[nfbmi-talk] National Federation of the Blind Partners with Santa to Promote Braille Literacy

[Larry Posont]

Dear Michigan Federationists:
     Do you know of any little ones who might be interested in this?

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
Partners with Santa to Promote Braille Literacy



Baltimore, Maryland (November 14, 2011):  Once again, Santa has
enlisted the help of the elves at the National Federation of the Blind
(NFB) Jernigan Institute to get Braille letters out to hundreds of
blind boys and girls this Christmas season.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind,
said: "Santa approached the National Federation of the Blind a couple
of years ago and asked us to be his helpers.  I'm quite fond of the
fellow and was delighted that we could assist him in his work.
Braille literacy is the key to success and opportunity for the blind,
but unfortunately too few blind children are learning it today.  This
program will not only spread holiday cheer but will also serve an
important educational purpose, as blind children will be able to
practice reading Braille as they enjoy their letter from merry Saint
Nicholas."



Between November 15 and December 20, parents can go online at
www.nfb.org and fill out a Santa Braille Letter request form.  The
form can also be printed and faxed to (410) 685-2340.  Beginning
December 1, the Braille letters from Santa will start going out to
boys and girls around the country.  The Braille letter will also be
accompanied by a print copy (for mom and dad to read), and parents can
choose the contracted or uncontracted form of Braille for the letter.
Requests for letters must include the writer's name, the child's name,
birthday, gender, mailing address, and a telephone number or e-mail
address in case Santa's helpers at the National Federation of the
Blind have questions.



The deadline for letter requests is December 20, to ensure that a
return letter in Braille is received before Christmas.  For more
information about this and other programs of the National Federation
of the Blind, please visit our Web site at www.nfb.org.





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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.