Congressman John Sarbanes to Speak at the National Federation of the Blind.

2008 Celebration Commemorates Thirty Years in Baltimore 

BALTIMORE -- Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) will speak at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) on Friday, April 4, at its 2008 Celebration. The Celebration commemorates thirty years of building a brighter future for blind people in Baltimore and beyond. The NFB moved its headquarters to Baltimore in 1978 and established a world-class research and training facility that draws thousands of visitors each year. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230. Over five hundred friends, colleagues, and blind Americans are expected to attend.

"The National Federation of the Blind created the first-ever training and research institute for the blind led by the blind," said Congressman John Sarbanes. "The innovation of the NFB Jernigan Institute has had an extraordinary impact on countless blind people in Maryland and throughout the nation. I am honored to be a part of this celebration and look forward to working with the NFB in its continued efforts to build opportunities for blind Americans."

"We are pleased that Congressman Sarbanes will be joining us to celebrate thirty years in Baltimore," said Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind. "With the support of friends like the Congressman, we will continue to work toward our goal of the full integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality and in doing so improve the lives of blind people in Maryland and the rest of the United States."

The Celebration will feature Gerry Sandusky from WBAL-TV 11 Sports as master of ceremonies, food from some of the finest restaurants in Baltimore, plus silent and live auctions. Live music will be provided by tribute band Beatlemagic...the ultimate beatles experience. For more information about this exciting event, please contact Jerry Lazarus at [phone], extension 2297, or by e-mail at [e-mail]. Tickets may be purchased online at www.nfb.org or through Liz Makowske at [phone], extension 2419, or by e-mail at [e-mail].

About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 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.