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Santa knows Braille!

This is another press release I'm passing along to any readers who might be interested, or know kids who might be interested. Honestly, I haven't blogged about braille in some time. I should probably revisit that subject. Sadly, it seems to bring up so many emotions for everyone. It feels like their are two camps in the low vision world about braille - either everyone should learn it, or no one should unless their vision is super, super crappy. It's very sad that this is the current state of things. But, today is a very busy day. I'll have to revisit the politics of braille some other time.

For now, one way to encourage kids to learn braille is to make it "cool" and to provide them with materials they want to read. A letter from Santa is a great way to promote braille literacy among little kids.

Here's the info:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:


Chris Danielsen


Director of Public Relations


National Federation of the Blind


(410) 659-9314, extension 2330


(410) 262-1281 (Cell)


cdanielsen@nfb.org






National Federation of the Blind


Partners with Santa to Promote Braille Literacy


Baltimore, Maryland (November 14, 2011): Once again, Santa has enlisted the help of the elves at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Jernigan Institute to get Braille letters out to hundreds of blind boys and girls this Christmas season.


Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Santa approached the National Federation of the Blind a couple of years ago and asked us to be his helpers. I'm quite fond of the fellow and was delighted that we could assist him in his work. Braille literacy is the key to success and opportunity for the blind, but unfortunately too few blind children are learning it today. This program will not only spread holiday cheer but will also serve an important educational purpose, as blind children will be able to practice reading Braille as they enjoy their letter from merry Saint Nicholas."


Between November 15 and December 20, parents can go online at www.nfb.org and fill out a Santa Braille Letter request form. The form can also be printed and faxed to (410) 685-2340. Beginning December 1, the Braille letters from Santa will start going out to boys and girls around the country. The Braille letter will also be accompanied by a print copy (for mom and dad to read), and parents can choose the contracted or uncontracted form of Braille for the letter. Requests for letters must include the writer's name, the child's name, birthday, gender, mailing address, and a telephone number or e-mail address in case Santa's helpers at the National Federation of the Blind have questions.


The deadline for letter requests is December 20, to ensure that a return letter in Braille is received before Christmas. For more information about this and other programs of the National Federation of the Blind, please visit our Web site at www.nfb.org.


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About the National Federation of the Blind


With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind. Please visit our Web site: www.nfb.org.






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