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<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br>
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<b>CONTACT:<br>
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Chris Danielsen<br><br>
Director of Public Relations <br><br>
National Federation of the Blind<br><br>
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330<br><br>
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)<br><br>
<a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a><br><br>
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<div align="center"><font face="Helvetica, Helvetica"><b>National
Federation of the Blind <br>
Partners with Santa to Promote Braille Literacy<br>
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<b>Baltimore, Maryland (November 14, 2011):</b> Once again, Santa
has enlisted the help of the elves at the
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/">National Federation of the Blind</a> (NFB)
Jernigan Institute to get Braille letters out to hundreds of blind boys
and girls this Christmas season. <br><br>
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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.”<br><br>
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Between November 15 and December 20, parents can go online at
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/" eudora="autourl">www.nfb.org</a> and fill
out
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/Forms.asp?MODE=NEW&SnID=2&Forms_FormTypeID=-45">
a Santa Braille Letter request form.</a> 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.<b> <br>
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<br><br>
<font face="Helvetica, Helvetica">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
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/">www.nfb.org</a>. <br>
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<b>About the National Federation of the Blind<br>
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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 <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />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:
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/">www.nfb.org</a>.<br><br>
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