[Blindtlk] National Federation of the Blind Congratulates NASA on Successful Mission

[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





National Federation of the Blind Congratulates
  NASA on Successful Mission



Two Louis Braille Coins Return with Atlantis



EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE (May 24, 2009): When the 
space shuttle Atlantis landed today, it also 
returned from space two Louis Braille 
Bicentennial Silver Dollars.  This unique coin 
commemorates the birth of the inventor of the 
reading and writing code for the blind and is the 
first United States coin to contain tactile, 
readable Braille.  Sales of the coin will be used 
to support the National Federation of the Blind 
“Braille Readers are Leaders” campaign.  The 
campaign is a national initiative created to 
double the number of blind children learning Braille by 2015.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National 
Federation of the Blind, said: “The National 
Federation of the Blind wishes to congratulate 
NASA on a successful mission to enhance our 
capability to explore the far reaches of 
space.  We are also pleased that this mission 
promoted Braille literacy by carrying two Louis 
Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars into 
orbit.  Blind children in America are facing a 
crisis­only 10 percent of them are learning 
Braille, leaving 90 percent illiterate.   By 
dramatically publicizing this coin, whose own 
mission is to raise critically needed funds to 
support Braille literacy, NASA has helped to reverse this devastating trend.”



To purchase the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver 
Dollar, please visit 
<http://www.usmint.gov/>www.usmint.gov or call 
1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  The proof silver 
dollar is available for $41.95 and the 
uncirculated silver dollar sells for $33.95.  For 
more information about the National Federation of 
the Blind and the Braille Readers are Leaders 
campaign, please visit www.braille.org.