That’s Braille!

That’s Braille!

Braille Monitor
May 2012

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That’s Braille!
by Maxine Schrader
From the Editor: This informational and inspirational piece about Braille is taken from the Minnesota Bulletin, Winter 2012. It is a wonderful piece. Enjoy:
My six-year-old great granddaughter A’mya is the inspiration for this article. Whenever she sees Braille—in elevators, on doors, signs, ATM machines, and so forth—she loudly and proudly announces to the public “that’s Braille; my great grandma can read it!” What a little advocate she is.
Eighty-one years ago at the age of five, I touched my first Braille dots, and the magic began and will never end. Just like A’mya, I said, “That’s Braille!” At her age I could read, and the whole neighborhood knew it. The kids gathered on my porch, and I read the book, Old Mother Westwind and the Seven Little Breezes. After all these years I can recall that book and wonder if it still exists. I made sure that everyone on my block knew about Braille and its importance to my education.
Back in those days the textbooks were all Braille—no tapes, computers, CDs or any of this modern stuff, so there was no question or fuss about teaching Braille in the schools. Everyone learned to read and write Braille and was all the better for it.
As a teenager I read Gone with the Wind, the big book of that time. Because of Braille, I could stay current on the latest books and magazines and never miss a beat.
Now at eighty-six, I continue to be independent, and people kid me about all the Braille-marked things in my home: appliances, files, clothing, canned goods, albums, even lipsticks for their various shades. You name it; Braille is there.
Now when A’mya says “that’s Braille; my great grandma can read it,” I say “You betcha!”

Consider a Charitable Gift
Making a charitable gift can be one of the most satisfying experiences in life. Each year millions of people contribute their time, talent, and treasure to charitable organizations. When you plan for a gift to the National Federation of the Blind, you are not just making a donation; you are leaving a legacy that insures a future for blind people throughout the country. Special giving programs are available through the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).
Points to Consider When Making a Gift to the National Federation of the Blind

Will my gift serve to advance the mission of the NFB?
Am I giving the most appropriate asset?
Have I selected the best way to make my gift?
Have I considered the tax consequences of my gift?
Have I sought counsel from a competent advisor?
Have I talked to the NFB planned giving officer about my gift?

Benefits of Making a Gift to the NFB

Helping the NFB fulfill its mission

Receiving income tax savings through a charitable deduction

Making capital gain tax savings on contribution of some appreciated gifts
Providing retained payments for the life of a donor or other beneficiaries
Eliminating federal estate tax in certain situations
Reducing estate settlement cost

Your Gift Will Help Us

Make the study of science and math a real possibility for blind children
Provide hope for seniors losing vision
Promote state and chapter programs and provide information that will educate blind people
Advance technology helpful to the blind
Create a state-of-the-art library on blindness
Train and inspire professionals working with the blind
Provide critical information to parents of blind children
Mentor blind people trying to find jobs

Your gift makes you a part of the NFB dream!

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