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 [email protected] and [email protected]. 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 [email protected].
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.
Government Affairs Contact
Justin Young
Governmental Affairs Specialist
National Federation of the Blind
410-659-9314, extension 2210
[email protected]