Press Releases 2009

U.S. Embassy and the Municipality of Sin El Fil Launch the “Citizen Municipal Guide” in Braille

February 19, 2009

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol attended the launching of the “Citizen Municipal Guide” in Braille at the Municipality of Sin El Fil.  With funding from USAID under the Transparency & Accountability Grants (TAG) program implemented by AMIDEAST, the Christian Association for the Blind developed a Braille version of the “Citizen Municipal Guide” that was initially produced by the State University of New York/Center for Legislative Development (SUNY/CLD).

The Braille version will help visually impaired citizens better understand their rights in transactions conducted at local municipalities.  The Christian Association for the Blind distributed copies of the guide to municipalities and organizations serving the visually impaired.   It also distributed flyers to all visually impaired individuals nationwide informing them of the guide and it conducted awareness sessions to accompany the guide.   SUNY/CLD will facilitate the guide’s availability in all municipalities.
 
USAID has worked in Lebanon since 1951 and implemented development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. With funds from the American people, USAID creates jobs, invests in youth and protects the environment.  USAID’s work reflects the strong friendship between the Lebanese and American people.