[NFBNJ] National Federation of the Blind Demands that Policymakers Protect and Assist Blind Students During COVID-19 Emergency

Sat Mar 21 15:11:17 UTC 2020

Greetings to all!
Received from Richard Fox,NFBNJ President of the Northern Chapter
Press Release received from Chris Danielsen, NFB, Baltimore, Maryland
Our voices must be heard!
Joe
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Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2020 10:58 AM
To: NCB Staff ; State Affiliate Leadership List ; 
nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
Cc: Danielsen, Chris
Subject: [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] National Federation of the Blind 
Demands that Policymakers Protect and Assist Blind Students During COVID-19 
Emergency

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.

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

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

Twitter: @rlawyer

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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