Janet & Rich McGaffin relax between legislative appointments

We, all 14 of us NFB of CT members, headed out full steam to the Washington Seminar in February of 2006. A small 3 hour delay to fly out because of fogged-in airports didn't dampen anyone's spirits. We met for the gathering in and afterwards were surprised by the appearance of Senator Dodd. What a gracious and, as always, very dedicated senator in support of our issues.

This year we had 3 issues.
1. Accessible text for blind college students.
2. A new federal agency to house the Randolph Shepard Act that will create employment enterprises to enhance business, creating jobs for the blind.
3. Senate enactment of the Louis Braille Commemorative Coin, Bill number HR2872, to promote Braille literacy.

We were met with positive support especially for the text books, and six legislators will support the coin bills.

Tuesday night was President George Bush's State of the Union speech and, as we were walking home from dinner, we stopped and watched as the motorcade drove by and listened to all the security helicopters flying overhead.

Of course, we took time to see the sights, which are always exciting and always offer new exhibits and descriptive arts. There was one blustery, windy day, but all in all, very good weather, with the pansies already out and the Pacifica blooming.

The taxi cab ride back to the airport turned out to be an expensive one, because my guide dog, Sierra, got in front first and then I followed in to close the door. The next second she was slurping up the taxi driver's soup in the seats between us. So, I politely apologized over and over and gave her a large tip, plus $5 to replace her soup. She was very gracious, and that left me with one more treasured memory from the Washington Seminar.

We come home again this year feeling very satisfied that our tired feet and tireless efforts are worthwhile and appreciated.

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