[Colorado-talk] Percentages Recently Stated, Regarding Literacy Rates?

[Everett Gavel]

Hello Coloradans,

Below is a message I sent through my Facebook account today. I'd much rather state the actual percentages of those who can read. Can someone remind me of what was either shared here recently, or perhaps it was stated at the convention, about what percentages of kids can read, versus the 10% of blind kids? Thanks.

Strive On, 
Everett


"Thanks to All of You Who Bought Tickets to the "Amazing Travel Raffle" held by the NFB of Colorado! 

I'm told we netted just over $17k -- and that will go a long way towards helping us to hold the BELL Camp for blind kids again next summer, as well as help to fund the scholarships we give to blind students each year. 

You're probably aware of the 'old' standby statement of, "No Child Left Behind?" Well, way back when, that didn't really include blind children. But the NFB has modified the call to action and now says, "No Blind Child Left Behind!" 

That is exactly what these BELL Camps do. The acronym stands for Braille Enrichment, Literacy, & Learning. Teaching ALL kids to read is simple(?), common sense. Yet blind kids don't seem to matter to the Department of Ed, or America & even the world, when it comes to the facts. Because while something like 50-70+ percent of our children are literate (I forget the exact number right now), only 10% -- TEN PERCENT -- are literate when we're talking about blind kids. Does that not repulse you? It disgusts me. 

Braille is simply an alternative format to make print accessible to the blind and those with low-vision who can no longer (or never could) read regular print. But our teachers, our educational system, has failed our blind children miserably. The NFB is doing what we can to take up the slack, and bring our children up to 'normal' standards of literacy and success. 

Your donations all year long -- and your purchase of the Amazing Travel Raffle" tickets helps in a very tangible and necessary way. Thanks again for buying the tickets you did -- and maybe next year you'll be the winner! 

... keep in mind that 2 years in a row now, the Colorado Springs chapter (that's me and my neighbors/friends) have sold the winning tickets. Come see us next year! Last year the CEO of the CS Independence Center won. This year Gina Bullard's dad won with a ticket she gave him for his birthday! How many kids hand their parents $3500 for their birthday? 

Thanks Again!  ???

~Everett"