[rehab] National Federation of the Blind Rejects Nelson-Collins Amendment

[Freeh, Jessica]

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 Rejects Nelson-Collins Amendment

Urges Senate to Retain Rehabilitation Funding

Baltimore, Maryland (February 6, 2009): Dr. Marc Maurer, President of 
the National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest 
organization of blind people in the United States, said: "The purpose 
of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 currently being 
debated in the United States Senate is to reduce unemployment and to 
restore economic security for all Americans.  In order to accomplish 
this goal for Americans who are blind or have other disabilities, 
state vocational rehabilitation programs must be adequately funded. 
The National Federation of the Blind urges all members of the United 
States Senate to reject the Nelson-Collins Amendment and retain the 
$500 million currently allocated for vocational rehabilitation.  By 
doing so, the Senate will ensure that all Americans have the training 
needed to work and contribute to this nation's economic prosperity."

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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 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.