78R13283 JH-D

By:  Pitts                                                        H.R. No. 1019



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, On April 10, 2003, the Council for Exceptional 
Children's Division on Visual Impairments bestowed its 
Distinguished Service Award on Dr. Phil Hatlen, the superintendent 
of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Austin; 
and
	WHEREAS, A deserving recipient of this prestigious award, Dr. 
Hatlen was honored for his diligent work as an advocate for persons 
with blindness and visual impairments and for his leadership and 
innovation in the education of visually impaired students; and
	WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman received both his 
bachelor's and master's degrees at San Francisco State University 
before earning a doctorate in education at the University of 
California at Berkeley; he began his career as a teacher of visually 
impaired students, and later served four years as the principal of 
the California School for the Blind and 24 years on the staff of San 
Francisco State University, where he worked to equip aspiring 
teachers of the visually impaired with the skills necessary to 
excel in this challenging field; and
	WHEREAS, Since assuming his current post more than a decade 
ago, Dr. Hatlen has demonstrated a continued commitment to 
empowering people with blindness through both his personal and 
professional endeavors, winning the respect and admiration of his 
colleagues, students, and parents alike; and
	WHEREAS, Among the organizations that have benefited from his 
expertise and natural leadership ability are the Council for 
Exceptional Children's Visually Impaired Division, the Association 
for Education of Visually Handicapped, the Council of Schools for 
the Blind, National Agenda, and the Blind Babies Foundation; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Hatlen is a man of integrity, compassion, and 
dedication, whose work has positively affected the lives of 
countless Texans, and it is a pleasure to join in honoring him; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Phil Hatlen on his receipt of 
the Distinguished Service Award from the Council for Exceptional 
Children's Division on Visual Impairments and extend to him sincere 
best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Dr. Hatlen as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.