[Nfbwv-talk] Letters from Santa

[Smyth, Charlene R]

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

 

 

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


 

Baltimore, Maryland (November 14, 2011):  Once again, Santa has enlisted
the help of the elves at the National Federation of the Blind
<http://www.nfb.org/>  (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 <http://www.nfb.org/>  and fill out a Santa Braille Letter
request form.
<http://www.nfb.org/Forms.asp?MODE=NEW&SnID=2&Forms_FormTypeID=-45>
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 www.nfb.org <http://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: www.nfb.org <http://www.nfb.org/> .