Why did Samuel Gridley Howe bring blind pupils before the U.S. Congress?

Samuel Gridley Howe brought his blind pupils before the U.S. Congress to demonstrate their capabilities in reading, writing, oratory, and musical performance. By showcasing these talents, Howe aimed to provide tangible proof that blind individuals could be educated and trained to become independent, contributing members of society.12

He specifically used these exhibitions to urge Congress to appropriate funds for the establishment of a national library for the blind. Although he performed these demonstrations before Congress twice during the 1830s and 1840s, his aspiration for a national library was not realized during his lifetime.1