[nfbwatlk] Press Release

[Kristina Lawrence]

Feel free to use and distribute to anyone and everyone you can think of.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Kristina Lawrence
President, Greater Seattle Chapter
National Federation of the Blind of Washington
(206) 854-3025
tishgifts at gmail.com


National Federation of the Blind Celebrates Braille Literacy

Greater Seattle Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of
Washington to Hold Event at Barnes & Noble

Seattle, Washington (January 1,2009): To promote Braille literacy and
help celebrate the two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis
Braille (1809–1852), the inventor of the reading and writing code for
the blind that bears his name, the Seattle Chapter of the National
Federation of the Blind of Washington will visit the Barnes & Noble in
the Pacific Place Mall in downtown Seattle on Saturday and Sunday,
January 3 & 4, 2009.  Members will distribute Braille alphabet cards
and demonstrate Braille to interested parties.

On Saturday, January 3, 2009 we will be sharing a short movie, Jake
and the Secret Code, reading from a Braille version of J.K. Rowling's
Beedle the Bard Tales and three local authors, Brenda Cooper, Amber
Kiaser and Louise Marley. On Sunday, January 4, 2009 we will have a
short presentation on the life of Louis Braille and his contributions
to literacy for the blind. This will be followed by book signings by
two local authors, Kathleen Richardson and Larry Karp.

"These events will not only provide a wonderful opportunity for local
blind persons to interact with and get to know other members of the
community, but will also promote awareness and understanding of the
importance of Braille literacy," said Kristina Lawrence, president of
the Greater Seattle Chapter.  "All members of the community, both
blind and sighted, are encouraged to join us."

The events are being held nationwide as part of the National
Federation of the Blind's Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, a
national initiative to promote the importance of reading and writing
Braille for blind children and adults.  The Braille Readers are
Leaders campaign kicked off in July of 2008 with the unveiling of the
design of a commemorative coin to be minted in 2009 in recognition of
the two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille.  The
commemorative coin will also be previewed at the events.

For more information about the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign,
please visit www.braille.org.