National Federation of the Blind Commends House on Adoption of Braille Literacy Resolution

DALLAS, July 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the nation's leading advocate for Braille literacy, announced today that the United States House of Representatives has adopted a resolution, H. RES. 1034, expressing support for the importance of Braille in the lives of blind people.  Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD) sponsored the resolution.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind is pleased that the House has recognized the critical importance of Braille literacy in the lives of blind people today.  There can be no doubt that the ability to read and write Braille competently and efficiently is the key to education, employment, and success for the blind.  Despite the undisputed value of Braille, however, only about 10 percent of blind children in the United States are currently learning it.  We hope that this resolution will focus public attention on this critically important matter and help us in our mission to reverse the downward trend in Braille literacy and ensure that equal opportunities in education and employment are available to all of the nation's blind."

Representative John Sarbanes said: "I am proud that the headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind is in my Congressional District, and I have had the opportunity to work with the NFB many times.  I truly believe in its mission to bring literacy to all blind children and adults.  Blind people have the same right to literacy as everyone else and I am pleased to sponsor this resolution and assist in this crucial mission."

The resolution also congratulates the National Federation of the Blind on its seventieth anniversary, which is being celebrated at its national convention in Dallas.  The convention continues through July 8.  For more information about the National Federation of the Blind, please visit www.nfb.org.

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.

SOURCE National Federation of the Blind