BNY’s Post

Today is World Braille Day. People who are blind celebrate this day to honor Louis Braille, the creator of the Braille system which we use to read and write. Braille is the only method that we have as people who are blind to truly learn literacy including spelling, proper punctuation, document formatting and sentence structure. While some of these skills can be learned by using talking computers, Braille users tend to be better communicators when we are able to proofread our work more carefully by examining our texts letter by letter without thinking instead of having to go through the tedious process of doing so while listening to speech.   Braille also allows us to engage with our audience when we are speaking, rather than having to listen to our notes to keep ourselves on track. With Braille, we can read our notes as needed while sending the message to our audience that they truly do matter while we are speaking. It is a powerful tool to show any members of society that we are paying attention to them in the interactions we have.   Speaking from personal experience, trying to learn advanced mathematics by having formulas read to me was almost impossible for me to follow. I did not have the same difficulties when I had access to the very same information in Braille.   At CNIB, we realize how important it is for our children to thrive in the education system. Education is one of the best predictors of future success.Braille is an essential tool for that to happen. I encourage all educators who are working with blind children in any capacity to not only promote Braille but to ensure that it is properly produced and provided to the student at the same time as other classmates receive their materials. Only offering students two or three Braille lessons each term is woefully inadequate. This happens in some Canadian locations. After all, I know you wouldn’t accept that level of support for your sighted children. I know that I don’t. Why should parents of children who are blind be put in that position?     Please join with me in promoting CNIB’s pillar entitled our Kids Will Thrive in our strategic plan found at https://lnkd.in/ghDfGGut.  Also, encourage all of your friends and family to sign our Charter of Rights of Children Who Are Blind or Low Vision Found at https://lnkd.in/g5n-2RkP. Let’s continue to show the world that Louis Braille’s contribution to society really does matter and remains an important tool for people who are blind, Deaf Blind or who have low vision.       CNIB CNIB Deafblind Community Services

For the future of America

Education Attaintment and Family Stability are components of our Rising Together initiative. Check this interview to learn more about our work at United Way of North Central New Mexico. https://lnkd.in/gV7axadg

At its core, for all of us who call Andover home, the 4th of July is as much about interdependence as it is about independence. It is about celebrating the friendships, trust, and hard work that goes into building and sustaining a community. Read more in today's reflection: The Responsibility of Independence: Embracing Interdependence https://hubs.ly/Q02Fn_640

The core of our mission at GID is to make a real impact and reach real people. There are countless organizations out there doing the work. Check out these black-led organizations highlighted by Blavity https://loom.ly/7X2fjGo

https://lnkd.in/gbzSEwrE The Baird Difference in Action - Focusing on the importance of community service and giving back.

From Henton et al. (2004): How can we put people and places on a shared pathway that celebrates all people to improved community health and living standards? And, how can we foster and cultivate strategies and practices that dynamically support people and place collaborating for "making the creative connection" for building a culture of lifelong learning? Henton, D., Melville, J., Walesh, K. (2004). Civic revolutionaries: Igniting the passion for change in America's communities. Jossy-Bass.

At QTS, we are purpose driven, moving communities forward in an intentional and thoughtful way. Join us for a year unlike anything we've ever seen: https://bit.ly/48E3xLe

I want to reshare this post I made earlier this month as the KJS Legacy Project works to raise $5,000 by the end of September to continue funding scholarships to students at Trumbull, CT and at American University. Please consider given to keep Kevin's legacy alive: On this 4th of July, we observed another sad milestone. It’s hard to believe, but it has been nine years since Kevin’s tragic passing. For his family and friends, the pain of our loss is still deeply felt. We miss his kind and caring nature and that big grin of his. He had prepared himself to do great things - to have a positive impact on the world. Kevin’s career was just starting. He had such a bright future ahead of him - so much that he wanted to accomplish. And because his life was interrupted, those of us he left behind have dedicated ourselves to carrying on his legacy - working to accomplish some of the things he never got to do. And that is what the KJS Legacy Project (KJSLP) is all about. To date, the KJSLP has helped to fund five scholarships in the AU School of Public Affairs, four internships on Capitol Hill, and two high school scholarships. This year, we seek to expand Kevin’s legacy with the goal of making our impact even greater through increased endowments at AU and by funding an endowment for the Trumbull High School Scholarship. Toward that end, we are launching the Summer 2024 KJSLP Outreach. During the months of July, August and September, we have set a goal of raising $5,000 to support our various programs. In talking with our scholarship recipients, it is clear that we are making a real impact on their career trajectory. Kevin’s life-story is a powerful example that these students relate to and use as a guide as they make decisions along the way in their life’s journey. With your continued support, we will continue to expand that impact and encourage more students to follow in Kevin’s footsteps seeking to create that more perfect Union our founders sought to create! Click here to make a donation or continue below to see what our recipients are saying. https://lnkd.in/ezY585h8

What's Trending: Amid the Swords of Iron war, volunteerism is soaring. Explore our latest article showcasing impactful initiatives and heartening stories of unity during challenging times. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dTcYvmiE