[nfbmi-talk] Dr. Nemeth SR-185

[Mark Eagle]

SR-185, As Adopted by Senate, October 2, 2014
 
 
            Senators Gregory, Anderson, Bieda, Marleau, Johnson, Hood and Ananich offered the following resolution:
            Senate Resolution No. 185.
            A resolution to proclaim October 16, 2014, as Dr. Abraham Nemeth Day in the state of Michigan.
            Whereas, Dr. Abraham Nemeth was born on October 16, 1918, in New York City and attended public school as a totally-blind child. He majored in psychology at Brooklyn College and received a master’s degree in psychology from Columbia University; and
            Whereas, In 1955, Dr. Nemeth joined the faculty of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he was known for the innovative way he devised to convey mathematical concepts, and served for thirty years until his retirement in 1985; and
            Whereas, Dr. Nemeth received a Ph.D. in mathematics from Wayne State University in Detroit. He was considered a man of vision and action, with intellectual brilliance and insightful wit; and
            Whereas, The lack of Braille materials and Dr. Nemeth's determination to pursue his love of math and science led to the creation of what is now known as the Nemeth Braille Code for Mathematics and Science Notation. This was a landmark step in the opportunity for blind students to engage in scientific studies; and
            Whereas, This unique and revolutionary idea became the official code in the United States, later in Canada and New Zealand, and is recognized as an indispensable tool for instruction in mathematics and science; and
            Whereas, The Nemeth Code continues to make it possible for blind men and women to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; supporting themselves and their families and changing the public perception of blindness in a positive way; and
            Whereas, Dr. Nemeth also developed MathSpeak, which is a standard system of reading mathematical formulas out loud. He has changed the lives of countless blind people through his pioneering work, creating the Nemeth Braille Code for Mathematics and Scientific Notation; and 
            Whereas, Dr. Nemeth was an active member of the National Federation of the Blind; served as the chairman of the Michigan Commission for Blind from 1991 until 1993; received the Migel Medal by the American Foundation for the Blind in 1999; and in 2001, received the Creative Use of Braille Award from the American Printing House for the Blind. The Division of Visual Impairments of the Council for Exceptional Children awarded him the Exemplary Advocate Award. He was a longtime resident of Southfield, Michigan, and was still working on the Nemeth Code until his passing on October 2, 2013; now, therefore, be it
            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body proclaim October 16, 2014, as Dr. Abraham Nemeth Day in Michigan; and be it further 
            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the National Federation of the Blind as a token of our esteem.