[Akron-Talk] National Federation of the Blind Partners with Rice Krispies Treats to Create Braille "Love Notes" for Blind Children

[Dave Bertsch]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



National Federation of the Blind Partners with Rice Krispies Treats 
to Create Braille "Love Notes" for Blind Children

Baltimore, Maryland (August 7, 2018): The National Federation of the 
Blind has partnered with Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats to create 
accessible "Love Notes" so parents can share messages of love and 
encouragement with blind children in their lunchboxes. The "Love 
Notes" are an accessible version of the writable wrapper on Rice 
Krispies Treats.

The new, accessible "Love Notes" are available in two forms: Braille 
stickers and re-recordable audio boxes. The "Love Notes" Braille 
stickers are heart-shaped to fit in the space on Rice Krispies Treats 
writable wrappers for written notes. Each Braille sticker sheet 
includes eight uplifting phrases in Braille for parents to share with 
their children, from "You've Got This" to "Love You Lots." The 
re-recordable audio box holds a Rice Krispies Treat and, when opened, 
plays a ten-second pre-recorded message. The audio box messages can 
be re-recorded over a thousand times, offering opportunities to share 
love and support throughout the entire school year. Every package 
sent to families will include a Braille letter explaining this 
program and a co-branded Braille alphabet card featuring Snap, 
Crackle, and Pop, along with information about the NFB's Braille programs.

Rice Krispies Treats came to the National Federation of the Blind to 
help create a back-to-school campaign that would intentionally 
include blind students. The first-ever "Love Notes" in Braille and 
audio are inspired by their work with many members of the Federation. 
A brand-new video, which will also be part of a YouTube ad campaign, 
features Emerie "Eme" Mitchell-Butler and her mom, Tabatha "Tabby" 
Mitchell, both active members of the National Federation of the 
Blind. The video demonstrates how Eme, an 11-year-old blind student, 
lives the life she wants and spreads love and friendship through her 
music. Kellogg worked closely with the NFB to ensure that the video 
was a positive and realistic portrayal of a blind student.

Information about the National Federation of the Blind will also be 
featured on the Rice Krispies website in an effort to let more 
families know about the support and programs we offer for families of 
blind children.

"The National Federation of the Blind is committed to helping parents 
raise blind children who are prepared to be confident, happy, and 
productive members of society," said Mark Riccobono, President of the 
National Federation of the Blind. "As a father of three children, I 
know that a parent's love and support are critical to every child's 
success, whether they are sighted, losing vision, or blind. We are 
therefore delighted to partner with Rice Krispies Treats, which we 
know shares our commitment to Braille literacy and our understanding 
that with love, hope, and determination, we can transform dreams into reality."

"Kellogg as a whole has a larger connection to this cause with W.K. 
Kellogg losing his sight and continuing to work at the company full 
time for a number of years afterwards," said Jessica Waller, Vice 
President and co-chair of the Kapable Employee Resource Group at 
Kellogg. "Inclusion is in our DNA and is now shared through Rice 
Krispies Treats 'Love Notes.' Everyone is important, and we want each 
child to be able to feel loved, supported, and acknowledged."

To order "Love Notes" for your own child at no charge, visit 
<https://www.ricekrispies.com/en_US/love-notes.html>ricekrispies.com/lovenotes; 
and join Rice Krispies Treats in sharing love and support this back 
to school season with the hashtag #SoMuchToLove on social media. 

About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in 
Baltimore, is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind 
Americans. Founded in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, 
and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. 
The NFB defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides 
information and support to families with blind children, older 
Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes 
and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into 
reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at 
<http://www.nfb.org>www.nfb.org.

CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org