WASHINGTON — Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has appointed Brian Patchett, president and chief executive officer of the Louisiana Association for the Blind, to the National Council on Disability, an independent federal agency that advises the president, Congress, and executive branch agencies on disability policy.
Johnson said Patchett’s leadership has benefited many Louisianans living with visual impairments, helping them achieve greater independence.
“I am honored to appoint Louisiana’s own Brian Patchett to serve on the National Council on Disability,” Johnson said. “Brian’s leadership at the Louisiana Association for the Blind has helped countless individuals with visual impairments across our state live more independent, fruitful lives. His experience and dedication to serving individuals with disabilities will be a blessing to our country, and I’m grateful he has accepted this appointment.”
Patchett said he looks forward to continuing his advocacy work through the national appointment.
“I am honored and grateful to Speaker Johnson for appointing me to the National Council on Disability,” Patchett said. “My focus as president and CEO of Louisiana Association for the Blind and my career has been to remove barriers for those with disabilities. As an adult with a visual impairment, I understand the challenges people with disabilities face while searching for a job and living an independent life.”
The National Council on Disability was established to promote policies advancing equality of opportunity, economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and full participation in all aspects of society, consistent with the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The council is composed of nine members, four appointed by congressional leadership and five appointed by the president. Patchett’s appointment has been entered into the Congressional Record.