National Federation of the Blind Receives 2007 Mayor's Business Recognition Award

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  • Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2007 06:42:48 -0500

News & Observer, NC, USA
Wednesday, November 21, 2007

National Federation of the Blind Receives 2007 Mayor's Business Recognition 
Award

By Christopher Danielsen

Innovative Program for Blind Youth in Science, Technology, Engineering, and 
Math Honored

BALTIMORE - The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest 
organization of blind people in the United States, was awarded a 2007 Mayor's 
Business Recognition Award for civic leadership and outstanding community 
service on November 20. The NFB was honored for the innovative Youth Slam 
program, which took place at Johns Hopkins University in July. Two hundred 
blind high school students from across the nation gathered in Baltimore and 
participated in four days of inspiring and engaging activities conducted by the 
National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute and other partners. The 
purpose of this unprecedented gathering was to help the blind youth of America 
find their voice and encourage them to consider pursuing careers in science, 
technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "We are 
pleased to receive this prestigious award from the Greater Baltimore Committee. 
The Federation is committed to improving the lives of blind people throughout 
the entire nation. Starting at our national center here in Baltimore, we are 
paving the way for expanded opportunity for future generations of blind 
students."

"The 2007 Youth Slam was a pioneering event for blind students," said Mark 
Riccobono, executive director of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan 
Institute, which conceived the program. "These students gained access to 
methods and materials that will help them to build a foundation of scientific 
knowledge that they are often unable to develop in their public schools. And 
more importantly, they gained self-confidence and the belief that they can 
pursue any course of study or career that they desire."

Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon will present the award to the National Federation 
of the Blind during luncheon ceremonies on December 7, 2007, at the Hyatt 
Regency Baltimore. The 33rd annual business awards program is an initiative of 
the Greater Baltimore Committee and the Baltimore Development Corporation.

About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than fifty thousand members, the National Federation of the Blind is 
the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the 
United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, 
education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and 
self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the 
voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National 
Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training 
center in the United States for the blind led by the blind. 

National Federation of the Blind 
Christopher Danielsen Public Relations 410-659-9314, extension 2330 Cell: 
410-262-1281 cdanielsen@xxxxxxx


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