On October 21, 2010, Rep. Edward J. Markey received the first Pathway to Independence Award from the Carroll Center for the Blind for his successful legislative efforts on behalf of individuals who are blind ordeaf population of the United States.  Rep. Markey is the author of thelandmark legislation, the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act.

The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, which Rep. Markey introduced in June 2009, was signed into law by President Obama on October 8, 2010.  The law will enable Americans with disabilities to use a wide range of devices and services needed in the digital era, including smart phones for accessing the Internet, closed captioning for online video, audio descriptions of television programming, audible emergency alerts and other technologies.

Rep.Markey accepted the Pathway to Independence Award from the Director the Carroll Center for the Blind, Michael Festa.  Upon presenting the awardto Rep Markey, Festa said, “With this legislation, Congressman Markey has created a communications pathway for blind persons to live more independently and to have greater access to employment making Congressman Markey most deserving of the first Pathway to Independence Award.”

After the ceremony, Rep. Markey spent time meeting with the students and faculty of the Carroll Center and observing some of thetechniques and new technologies that the Carroll Center uses to help their students become more independent in their day to day lives.

Rep. Markey (center) is pictured with the Director of the Carroll Center, Michael Festa (far left) and students & alumni of the Carroll Center’s programs.