[nfbwatlk] FW: National Federation of the Blind Sponsors Blind Driver's "Quest for the Salt"

[Mike Freeman]

-----Original Message-----
From: Freeh, Jessica [mailto:JFreeh at nfb.org] 
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 7:59 AM
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: National Federation of the Blind Sponsors Blind Driver's "Quest for
the Salt"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>

National Federation of the Blind Sponsors
Blind Driver's "Quest for the Salt"

Dan Parker Will Be First Blind Man to Drive Motorcycle on Bonneville Salt
Flats

Wendover, Utah (August 21, 2013): The National Federation of the
Blind<http://www.nfb.org> today announced its sponsorship of the first
attempt by a blind driver to independently race a motorcycle on the famed
Bonneville Salt Flats.  Dan
Parker<http://www.competitionplus.com/drag-racing/news/21203-pn-racer-dan-pa
rker-talks-about-devastating-accident>, an experienced racecar builder and
driver who lost his sight as the result of a racing accident last year, will
independently operate a three-wheeled motorcycle with the help of a GPS
system that gives him audible cues in order to help him maintain a straight
course.  Mr. Parker will make his run as part of the 2013 BUB Motorcycle
Speed Trials this Sunday at the Flats. The National Federation of the Blind
is one of several sponsors contributing funds and equipment to help Mr.
Parker complete his "Quest for the Salt."  Additionally, the Federation's
Mark Riccobono, the first blind person to drive a vehicle without the
assistance of a sighted person,<https://nfb.org/node/1003> will travel out
to the Salt to participate in this historic event.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
"We have demonstrated<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTHa_5Y5IA4> that it is
possible for a blind person to operate a vehicle with the help of an
interface that can convey information about the driver's environment.  Dan
Parker is taking the concepts that we pioneered with our Blind Driver
Challenge(tm) a step further-and possibly faster-while continuing to
experiment with technology that may someday allow blind drivers to navigate
America's roadways like our sighted peers.  We are pleased to sponsor Dan's
effort and wish him a successful run on the Bonneville Salt Flats."

Mr. Parker said: "As a member, I appreciate the support of the National
Federation of the Blind, an organization that believes, as I do, that blind
people can succeed in whatever effort we choose with the proper tools and
training.  I look forward to demonstrating this truth to the racing
community and the general public on the Salt Flats this weekend.  I view
this run as just the first leg of my journey to contribute to the work of
the Federation and its Blind Driver Challenge(tm)."

On January 29, 2011, NFB's Mark Riccobono became the first blind person to
operate a vehicle on the Daytona International Speedway as a demonstration
of technology that helped him navigate the course and avoid obstacles.  More
information about the NFB Blind Driver Challenge(tm), along with information
about Dan Parker's Quest for the Salt, is available at
www.blinddriverchallenge.org<http://www.blinddriverchallenge.org>.  Also be
sure to visit Dan Parker's Quest for the Salt Facebook
page,<https://www.facebook.com/DanParkerQuestForTheSalt> as well as the
NFB's Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/NationalFederationoftheBlind> and
Twitter<http://www.twitter.com/NFB_voice> feeds, for continuous updates on
this exciting event.


###


About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest, largest, and most
influential nationwide membership organization of blind people in the United
States.  Founded in 1940, the NFB advocates for the civil rights and
equality of blind Americans, and develops innovative education, technology,
and training programs to provide the blind and those who are losing vision
with the tools they need to become independent and successful.  We need your
support.  To make a donation, please go to www.nfb.org<http://www.nfb.org/>.