[NFBC-Info] Fwd: Legislative Alert: Reinstate Funding for Blind Students

[Shannon Dillon]

Please see the below legislative alert.


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: National Federation of the Blind <webmaster at nfb.org>
Date: Thu, Sep 11, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Subject: Legislative Alert: Reinstate Funding for Blind Students
To: NFBCA Bay Area Chapter - INACTIVE <shannonldillon at gmail.com>



[image: National Federation of the Blind logo and tagline live the life you
want] <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=40221&qid=11641989>
Blind Americans Urge the Department of Education to Reinstate Funding for
Critical Programs that Benefit the Blind

Earlier this week, the National Federation of the Blind learned that the US
Department of Education was canceling funding for twenty-five competitive
grants that fall under Part D of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act, and nine grants that are distributed by the Rehabilitation
Services Administration (RSA).

Critically, of the programs being cut under the RSA is funding for 235E
grants, which are specifically tailored to train educators of blind
students to be more fluent in Braille.

The National Federation of the Blind instigated the creation of these
Braille demonstration program grants nearly thirty years ago and they have
had a tremendous positive outcome on Braille literacy in that time. As if
that wasn’t bad enough, the grants that were cut also included federal
funding for four technical assistance centers for families of deafblind
children.
How Members Can Help

We know that Braille literacy in our youth often leads to better
performance in school, the ability to obtain and keep employment as an
adult, and the freedom to live a life of independence. That all begins with
educators who understand and can teach Braille themselves.

Additionally, we know that our deafblind brothers and sisters and their
families truly benefit from the opportunity to utilize training centers
across the country and that any decrease in funding will be detrimental to
living independently.

We need to flood the US Department of Education with calls and emails and
urge them to maintain these important funding grants. That’s where you come
in.

We are asking that you call or email the US Department of Education and
urge them to reinstate this critical funding to support Braille literacy
and independence. If you are emailing, please send your messages to
IDEA at ed.gov <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=40222&qid=11641989> and
linda.mcmahon at ed.gov.
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=40223&qid=11641989> If you are
calling, please call 202-245-7468.
Sample Script

When you call or email you might say: “My name is [YOUR NAME] and I want to
urge Secretary McMahon to reinstate the grant funding for IDEA Part D
programs as well as the RSA 235E grants. This funding is critical to
support increased Braille literacy for teachers of blind students and the
blind youth of America.

Studies have shown that students who can read Braille go on to have better
education outcomes and better employment outcomes later in life.
Additionally, I’m also asking that you reinstate funding for the four
deafblind technical assistance centers in Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin,
and Massachusetts. Please allow today’s blind and deafblind students to
have an opportunity to better themselves for a brighter future for all of
us.”

We suggest a subject like: “Please Reinstate Critical Funding for Blind and
Deafblind Students”

If you email, please copy Justin Young at jyoung at nfb.org.
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=40224&qid=11641989>
About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore,
defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and
support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing
vision, and more.

Founded in 1940, the NFB is the transformative membership and advocacy
organization of blind Americans with affiliates, chapters, and divisions in
the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. We believe in the hopes
and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into
reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at nfb.org
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=40225&qid=11641989>.
Government Affairs Contact:

Justin Young
Governmental Affairs Specialist
National Federation of the Blind
410-659-9314, extension 2210
jyoung at nfb.org <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=40224&qid=11641989>

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-- 
SHANNON L. DILLON
Legislative Coordinator and
President of the California Association of Guide Dog Users,
A Division of the National Federation of the Blind of California

Find your local chapter at www.nfbcal.org