The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults (Action Fund) has recently achieved a significant milestone by shipping its one hundred thousandth free white cane to a blind person in the United States. This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in a program that was initiated in 2008 in collaboration with the National Federation of the Blind, the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans.
“As we celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of White Cane Awareness Day today, the Action Fund is proud to support an effort that has enhanced the independence and mobility of blind people across the nation,” said Barbara Loos, President of the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults. “For over a century, we have provided the keys to literacy and independence, including Braille books and white canes, to blind and deafblind Americans. Our partnership with the National Federation of the Blind has amplified our reach and helped to make this program an outstanding success.”
“The impact of the free white cane program extends far beyond the physical tool itself, spreading independence, empowerment, and equality,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “No blind person should be without a white cane, regardless of ability to pay, and the Action Fund has helped us make this a reality. We look forward to the continued growth of this critical program, which advances the lives of all blind people in the United States.”
Blind people of all ages in the United States can receive a free fiberglass white cane as often as every six months through this program. For more information or to order your cane, visit https://nfb.org/programs-services/free-white-cane-program.
To learn more about the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults and its other programs and services, visit www.actionfund.org.
Please consider supporting the Action Fund. You can make a direct contribution at https://actionfund.org/index.php/donate or call 410-659-9315.
It’s the time of the year when the National Federation of the Blind helps bring fun and good cheer to children all over the country. Our Santa/Winter Celebration Braille letter program does just that. Children birth through age ten can receive a Braille letter from Santa or a Braille Winter Celebration letter in either English or Spanish. Along with the letters, children will receive a packet of activities that they can share with their parents, siblings, and grandparents because all of the items in the packet are sent in Braille and print. The program doesn’t last long. This year’s celebration runs from November 11 through December 16, 2024. You can find more information and request your letter at https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters. Don’t waste time!!
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Dear Innovators,
Now that the school year has started, we would like to remind all of you that the Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation is taking applications for the 2025 year! Please continue to help us spread the word with your friends and colleagues. Applications are due January 10, 2025.
The Touch of Genius Prize was developed to inspire entrepreneurs, educators, or inventors to continue the promotion of Braille and tactile literacy for blind and deafblind people worldwide. This prize can be granted for innovative and accessible computer software applications, tactile hardware, or curriculum that promotes Braille and/or tactile literacy. NBP (National Braille Press) encourages all applicants to think outside the box for what can be used to help improve the lives of blind people. Even if you have applied in previous years, we encourage you to apply again! The winner of this prize will receive up to $10,000, which will help them to continue to innovate in the fields of technology and education for the blind community. The Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation is provided by the support of the Lavelle Fund for the Blind.
Full application details and more information can be found at www.touchofgeniusprize.org . All questions can be directed to [email protected].
The notices in this section have been edited for clarity, but we can pass along only the information we were given. We are not responsible for the accuracy of the statements made or the quality of the products for sale.
I am interested in buying tape tutorials for access technology from the 80s and 90s for the purpose of preservation, including but not limited to tapes for any of the following:
If you have any of the above or similar, please email [email protected].
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.