[Nfbk] FW: National Federation of the Blind Congratulates Blind Driver ChallengeT VIPs

[Cathy]

-----Original Message-----
From: Freeh, Jessica [mailto:JFreeh at nfb.org]
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2010 9:10 AM
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Terry Sheeler
Subject: National Federation of the Blind Congratulates Blind Driver
ChallengeT VIPs


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

cdanielsen at nfb.org



National Federation of the Blind Congratulates
Blind Driver Challenge™ VIPs



Baltimore, Maryland (December 21, 2010): The National Federation of the
Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind people
in the United States, today congratulated the ten Blind Driver Challenge™
VIPs who have been awarded trips to the public debut of a vehicle equipped
with a nonvisual interface allowing a blind person to drive it
independently.  The vehicle, a Ford Escape equipped with nonvisual interface
technology, will be driven by a blind individual  who will navigate part of
the famed Daytona International Speedway course on January 29, 2011, as part
of the pre-race activities at the 2011 Rolex 24 At Daytona.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
“We greatly appreciate the hard work of our VIPs, as well as our other
Imagination Fund contributors.  With their help, we are able to create
innovative research, training, education, and technology programs that
improve the lives of the blind and move us closer to our ultimate goal of
full integration into society on a basis of equality.  The Blind Driver
Challenge™ is the perfect example of the type of innovative program we are
able to bring about with the help of the Imagination Fund.  Our VIPs will
truly be witnessing an historic event as we demonstrate the fruits of our
efforts before the automobile enthusiasts and racing fans at the Rolex 24 At
Daytona.  This demonstration will break down the wall of stereotypes and
misconceptions that prevent our full integration into society by showing the
public that the blind have the same capacities as everyone else.  Our only
challenge is access to the information we need.”



Parnell Diggs, chairman of the Imagination Fund, said: “We congratulate our
Blind Driver Challenge™ VIPs, and thank them for a job well done.  It is
vital that we raise the funds we need to operate the programs of the
National Federation of the Blind.  Those who registered to be Imaginators
and raised at least $250 by December 15 have our gratitude.  Because of
their efforts, we are off to a good start in the current campaign."



The ten VIPs won the honor of attending the Rolex 24 At Daytona by raising
at least $250 for the National Federation of the Blind Imagination Fund,
which supports the education, technology, and research projects of the NFB
Jernigan Institute, as well as programs conducted by the fifty-two
affiliates and over seven-hundred local chapters of the Federation.  Four of
the VIPs were chosen at the 2010 NFB National Convention in Dallas, and the
other six were chosen last week.



The VIPs will receive roundtrip airfare, accommodations at the Plaza Ocean
Club, food allowance, and a $119 pass to the Daytona International Speedway
for January 29 to watch the debut of a vehicle equipped with a nonvisual
interface allowing a blind person to drive for the first time independently.



The Blind Driver Challenge™ VIPs are listed below:



1.      Dana Ard

2.      Andrew Braun

3.      Patti Chang

4.      Mark Colasurdo

5.      William O. Jacobs

6.      Patricia Maurer

7.      John Paré

8.      Dwight Sayer

9.      Sue Sebranek

10. Kevan Worley





For more information about the Blind Driver Challenge™ and the Rolex 24 At
Daytona, please visit www.blinddriverchallenge.org.





###





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: www.nfb.org.




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