Dr. Roy Fitzgerald honored for his service to the blind

Dr. Roy Fitzgerald of Lewes was presented with the Special Recognition Louis Braille Award Jan. 28, from Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired at its 51st Annual Louis Braille Awards Ceremony held at the Union League of Philadelphia. Recipients of the Louis Braille Award are recognized for their outstanding contributions on behalf of the blind and visually impaired community.

Honored for his passion and career dedication to helping those with visual impairments, Fitzgerald has been involved with Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB) since its inception in 1983.  He’s been a driving force on the board of directors and served as chairman of the board numerous times through the years.

He was a member of the medical and dental staff at Crozer-Chester Medical Center from 1973 to 2006 and was an associate clinical professor of psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Thomas Jefferson University since 1978.  He is also a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Fitzgerald has authored articles related to blindness and psychological reactions titled Reactions to Blindness: An Exploratory Study in Adults with Recent Loss of Sight and The Newly Blind: Mental Distress, Somatic Illness and Disability.

“Dr. Fitzgerald’s indelible service over the years has made a huge impact on the lives of the blind community,” said Patricia C. Johnson, ASB president and CEO.  “He is most deserving of the Louis Braille Award as his work fully encompasses the reason these awards exist.  It’s a pleasure to recognize this wonderful man.”

Also honored at the ceremony was Cap. Scott Smiley, the Army’s first blind active-duty officer, who received the Individual Award. The Seeing Eye guide dog school received a Special Recognition Award, and NBC 10 received the Corporate Award.  

Brian Tierney, CEO of Brian Public Relations and RealTime Media Inc., and former publisher of the Philadelphia Inquirer, served as honorary chairman and addressed the crowd of over 130 business leaders and attendees. For more information about ASB or the Louis Braille Awards, contact Public Relations Officer Lauren Scarpa at lscarpa@asb.org or 215-627-0600,   Ext. 3242.

With roots dating back to 1874, ASB has as its mission to promote self-esteem, independenceand self-determination in people who are blind or visually impaired. ASB provides a full spectrum of rehabilitation and life skills education from computer training to hands-on gardening, Latino outreach, and support groups. A

SB also produces approximately 13 million pages of braille per year. Visit usb.org