[Blindtlk] Fwd: [Nfbwv-talk] Hall Of Honor Story

[David Andrews]

I am proud to say that Ed did more to get me in the Federation than 
anyone with the possible exception of Dick Edlund.  He also gave me 
much support and friendship in those early years when I was having 
some personal problems.

Dave





>From: Karen McDonald <karen at eioproductions.com>
>To: NFB of WV Discussion List <nfbwv-talk at nfbnet.org>
>Subject: [Nfbwv-talk] Hall Of Honor Story
>
>I thought you all might want to see the front-page article from our 
>local newspaper, the Mineral Daily News Tribune.  I am sending this 
>just as it appeared on the newspaper's website.
>
>The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia got a new 
>member in 1969 - Edgar McDonald.  What they didn't know at the time 
>was that they had gained a loyal member who would bring about great 
>change over the next 44 years.  It is McDonald's hard work and 
>dedication that recently earned him an induction into the National 
>Federation of the Blind's Hall of Honors.  McDonald says the 
>induction meant a lot to him because it is people he has worked with 
>and been friends with over the years who voted him in.  "The fact 
>that they think enough of me to vote for me means a lot; it's 
>significant," he said.  McDonald says it has meant a great deal to 
>him to be involved in the organization.  "I learned about being 
>blind as a political issue rather than a medical one," he 
>said.  McDonald said that he has tried to change social "barriers" 
>and the public's view on the blind.  "I came to understand that by 
>talking to other blind people and working collectively, you get more 
>done.  "Getting more done is exactly what McDonald has done in his 
>years of service to the organization.  McDonald served as president 
>of the West Virginia affiliate from 1991 to 2002.  Under his 
>leadership, Newsline for the Blind was brought to West Virginia with 
>the addition of the Huntington Herald Dispatch.  McDonald was also a 
>driving force in getting the Braille Bill pushed through the West 
>Virginia Legislature and signed into law.  McDonald also had the 
>distinction of serving on the national board of the National 
>Federation of the Blind form 1994 to 1997.  He currently serves as 
>chairperson of the Agency Partnership Committee and is also serving 
>as the first vice-president of the National Federation and as 
>president of the Members at Large Chapter.  "It's humbling in a 
>way," says McDonald.  "But now that I got that to live up to; if I 
>don't step it up they might kick me out," he laughts.
>McDonald's nomination said he was an integral and essential part of 
>the Federation family and most deserving of the honor for changing 
>what it means to be blind.  For McDonald, that is just a part of 
>everyday life.  "I try to live my life in a way that says I am blind 
>and still out living my life.  "Being blind is a part of my life, a 
>big part," says McDonald, "but I am not a blind guy, I am a guy who 
>happens to be blind."
>
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