[blindkid] CBS story on decline in braille

[holly miller]

Thanks everyone!
There are some things I had hoped would make it on air that didn't but
that's the way the editing ball bounces :smile

Carolyn, that was a mistake. I'm going to post a comment on their website
when I think of how to word it.  Hank has Albinism which is genetic, not a
disease.  His vision has been what it is since birth and barring something
out of the ordinary, it should remain as is.  Our position is his current
eye sight is poor enough to make braille appropriate and necessary.  He does
meet the criteria for legally blind and he has Nystagmus and photophobia on
top of that which adds to fatigue. Being able to see large print is not the
same as being able to read it for sustained lengths of time.

Neither the school nor NJCBVI have responded but to be fair, it just aired
yesterday.  We have been at this for 2 years though, they are already well
aware of my thoughts on the situation LOL!  We have had an attorney involved
for a little over a year now.  My attorney doesn't like me to put too many
details on the internet but we've had some developments in the last few
weeks that hopefully will give us some traction.

Holly


On Sun, Aug 8, 2010 at 10:01 AM, Carly B <barnesraiser at gmail.com> wrote:

> Holly,
>
> Thank you so much for sharing! I was impressed both by Hank and you! You
> are
> a wonderful, articulate advocate for Braille! You said all the right
> things!
>
>
> I thought I heard the commentator say that Hank has a progressive eye
> condition and that his sight is getting worse. Is that correct or was that
> a
> mistake? I ask because I thought it might leave the impression that his
> present sight is acceptable for print, but he is getting Braille because he
> might get worse. If his only condition is albinism, then it's not getting
> worse, right? It was only a blip and I'm probably one of the few who
> noticed
> it because our situation is so similar to yours.
>
> Thanks again, Holly. Has the school district responded in any way?
>
> :) Carolynn
>
>