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How many children in America are not taught to read?

NFB-Braille coin with National Federation of the Blind above it and Braille Readers are Leaders below it.

The answer is 90 percent if the children are blind.  Most Americans are shocked to hear this statistic.  And we should be.  The blind read and write using Braille, so why is our educational system failing to teach Braille to so many children?  Why are these children being denied the opportunities that come with a proper education?  What if you could not read and write?  Where would you be today? 

There are three primary reasons for this educational crisis: (1) there are not enough Braille teachers; (2) some teachers of blind children have not received enough training; and (3) many educators do not think Braille instruction is even necessary. 

To bring critically-needed attention to this educational crisis, the United States Congress authorized the minting of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar with a portion of the sale of each coin going toward a revolutionary and comprehensive Braille literacy campaign. 

Learning to read and write is fundamental to education, which in turn is paramount to full and equal participation in American society.  To learn more, read our report The Braille Literacy Crisis in America, or watch our video Change With a Dollar. 

 In order to collect the proceeds from the sale of the coin, we must raise matching funds.  Be part of the solution.  Give the gift of literacy.  Create new opportunities.  Donate to the Braille Readers Are Leaders Literacy Campaign today!

Learn more:

Donate now to help the NFB raise matching funds for the Braille Readers are Leaders literacy campaign.  Your contribution will be doubled by the sale of the coins.