[blindkid] NOPBC/FL Candidate

[theconelady at yahoo.com]

Hello to all ….
 
I wanted to introduce myself as I am running for President of the Parents Division in FL. I am anxiously looking forward to the state convention for many reasons!
 
First, let me say my name is Doreen Franklin. My husband of 23 yrs, David, and I live in Port Saint Lucie. We have 2 adopted daughters, Bryanna, 13, and Victorria (Torrie), 4-½. Torrie is visually impaired and we have been fighting (unfortunately) for her rights for almost 2 years now.
 
The convention will be our 2nd time to meet with other families of blind and visually impaired kiddos. We were able to attend Camp Achievement in 2007 (sponsored by Lions Club, DBS and FSU). The Camp opened up David’s and my eyes to our need to be advocates for Torrie and her unique needs. I am also looking forward to checking out the exhibit hall with the products and resources available (I have been very “sheltered” in this area) as well as to hearing the guest speakers (it looks like an awesome line-up!). In another lifetime, I worked at the Lighthouse for the Blind in West Palm Beach; that gave me the ability to see folks of all ages who were leading independent lives, whether they were blind or had just lost their sight. 
 
I have to say it has been difficult to work thru some of the mazes of Torrie’s visual disability. Just from our experiences, I have thought about a few things that I would love to see come to fruition: 
--- a network of NOPBC parents who would work as “greeters” to new families who join the group - much like the Walmart greeters. Our situation was a bit different than most with our adoption - we knew Torrie had congenital cataracts removed in Guatemala, intraocular lenses implanted and a lazy left eye. But to hear what other eye conditions the Bascom Palmer eye doc was telling us Torrie had - well, it was overwhelming. I wish there had been a family there so that I could have leaned on them for support and that they would have given me resources to contact. It took us a while to find places to call for help; it took a longer time to fine a few families to meet and talk to who we could call on for information and to answer those “stupid questions” I was afraid to ask. 
--- maintenance of a list of “resources” in each county distributed to ophthalmologists and optometrists. This would help when a family learns that they have a blind or visually impaired child. They don’t have to do the searching, the resources are right in their hands to call. I continue to scour sites and look thru the links. I’d love to have it down in 1 place to be able to pull out the agency, phone number and website to make it easier for me (if you saw my desk, you would agree). 
--- an NOPBC/NFB member from your area to be in attendance at IEP meetings if possible. I know we have had some awful IEP meetings, and many times, just having another parent there who has “been there, done that” and be able to support you would have been a huge help. I know this may be far-reaching, but I wanted to get you thinking how much more confident you would have felt if you had had another parent with you physically in the room at your IEP meeting! 
 
Again, I want to say, I have not been to a convention so I may be a little off-the-mark with these ideas. I would love to be able to talk with you so please feel free to email me at theconelady at yahoo.com if you would like to discuss any of the above ideas. I look forward to meeting all of you!
 
Thank you …. Doreen
Please support Braille literacy & programs for our youth by sponsoring Torrie & I in
the Motor City March for Independence! 
www.marchforindependence.org/goto/doreenf