The real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight. The real problem is the misunderstanding and lack of information that exist. If a blind person has proper training and opportunity, blindness can be reduced to a physical nuisance. |
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Upcoming Events
November 1, 2009: Braille Readers are Leaders Contest
This contest encourages children (grades K-12) around the country to be proud of their ability to read Braille and continually work to improve their skills. As in previous years, contestants will read as many Braille pages as they can in two months (November 1, 2009, through January 4, 2010). This year adults with various levels of experience reading Braille get to join in the fun! Registration begins October 1, 2009. For detailed information please visit www.nfb.org/bral.
Fall 2009: State Conventions
Every year, each of the 52 affiliates of the NFB holds a state convention. The state convention represents an annual opportunity for Federationists and other interested people throughout a state to assemble. These conventions generally feature substantive blindness-related programming, deliberations on state and local policy matters, administration of internal organizational business, special exhibits of interest to members, and more. For more information about the 2009 state conventions, please visit our state conventions page.
Affiliate Date Location
Colorado November 5-8 Denver
Connecticut November 6-8 East Harford
Kansas November 7-9 Solina
Michigan November 6-8 Grand Rapids
New Jersey November 6-8 Clark
Summer 2010: Bell Program
Is your affiliate interested in hosting the NFB BELL Program in 2010? The NFB BELL Program is designed to serve as a demonstration program to provide intensive Braille instruction to low vision children during the summer months. Please join members of the NFBJI’s Education Team for one of the two informational conference calls, held on October 21 and 22, 2009, at 8:30 PM EDT. If you are unable to attend one of the information sessions or desire additional information, please contact Natalie Shaheen at (410) 659-9314, extension 2293, or by e-mail at nshaheen@nfb.org or visit the 2010 Bell Program Web site.
What's New
Support Braille Literacy -
Buy the Louis Braille Coin Now!
There is a Braille literacy crisis in America. Only 10 percent of all blind children learn to read and write using Braille. In response to this crisis, the National Federation of the Blind has launched the largest Braille literacy campaign in history. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar - the first United States coin with readable, tactile Braille - will go to support Braille literacy. Urgent action is needed to address this crisis, and these beautiful coins are in limited supply, so buy the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar now! And be sure to tune into the Notre Dame football game on NBC this Saturday, as the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar will be used in the coin toss!
30 Scholarships Now Available
for Blind Students!
Each year at its national convention in July, the National Federation of the Blind gives thirty scholarships to recognize achievement by America's blind scholars. The NFB is now accepting applications (print or online) for its 2010 Scholarship Program. The scholarships range in value from $3,000 to $12,000. For eligibility and full application information, please visit www.nfb.org/scholarships. Completed applications are due by March 31, 2010.
Apply Now for a 2010 Bolotin Award
The National Federation of the Blind today announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2010 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Program. Each year the National Federation of the Blind presents cash awards to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward achieving the full integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. To learn more about the program or apply online now, please visit the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Program web page.
