[Nfbv-announce] FW: Louis Braille Coin Will be Launched into Space

[Fredric Schroeder]

  _____  

From: Freeh, Jessica [mailto:JFreeh at nfb.org] 
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 11:40 AM
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Subject: Louis Braille Coin Will be Launched into Space



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


 

CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen                                                        

Director of Public Relations             

National Federation of the Blind                             

(410) 659-9314, ext. 2330   

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
 <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> cdanielsen at nfb.org


Louis Braille Coin Will be Launched into Space


National Federation of the Blind and NASA Confirm Historic Flight


 

Baltimore, Maryland (March 26, 2009): In a surprise announcement at the
launch ceremony for the new Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, NASA
announced that the new commemorative coin celebrating the life and work of
the inventor of the reading code for the blind will fly on a future space
shuttle mission.  The announcement, by NASA Deputy Administrator for
Educational Programs Dr. Joyce Winterton, came at the end of the official
event announcing the availability of this beautiful new coin, which will
help the National Federation of the Blind to increase Braille literacy in
the United States.

 

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
"The Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar symbolizes the power of
knowledge and future opportunities for blind children across America.  It is
therefore fitting that this historic coin will be part of a mission to
uncover the secrets of the universe.  Perhaps someday a Braille reader will
also be part of such a mission."

 

Dr. Joyce Winterton said: "NASA believes strongly in the importance of
educational opportunities for everyone, and that is why we have partnered
with the National Federation of the Blind to help create programs that
enhance scientific study for blind youth.  Launching the first coin ever to
contain tactile, readable Braille into space symbolizes NASA's commitment to
the spread of knowledge by every means and to every individual."

 

The Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar goes on sale to the general
public at noon today.  Those interested in ordering a coin should visit
<http://www.usmint.gov/> www.usmint.gov or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
For more information about the National Federation of the Blind and the
Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, visit  <http://www.braille.org/>
www.braille.org.