John Brademas was Congressional Representative from Indiana for many years. Among other accomplishments, Brademas was Co-Sponser of The Endowment for The Arts and The Endowment for The Humanities. Defeated in "The Reagan Landslide" of 1980, Brademas became President of New York University for 12 years.

As Congressman, one advocacy was for education of disabled children. This prompted Esther to write him a thankful letter. This was published in The Congressional Record - Extensions of Remarks, E 2420-1 (April 22, 1974) of the Congress of The United States.

Esther's Letter of April 3, 1974, from Reston, VA, after its salutary opening:
"Dear Mr. Brademas: I have just read your remarks printed at the back of the April first (1974) Congressional Record, where you reported the progress of H. R. 70 and mentioned the bill sponsored in 1937 by Senator Pepper. I was just 17 then, and if his bill had become law, it strikes me that my whole life might have been more productive in every way, to my country, to my loved ones, and to myself. It is heartbreaking to realize how many children's lives hang in the balance while legislators feel they even have the time to debate such a bill as you seem to have proposed. I have not seen the bill, but descriptions of it seem to provide an opportunity to open doors that must remain closed unless handicapped children are given more help.

"Having worked at many different jobs, I realize that an individual -- even though partially paralyzed by polio -- can earn a living on competitive basis if given half a chance. Such an individual -- partly because he or she cannot move around a lot -- will put in many hours and a great deal of thought to a job which possibly an able-bodied person would resent. I am not referring to "make-work" positions, but to the real world of employment. The curriculum in the schools should not be geared only to vocational or factory jobs, but to creative and career positions.

"Please, Sir, do not lose hope in pushing your bill through. We neeed you for the future good of our country as well as for the Congress. Thank you. I wish I had known a bit more about legislation when I was 17 years old, but whatever I can do now will help future citizens to lead productive and useful lives. What can I do?

Sincerely, Esther Odell."