[NFB-DB] NFB Statement Supporting the Concerns of Paralympian Becca Meyers

[Marsha Drenth]

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> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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> National Federation of the Blind Comments on Paralympic Withdrawal of Becca Meyers
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> Baltimore, Maryland (July 22, 2021): Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, made the following comments about the recent withdrawal of Paralympic swimmer Becca Meyers from the Tokyo games:
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> “The National Federation of the Blind is deeply disappointed by what we have heard about the Paralympic withdrawal of Becca Meyers, a gold-medal swimmer who is deafblind. It is disturbing, and ironic, that this outstanding athlete is experiencing barriers to participation in a sporting event specifically intended to be a showcase for the capacity and skill of disabled athletes. As an organization of blind and deafblind members, we affirm that individuals are generally the best judges of their accommodation needs. We believe that the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), in failing to consider Ms. Meyers’s own assessment of her needs, took away her individual dignity and autonomy. We therefore condemn the committee’s decision. We stand by Ms. Meyers, and in the future we urge the USOPC to call upon the expertise of our organization to better serve blind and deafblind athletes.”
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> About the National Federation of the Blind
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> The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. Founded in 1940, the NFB is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans with affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at nfb.org.
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> CONTACT:
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> Chris Danielsen
> Director of Public Relations
> National Federation of the Blind
> (410) 659-9314, extension 2330
> (410) 262-1281 (Cell)
> cdanielsen at nfb.org
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> National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD 21230 | 410-659-9314
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