[NFBK] Fwd: [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] National Federation of the Blind Demands that Policymakers Protect and Assist Blind Students During COVID-19 Emergency

Sun Mar 22 21:11:59 UTC 2020

Good Afternoon,
We most urgently need your help as you can see from Todd’s request for help
with legislation that will provide assistance for our blind vendors who
have been furloughed because of the Coronavirus. And there is also an
urgent request to protect the civil rights of our blind students during
this uncertain time. I have forwarded the press release that explains how
our students will be jeopardized along with a sample letter and
instructions. I know it is Sunday evening, but there is no rest when it
comes to the well-being of the blind citizens in the nation.
Cathy

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Danielsen, Chris via State-Affiliate-Leadership-List <
state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org>
Date: Sat, Mar 21, 2020 at 10:59 AM
Subject: [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] National Federation of the Blind
Demands that Policymakers Protect and Assist Blind Students During COVID-19
Emergency
To: NCB Staff <NCBStaff at nfb.org>, State Affiliate Leadership List <
state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org>, nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
<nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>
CC: Danielsen, Chris <CDanielsen at nfb.org>

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
National Federation of the Blind Demands that Policymakers Protect and
Assist Blind Students During COVID-19 Emergency

*Washington, DC (March 20, 2020):* The National Federation of the Blind,
America’s civil rights organization of the blind, today expressed its
absolute opposition to any proposal in COVID-19 emergency legislation, or
any other legislative or regulatory action, that would undermine the rights
of blind students and other students with disabilities under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and other applicable laws
during the crisis.

“Congress is considering actions that would threaten the educational rights
of blind students like my two daughters and jeopardize the provision of
accessible textbooks and course materials, Braille instruction, and much
more – all at a time when blind students need these services the most given
that many public schools are closed and they, like their peers, are
expected to learn at home,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National
Federation of the Blind. “We all recognize the national COVID-19 emergency,
but it does not justify discrimination against the blind or other students
with disabilities. Instead of cruelly undermining the rights of the blind
and others, Congress should provide additional resources to school systems
so that they can better meet the needs of students with disabilities during
this crisis. Lawmakers should not relegate disabled students to
second-class status by undermining our rights while providing relief and
assistance to other groups and industries affected by this emergency. The
National Federation of the Blind will remain vigilant and continue to
vigorously oppose any provision or action that erodes the fundamental right
of blind students to an equal education.”
What You Can Do

Call or email your two senators today and ask them to vote against this
proposal. Currently offices are swamped with phone calls, so it may be
better to email your two senators and advocate against any legislation that
could undermine the rights of people with disabilities.

When you call or email, you might say something like the following:

"Hello, my name is [your name] and I am a constituent of [your senator]. I
live in [city, state]. I am calling to urge [your senator] to advocate
against any legislation that could undermine the rights of people with
disabilities. While the COVID-19 outbreak has placed a tremendous and
unprecedented strain on schools and districts, it is imperative that we
work together to find solutions that allow children to receive equal access
to an education and the services that support them without undoing all of
their civil and educational rights. I am writing as a concerned (parent,
teacher, blind person, etc.) to urge you to reject any provision that would
negatively impact the civil rights of people with disabilities. Please
support your constituents with disabilities in achieving equality,
opportunity, and security during this critical time in America.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)”

You can contact your senators by calling the Capitol Switchboard and asking
for the office in question. The number is 202-224-3121. If you email your
senators, please copy Stephanie Flynt at sflynt at nfb.org. Your calls and
emails do make a difference.

It is best to call or email the relevant education staffer in your member
of Congress's office. If you need the name and email of the appropriate
staff person for any Senate  office, please email Jesa Medders at
jmedders at nfb.org.

*###*

*About the National Federation of the Blind*
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is
the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded
in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the
fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB 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. 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://www.nfb.org/>.

*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

this press release is also available at:
https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-demands-policymakers-protect-and-assist-blind

Christopher S. Danielsen, J.D.

Director of Public Relations

200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/200+East+Wells+Street,+Baltimore,+MD+21230?entry=gmail&source=g>

(410) 659-9314, Ext. 2330 | cdanielsen at nfb.org

Twitter: @rlawyer

[image: National Federation of the Blind] <https://nfb.org/>

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<http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind>    [image: Twitter]
<https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice>    [image: Youtube]
<https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind>

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. Every day we
work together to help blind people live the lives they want.

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