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 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.
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.
Summer 2010: Junior Science Academy
The NFB's National Center for Blind Youth in Science (NCBYS) will again offer a Junior Science Academy targeting children in grades three through six. The Junior Science Academy offers young scientific explorers an opportunity to experience the excitement of science in a four-day session with hands-on experiences, tactile materials, and innovative non-visual teaching methods. In addition, the Academy will have corresponding parent workshops to provide parents/guardians with the tools and knowledge that they need to help their child succeed. Two summer sessions will be offered: July 28 to August 1, 2010, and August 4 to August 8, 2010. For more information, please visit the Junior Science Academy home page.
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! You can also purchase the Braille Education Set now, which features the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar in a collectible folder commemorating the life and legacy of Louis Braille.
NFB and Santa Partner
to Promote Braille Literacy
Once again, Santa has enlisted the help of the elves at the National Federation of the Blind to get Braille letters out to hundreds of blind boys and girls this Christmas season. Between November 16 and December 20, parents or teachers can fill out a Braille Letter from Santa form online, or print and fax the form to (410) 659-6893. 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). 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 NFB have questions. Braille Letter from Santa request forms are available now for parents/guardians or teachers. For more information on the program, please read the official press release.
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.
