[NFB-VT] Summer braille reading communication for our libraries

Fri May 12 16:33:29 UTC 2023

Dear Vermont NFB,

Upon the good idea generated at our conference this month, I reached out to our local library and the Vermont ABLE Library alerting them to the summer reading opportunity, NFB Bell Academy, and requested they include it in any outreach ahead of summer. Below is a sample email members could use to send a quick email to your own libraries making a connection and asking about braille literacy communication to patrons. Our library and ABLE Library were both very receptive and planning to include NFB Bell Academy in their communication to parents.

Katie and Mae

SAMPLE EMAIL:

Hi there, 

I wanted to let our local library know about a free and virtual summer reading program for blind and low vision kids, in case there are any children you serve who may benefit by being aware of it. It is call NFB Bell Academy In Home Edition <https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy> and is offered for kids who could benefit from more braille instruction than they get during the school year. There is no “threshold” of vision loss in order to participate, and kids of varying braille reading skill participate. It includes excellent instructors, blind adult mentors, kids from around the country, games and writing, discussions, and a huge box of materials.

Is there a way our library can include NFB Bell Academy and the link to application in any outreach ahead of summer, for families looking for accessible summer reading opportunities?

This summer program is sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind, and we have a Vermont affiliate <https://www.nfbvt.org/> active and welcoming folks to reach out or pop in to a monthly zoom meeting. If you are aware of patrons or families with blindness/low vision, you’re welcome to share this email or let them know about these opportunities.

Thanks,

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