BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR LOUIS BRAILLE SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 16, 2007

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired to Celebrate Braille Literacy Month with Demonstrations and Examples of Braille Learning Techniques. Assembly Bill 1142 (Braille Textbook Accessibility) to be promoted.

MADISON – The Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCB&VI) will host a Birthday Party as part of its celebration of Braille Awareness Month. The Birthday Party is open to the public and will be held from 10:00 – 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at the Council offices at 754 Williamson Street.

Demonstrations on the transcription and use of Braille will be given. The Council’s staff will be joined by Braille professionals from the Volunteer Braillists and Tapists, Inc. in providing educational materials for guests and the general public. The Council will also have copies for review of a new book titled, “Louis Braille: A Touch of Genius,” by C. Michael Mellor. Birthday cake and beverages will be served.

“The Council is very committed to maintaining and expanding Braille programs and services”, said Karen Majkrzak, Executive Director of the WCB&VI. “Education is one of the keys to fulfillment and life satisfaction for blind and visually impaired people,” she added. “Our organization is proud to play a vital role in assuring that key remains available. In that regard, I am happy to welcome Natalie Verette, Legislative Director for State Representative Donna Seidel of Wausau, to our offices on the 16th. She will explain Assembly Bill 1142.” This proposed legislation would help ensure that Wisconsin students who are blind or visually impaired have Braille textbooks available in a timely manner for use at our state educational institutions.

You may contact the Council for further information on any aspects of Braille literacy. Speakers on the subject of Braille literacy can also be coordinated through the Council offices.