[Nfbsatx] Fwd: [Nfbnet-master-list] National Federation of the Blind Partners with Santa to Promote Braille Literacy

[Jose Martinez]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Freeh, Jessica" <JFreeh at nfb.org>
Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:18:25 -0600
Subject: [Nfbnet-master-list] National Federation of the Blind
Partners with Santa to Promote Braille Literacy
To: nfbnet-master-list at nfbnet.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org



National Federation of the Blind
Partners with Santa to Promote Braille Literacy



Baltimore, Maryland (November 15, 2010):  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 <http://www.nfb.org/>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 <?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: <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org.