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