[NFBF-Tampa] Legislative Alert: Reinstate Funding for Blind Students

Sat Sep 20 22:38:13 UTC 2025

I know two Debbie’s, which Debbie Debbie that works at the courthouse. Or
the other debate that used to join the meetings in person on every third
Saturday of the month.

On Sat, Sep 20, 2025 at 6:35 PM Tampa Bay President via NFBF-Tampa <
nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Two of two.
>
>
> [image: National Federation of the Blind logo and tagline live the life
> you want] <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=40221&qid=11643435>
> Blind Americans Urge the Department of Education to Reinstate Funding for
> Critical Programs that Benefit the Blind
>
> Earlier this week, the National Federation of the Blind learned that the
> US Department of Education was canceling funding for twenty-five
> competitive grants that fall under Part D of the Individuals with
> Disabilities Education Act, and nine grants that are distributed by the
> Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).
>
> Critically, of the programs being cut under the RSA is funding for 235E
> grants, which are specifically tailored to train educators of blind
> students to be more fluent in Braille.
>
> The National Federation of the Blind instigated the creation of these
> Braille demonstration program grants nearly thirty years ago and they have
> had a tremendous positive outcome on Braille literacy in that time. As if
> that wasn’t bad enough, the grants that were cut also included federal
> funding for four technical assistance centers for families of deafblind
> children.
> How Members Can Help
>
> We know that Braille literacy in our youth often leads to better
> performance in school, the ability to obtain and keep employment as an
> adult, and the freedom to live a life of independence. That all begins with
> educators who understand and can teach Braille themselves.
>
> Additionally, we know that our deafblind brothers and sisters and their
> families truly benefit from the opportunity to utilize training centers
> across the country and that any decrease in funding will be detrimental to
> living independently.
>
> We need to flood the US Department of Education with calls and emails and
> urge them to maintain these important funding grants. That’s where you come
> in.
>
> We are asking that you call or email the US Department of Education and
> urge them to reinstate this critical funding to support Braille literacy
> and independence. If you are emailing, please send your messages to
> IDEA at ed.gov <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=40222&qid=11643435>
> and linda.mcmahon at ed.gov.
> <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=40223&qid=11643435> If you are
> calling, please call 202-245-7468.
> Sample Script
>
> When you call or email you might say: “My name is [YOUR NAME] and I want
> to urge Secretary McMahon to reinstate the grant funding for IDEA Part D
> programs as well as the RSA 235E grants. This funding is critical to
> support increased Braille literacy for teachers of blind students and the
> blind youth of America.
>
> Studies have shown that students who can read Braille go on to have better
> education outcomes and better employment outcomes later in life.
> Additionally, I’m also asking that you reinstate funding for the four
> deafblind technical assistance centers in Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin,
> and Massachusetts. Please allow today’s blind and deafblind students to
> have an opportunity to better themselves for a brighter future for all of
> us.”
>
> We suggest a subject like: “Please Reinstate Critical Funding for Blind
> and Deafblind Students”
>
> If you email, please copy Justin Young at jyoung at nfb.org.
> <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=40224&qid=11643435>
> About the National Federation of the Blind
>
> 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
> <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=40225&qid=11643435>.
> Government Affairs Contact:
>
> Justin Young
> Governmental Affairs Specialist
> National Federation of the Blind
> 410-659-9314, extension 2210
> jyoung at nfb.org <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=40224&qid=11643435>
>
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> National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD
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>
> --
> *Debbie Malone*
>
> *DebbieMalone.org <http://DebbieMalone.org>*
> Amazon Author Page <https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B07RVCRR5R>
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> --
> Christine Copley
> President, Tampa Bay Chapter
> National Federation of the Blind of Florida
> Ph.: 813-493-7691
> E-mail: nfbf.tampa at gmail.com
>
> “Don’t listen to negative influences. Believe in yourself, and show others
> what you can do. Only “you” can find your potential.” Marla Runyan
>
> The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
> who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Everyday we work
> together to help blind people live the lives they want.
>
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