Celebrate the National Federation of the Blind

by Patti Chang

The holiday season is coming upon us. It is a time to celebrate, and we ought to reflect on how the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has affected blind people’s lives. In thinking about the gifts the NFB gives, these stories tell it well:

Attending the NFB Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning Academy (BELL Academy), my son learned the complete Braille alphabet in a mere two weeks, something that eluded us for nine years. What stuck out for us was how simple it was to start Braille and the shame is it that the world resists. As parents who have found the NFB, we are relieved to know that we are not alone and are fully supported.

I cannot say enough about how amazing the NFB BELL Academy was for my son. He continues to practice Braille and cane use. Most importantly, he formed great bonds from the academy—not only with his peers, but with his instructors as well. I truly believe BELL instilled the confidence he needed.

I love the National Federation of the Blind because it is not only an advocacy organization but is a support network for blind people. If I have any questions about being a blind parent, I have access to several blind parents who can give me guidance and provide answers to my questions. I thank the NFB for instilling in me the confidence to be a blind parent.

Those testimonials and many more show why and how the National Federation of the Blind helps blind people live the lives we want. However, we need your contribution to continue making a difference and changing lives.

With a $50 donation, the National Federation of the Blind can send a long white cane—free of charge—to a blind recipient and give back mobility. With the same amount, the Federation can provide early literacy materials to families including a book with both Braille and print, which empower parents to help their blind child get an early start to Braille literacy. With a larger donation, we can train our Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning Academy teachers, show blind youngsters that they can do science too, and so much more. Be a part of these gifts and everything the Federation does with love, hope, and determination.

We can’t change lives without you. Please help by making an end-of-year gift—and it’s easy to do. You can mail a donation or give online.

To mail your donation, simply make out your check to the National Federation of the Blind and send it to:

National Federation of the Blind
Attention: Outreach
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230

To give online visit our web page, https://nfb.org/donate.

We all know that the Federation affects blind people’s lives every day. You or someone you know aspires to greater things because of our philosophy. It is time to give back. Please be a part of our movement with an end-of-year donation. We can’t build the Federation without financial resources. Every gift helps.