Congressional Record/Volume 167/Issue 4/Extensions of Remarks/Congratulating J. Gary Mudd
CONGRATULATING J. GARY MUDD, VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AT THE AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND, ON HIS RETIREMENT
HON. JOHN A. YARMUTH
OF KENTUCKY
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Mr. Yarmuth. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate J. Gary Mudd, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), on his retirement. For more than 34 years, Gary has been a tireless advocate for thousands of students and adults who are blind or visually impaired.
Gary has been the face of APH on Capitol Hill for decades. His approach to educating Members of Congress and their staff was to emphasize the importance of increased funding for the blind and visually impaired; demonstrating the many technologies developed by APH; and making clear how that investment helps expand educational opportunities for those without sight. Gary’s determination, both personally and professionally, proved to all who know him that a blind man can achieve great success. Gary is a proud graduate of the University of Louisville where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology.
Gary was known to many on Capitol Hill, and his guide dogs were often more recognizable than their owner. When Gary called for an appointment, the first question was: “Is the dog coming?” Heathcliff was his first companion. When he passed away, Denver filled the coveted position. Not that we weren’t pleased to see Gary, but his companions were always a highlight of the day. Gary was a valuable resource for members of the Capitol Hill community and was always available to answer any questions about educating the blind and visually impaired.
Gary’s accomplishments are many: he played a key leadership role on the APH executive board; helped establish the National Prison Braille Network—a partnership with the APH and prisons across the United States to learn braille to transcribe textbooks for blind students; and played an integral role at the APH Museum, the InSights Arts Competition, and the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Center resources services team. Gary was not only instrumental in ensuring that the APH facility was an accessible workplace for all, but also led the team to include accessibility for the blind for the Louisville Metro region to expand accessibility and technology for transit, buildings, and streets, and he worked tirelessly to help incorporate changes into city planning documents for our city.
As Helen Keller said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
Gary’s work at the APH demonstrated more than vision. He inspired others to join in his quest to provide the best for blind students, adults, and the visually impaired all over this great nation.
I wish Gary the very best in retirement and send my good wishes to him, his wife Susan, daughters Kelly and Rachel, and grandchildren Cate, Carter, Davis, and Kase.