[Nfb-seniors] National Federation of the Blind Partners with Santa to Promote Braille Literacy

[Freeh, Jessica]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Public Relations Specialist

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org



National Federation of the Blind
Partners with Santa to Promote Braille Literacy



North Pole (November 14, 2008):  Once again, Santa has enlisted the 
help of the elves at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) 
Jernigan Institute to get Braille letters out to hundreds of blind 
boys and girls this Christmas season.



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; besides, reading Braille is lots of fun.  It's really exciting 
for kids to get their very own Braille letter at Christmas time from 
jolly old St. Nicholas himself."



Between November 16 and December 16, parents can go online at 
www.nfb.org and fill out a Santa Braille Letter request form.  The 
form can also be printed and faxed to (410) 659-6893.  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.



The deadline for letter requests is December 16, 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 www.nfb.org.





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About the National Federation of the Blind
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 United States.  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 United States for the blind led by the blind.  Please visit our 
Web site: <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org.