NOTTINGHAM, MD—The Maryland School for the Blind (MSB) is participating in #GivingTuesdayNow to help meet the distance learning needs of the hundreds of students served by the school across the state of Maryland.
#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity, set to take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, MSB was forced to close its doors on March 13th. The school immediately formulated a distance learning plan for delivering remote education to the hundreds of students they serve across the state of Maryland, which was implemented on March 16th. Developing and delivering accessible digital learning for students who are bind, visually impaired and/or multiple disabilities can be challenging under ideal conditions.
The MSB staff tailored a plan for each student, based on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP), including delivery of the appropriate physical materials, technology and resources needed to accomplish each goal. Staff are also delivering food to families in need who can’t get to distribution sites.
MSB is receiving support from two corporate partners on the #GivingTuesdayNow campaign. Kitchens to Go built by Carlin of Naperville, IL has pledged $20,000. Lewis Contractors, a construction company based in Owings Mills, Maryland has pledged $20,000. Both pledges are matching gift challenges. Donations to the campaign will be matched 2 to 1 up to $20,000.
“We are grateful to our supporters and community partners who are making it possible for us to continue to serve our students and keep our staff employed during this unprecedented time,” said W. Robert Hair, MSB Superintendent.
Those interested in joining The Maryland School for the Blind’s #GivingTuesdayNow efforts can visit www.marylandschoolfortheblind.org/support-us/donate/.
