[Blindtlk] Louie Braille's Birthday

[Marion & Martin]

Dear All,
    This Sunday, January 4, 2009 is the Bicentennial of the birth of Louie Braille, the most influential individual in the lives of the blind. Through the use of the raised-dot system of reading and writing that carries his name, the blind are able to gain literacy that cannot be accomplished by any other means.
    Since Braille's birthday falls on a Sunday, this is an excellent opportunity for those of us who participate in religious services to spread the word about Braille. In honor of Louie Braille's birthday, I will be reading the Daily Word at new life Unity Church in Tampa, Florida where I serve as Music Director. If you are a member of a church or synagogue, this is an awesome opportunity to vividly demonstrate the usefulness of Braille and help eradicate the myth that Braille is becoming antiquated by new technology. No technology can replace the literacy for the blind that is created by reading and writing Braille. No technology can replace Braille for serving as a reader of the Scriptures during services by the blind!
    It's not too late to ask your Rabbi or minister to let you read during service in honor of this wonderful occasion. If everyone who attends religious services this weekend would do this, tens of thousands of people would learn a valuable lesson about Braille literacy.
    If you are planning a Louie Braille bicentennial birthday celebration, please let us know what it is. Your plans may inspire another to do some small thing that will have a tremendous impact!

fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala
President - National Association of Guide Dog Users
President - East Hillsborough Chapter (Tampa, Fla.)
National Federation of the Blind