Louis Braille Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act

On July 27, 2006, President George W. Bush signed into law the Louis Braille Bicentennial—Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin Act. This act celebrates the 200^th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, who created the raised-dot system of reading and writing for the blind that bears his name. It calls for the Secretary of the Treasury to issue up to 400,000 silver-dollar coins commemorating this bicentennial anniversary. The bill is part of a larger campaign initiated by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) to encourage Braille literacy among blind youth.

Under the new legislation a $10 surcharge will be added to each coin. Money from coin sales goes to the NFB, which will then match the proceeds dollar for dollar through other fundraising activities. In addition to projects submitted by NFB affiliates, the NFB will invite other organizations serving the blind to submit Braille literacy projects to its planning committee for possible funding. For example, the money will support NFB-approved Braille literacy initiatives, such as the NFBs Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest. By offering special recognition and cash prizes for the number of pages read, this national Braille-reading competition encourages students from kindergarten through twelfth grade to read books in their free time. With practice in reading Braille, young people improve their reading skills and develop a deep fondness for reading. As a result blind youth are better equipped for future successes in all areas of their lives.

The coins, which go on sale in 2009, will emphasize Braille literacy by featuring Louis Braille’s image and raised dots that spell out “Brl” the Braille contraction for the word Braille. This will be the first coin ever minted by the United States Treasury with a Braille symbol.

The California affiliate extends a very sincere thank you to every member who took the time to write letters or call their Senators to help make this legislative effort so successful.