[Ct-nfb] FW: [State-affiliate-leadership-list] New program offers literacy training for blind residents

[Justin Salisbury]

How feasible could it be for us to set up a program like this in CT?

Justin M. Salisbury
B.A. in Mathematics
Class of 2012
East Carolina University
president at alumni.ecu.edu

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”    —MARGARET MEAD

________________________________________
From: Ct-nfb [ct-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org] on behalf of Elizabeth Rival [erival at comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2013 1:29 PM
To: 'NFB of Connecticut Mailing List'
Subject: [Ct-nfb] FW: [State-affiliate-leadership-list] New program offers      literacy        training for blind residents

From: State-affiliate-leadership-list [mailto:state-affiliate-leadership-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Pare, John
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2013 5:17 PM
To: state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org
Subject: [State-affiliate-leadership-list] New program offers literacy training for blind residents

Way to go NFB of West Virginia.
New program offers literacy training for blind residents
January 5, 2013
journal-news.net

MARTINSBURG - The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia is marking the anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille with the announcement of a statewide initiative aimed at helping blind adults gain literacy skills. The project matches blind adults who read and write Braille with other blind adults who wish to learn it.

Louis Braille is the Frenchman who invented the system of reading and writing by touch, using raised dots. He was born 203 years ago, Jan. 4, 1809, and the code which bears his name is now used by blind persons around the world.

"We know that literacy is vital to success in virtually every aspect of life, whether it be education, employment or simply being good citizens of our communities," NFBWV President Charlene Smyth said. "For those of us who are blind, literacy means the ability to read and write Braille. This project allows us to share our knowledge of Braille with others who can benefit from learning it."

Last spring a dozen blind persons from throughout the state volunteered as tutors for the project and received some basic training in the best ways to teach others to read and write Braille. About half of them are currently working with students, and persons interested in learning Braille are encouraged to take advantage of the program.

The project has received a grant from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services for the purchase of books and other learning materials. The funds will also assist with transportation costs when tutors and students must travel some distance to meet with each other.

NFBWV Second Vice President Sheri Koch, who recently retired as a supervisor with the Division of Rehabilitation Services, was instrumental in planning and launching the project. She recognizes that losing one's vision is often a traumatic experience.

"It can complicate even the simplest of tasks like following a recipe, writing down a phone number or finding the right elevator button," Koch said. "Learning Braille can help a person with vision loss to regain independence, confidence and self-respect. It can also be the key to finding and retaining a job."

The training is offered to any adult who has experienced vision loss affecting his/her ability to read and write. Persons with some basic knowledge of Braille who want to improve their reading and writing skills can benefit from the project as well.

To learn more or to register as a student, contact NFBWV First Vice President Ed McDonald at 304-788-0129 or ed at eiopro<mailto:ed at eiopro>ductions.com.