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<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font
size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br>
</span></b></span></font><b><font size=5 face=Helvetica><span style='font-size:
18.0pt;font-family:Helvetica;font-weight:bold'><br>
</span></font></b><br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>CONTACT:<br>
</span></b><br>
Chris Danielsen<br>
<br>
Director of Public Relations <br>
<br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
<br>
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330<br>
<br>
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)<br>
<br>
<a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org" target="_blank">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></p>
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auto;text-align:center'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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size=5 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:18.0pt'> <br>
</span></font><br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Baltimore, Maryland (November 14, 2011):</span></b>
Once again, Santa has enlisted the help of the elves at the <a
href="http://www.nfb.org/" target="_blank">National Federation of the Blind</a>
(NFB) Jernigan Institute to get Braille letters out to hundreds of blind boys
and girls this Christmas season. <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
“Santa approached the National Federation of the Blind a couple of years
ago and asked us to be his helpers. I’m quite fond of the fellow
and was delighted that we could assist him in his work. Braille literacy
is the key to success and opportunity for the blind, but unfortunately too few
blind children are learning it today. This program will not only spread
holiday cheer but will also serve an important educational purpose, as blind
children will be able to practice reading Braille as they enjoy their letter
from merry Saint Nicholas.”;<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Between November 15 and December 20, parents can go online at <a
href="http://www.nfb.org/" target="_blank">www.nfb.org</a> and fill out <a
href="http://www.nfb.org/Forms.asp?MODE=NEW&SnID=2&Forms_FormTypeID=-45"
target="_blank">a Santa Braille Letter request form.</a> The form can
also be printed and faxed to (410) 685-2340. Beginning December 1, the
Braille letters from Santa will start going out to boys and girls around the
country. The Braille letter will also be accompanied by a print copy (for
mom and dad to read), and parents can choose the contracted or uncontracted
form of Braille for the letter. Requests for letters must include the
writer’s name, the child’s name, birthday, gender, mailing address,
and a telephone number or e-mail address in case Santa’s helpers at the
National Federation of the Blind have questions.<b><span style='font-weight:
bold'> <br>
</span></b><br>
<br>
<br>
<font face=Helvetica><span style='font-family:Helvetica'>The deadline for
letter requests is December 20, to ensure that a return letter in Braille is
received before Christmas. For more information about this and other
programs of the National Federation of the Blind, please visit our Web site at <a
href="http://www.nfb.org/" target="_blank">www.nfb.org</a>. </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
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auto;text-align:center'><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>###</span></font></b><o:p></o:p></p>
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size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'> <br>
</span></b><br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>About the National Federation of the Blind<br>
</span></b><br>
With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the
largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the
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w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education,
research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and
self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and
the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the
National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and
training center in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United
States</st1:place></st1:country-region> for the blind led by the blind.
Please visit our Web site: <a href="http://www.nfb.org/" target="_blank">www.nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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