HCR 238

R-290  Page 1 of 1
2026
No. R-290. House concurrent resolution congratulating the Vermont Association for
the Blind and Visually Impaired on a century of advocating for and facilitating the
realization of outstanding support services.
                                         (H.C.R.238)
   Offered by All Members of the House
   Whereas, in 1926, Helen Keller, the ardent advocate for individuals with visual
impairment, toured Vermont and encouraged the State’s governmental leadership to
provide public financing for services assisting Vermonters who were blind or visually
impaired, and
   Whereas, she proved an effective advocate, as her speaking engagement in Burlington
sparked considerable interest, and, in May 1926, her efforts resulted in the establishment
of the nonprofit organization the Vermont Association for the Blind, now known as the
Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI), and
   Whereas, upon being formed, VABVI partnered with the State to develop a statewide
program to facilitate vital support services for impacted individuals, and
  Whereas, for the past century, this partnership has improved the lives of countless
Vermonters of all ages who are either blind or visually impaired, and
   Whereas, in 2026, VABVI is an integral organization in the system of support for the
visually impaired, and this work is now especially important as the number of persons in
need of these vital services is anticipated to double by the year 2030, now therefore be it
   Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
   That the General Assembly congratulates the Vermont Association for the Blind and
Visually Impaired on a century of advocating for and facilitating the realization of
outstanding support services, and be it further
  Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to
VABVI.
                                                                             VT LEG #388552 v.1