[nfbmi-talk] How many children in America are not taught to read?

[David Andrews]

 From Dr. Maurer:

Subject: [Brl-campaign] How many children in America are not taught to read?

The answer is 90 percent if the children are 
blind.  Most Americans are shocked to hear this 
statistic.  And we should be.  The blind read and write using
Braille, so why is our educational system failing 
to teach Braille to so many children?  Why are 
these children being denied the opportunities that come
with a proper education?  What if you could not 
read and write?  Where would you be today?

There are three primary reasons for this 
educational crisis: (1) there are not enough 
Braille teachers; (2) some teachers of blind children have not received
enough training; and (3) many educators do not 
think Braille instruction is even necessary.

To bring critically-needed attention to this 
educational crisis, the United States Congress 
authorized the minting of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial
Silver Dollar with a portion of the sale of each 
coin going toward a revolutionary and 
comprehensive Braille literacy campaign.

Learning to read and write is fundamental to 
education, which in turn is paramount to full and 
equal participation in American society.  This coin, the
first U.S. coin to have proper tactile Braille, 
symbolizes independence, opportunity, and the 
potential of blind people to make significant contributions
to society when they learn to read and write 
using Braille.  To learn more, read our report
The Braille Literacy Crisis in America,
or watch our video
Making Change with a Dollar.

Please purchase this unique and beautiful coin now
  and help solve this educational crisis for blind children in America.

The law authorizing this 2009 silver dollar 
requires that any coins not sold by midnight on 
December 31, 2009, be melted down.  Time is of the essence­­a
90 percent illiteracy rate is not acceptable and 
the opportunity to purchase this coin will soon be gone.

Be part of the solution, give the gift of 
literacy, and create new opportunities.
Please buy the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar now.

Marc Maurer, President

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND