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

Sat Sep 20 23:41:09 UTC 2025

Oh thank you for telling me I did not know.

On Sat, Sep 20, 2025 at 7:36 PM Cheryl and Ed via NFBF-Tampa <
nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Bebbie no longer works  at the courthouse.
>
>
>
> *From:* NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org> *On Behalf Of *Ineko
> Gary via NFBF-Tampa
> *Sent:* Saturday, September 20, 2025 6:38 PM
> *To:* NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List <nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org>
> *Cc:* Ineko Gary <rubiigary at gmail.com>
> *Subject:* Re: [NFBF-Tampa] Legislative Alert: Reinstate Funding for
> Blind Students
>
>
>
> 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
> 21230
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> at Jernigan PlaceBaltimore, MD 21230United States*
>
> *.. *
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> *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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