[Blindtlk] Louis Braille Coin Will be Launched into Space

[Freeh, Jessica]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, ext. 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org



Louis Braille Coin Will be Launched into Space





National Federation of the Blind and NASA Confirm Historic Flight



Baltimore, Maryland (March 26, 2009): In a surprise announcement at 
the launch ceremony for the new Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver 
Dollar, NASA announced that the new commemorative coin celebrating 
the life and work of the inventor of the reading code for the blind 
will fly on a future space shuttle mission.  The announcement, by 
NASA Deputy Administrator for Educational Programs Dr. Joyce 
Winterton, came at the end of the official event announcing the 
availability of this beautiful new coin, which will help the National 
Federation of the Blind to increase Braille literacy in the United States.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, 
said: "The Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar symbolizes the 
power of knowledge and future opportunities for blind children across 
America.  It is therefore fitting that this historic coin will be 
part of a mission to uncover the secrets of the universe.  Perhaps 
someday a Braille reader will also be part of such a mission."



Dr. Joyce Winterton said: "NASA believes strongly in the importance 
of educational opportunities for everyone, and that is why we have 
partnered with the National Federation of the Blind to help create 
programs that enhance scientific study for blind youth.  Launching 
the first coin ever to contain tactile, readable Braille into space 
symbolizes NASA's commitment to the spread of knowledge by every 
means and to every individual."



The Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar goes on sale to the 
general public at noon today.  Those interested in ordering a coin 
should visit <http://www.usmint.gov/>www.usmint.gov or call 
1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  For more information about the National 
Federation of the Blind and the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, 
visit <http://www.braille.org/>www.braille.org.