[Colorado-Talk] Thoughts on Living the Life You Want
doula.jarboe at gmail.com
doula.jarboe at gmail.com
Fri Jan 10 20:31:00 UTC 2020
I think it's great that this conversation is still going on, and that it's
generating so much discussion. I was blessed to have a Mom who discovered
the Federation when I was a young kid. I want to say I was maybe 5 or 6.
So, when we ran into issues like my school not wanting to teach me how to
use a cane, we had the Federation to fall back on. And, it was my Mom
pushing me to take my cane with me when I was young, because, I certainly
didn't want to in the beginning. I grew up with wonderful blind role
models, and learned at a young age, that in spite of my blindness, I could
do whatever I wanted to with my life. My parents had high expectations for
me to succeed, and to be someone who was independent. In middle school and
high school, I went through the summer programs, and living with my blind
peers and blind adults, helped me to be more confident in myself as a blind
person. And it gave me skills that my sighted parents couldn't teach me
because they aren't blind. That doesn't mean that my adult life has been
perfect, but it has allowed me to live on my own as an adult. That's
something that I very much value, because many of the other adults who have
my syndrome haven't received those opportunities, and still depend on living
with their parents. Because I have a good foundation in blindness skills,
it isn't the disability I struggle with. I think that because of the
Centers, and because of specific perceptions that being independent means
not relying on anyone else, the NFB gets a negative reputation. As someone
who is DeafBlind, I know it's more challenging for me to travel on my own.
That, that is an area where I need more help from other people. I'm still
successfully making it from place to place, and to me, that's what's
important. Living the life you want is doing what's right for you, and
having what support and skills in place that you need to be able to live
your life. Each individual has different experiences and circumstances, so
for everyone, living the life you want isn't going to look exactly the same.
That's why diversity needs to be valued and honored, so that we can learn
from and be accepting of each other's differences.
-----Original Message-----
From: Colorado-Talk <colorado-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Ileen
Gallegos via Colorado-Talk
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2020 12:11 PM
To: 'NFB of Colorado Discussion List' <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: ileenshere at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [Colorado-Talk] Thoughts on Living the Life You Want
Good morning and happy Friday to all.
For me, living the life I want involves, structure, goals, community,
progress, achievement and healthy relationships. As a blind person, all
those things come together just being a member of our organization. I had
all these in my toolbox before ever joining. However, when I personally take
the time to observe the strength we have in numbers and how, the big picture
looks, I'd never join another organization. Together, we change the way
blind people have been stereotyped. Since the beginning of the fight for our
equality, it makes me so proud for example, to know that children can't be
taken from their parents because they are blind. That is just one of the
great things we have done together.
This whole conversation reminds me of why I stayed away from church. When I
was younger, say, in my early teens. I was rejected by a church because I
didn't wear a dress to Wednesday night service. It wasn't until three years
ago when a lady I had never met before reminded me that church goers are
only human and that I was cheating myself from the joy I had previously
received.
In the past as a member of the NFB, I was shy, not confident, a bit of a
rebel and even stayed away for a time. Yes, someone who is a big leader hurt
me deeply. This individual was only trying to help, but as a young person I
interpreted it as something personal. At that time, I didn't realize or see
how much the Federation really pulls together to make every single life
count.
As far as Sleep Shades go, in my humble opinion, the are a way for people
who might be losing sight to learn how to do so before having to face it.
This made sense to me when I took the time to really listen and learn. The
Sleep Shades are only for a small part of a lifetime, and isn't it true that
we sometimes have to do something at the work place we'd rather not do?
Isn't it true, that we all face personality conflicts?
These feelings of not belonging, and being pushed aside are real. I'd like
to acknowledge that, but we must find ways to see the positive side of all
aspects in our personal lives, because when that happens, things become much
easier all over. I know this from experience, not just as a blind, short,
Latina from the bad side of town, but from really taking time to listen to
others, look at my own situation and it helps me know I'm not alone. Please
reach out there are so many caring leaders and non-leaders within our
organization. They will literally take you by the hand, encourage, push, and
support you along the way.
Thanks to all the leaders. It isn't easy. Being a leader involves so much
time, effort and resources. I'm proud to be part of this organization. If I
can do anything to help anyone, please don't hesitate to reach out. If you
don't, I or others in the NFB won't know you need support.
Respectfully and lovingly
Ileen Gallegos
303-895-0087
ileenshere at gmail.com
Wild West Secretary
-----Original Message-----
From: Colorado-Talk <colorado-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Melissa
R. Green via Colorado-Talk
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2020 8:36 AM
To: colorado-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Melissa R. Green <graduate56 at juno.com>
Subject: Re: [Colorado-Talk] Thoughts on Living the Life You Want
Thank you for sharing your story Anahit.
Have a enjoyable and blessed day.
Sincerely,
Melissa R. Green and Pj
"If you have a goal, make it something you strive to accomplish. If you have
a hope, then hope for it with all your heart.
----- Original Message -----
From: Anahit LaBarre via Colorado-Talk <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org>
To: NFB of Colorado Discussion List <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org>
Date: 01/09/2020 11:53 pm
Subject: Re: [Colorado-Talk] Thoughts on Living the Life You Want
>
>
> Greetings everyone.
> I would like to take a moment and wish all of you a very Happy and a
healthy New Year! It has been very informative to read all of the thoughts
and ideas shared on this thread. My story and my take is quite different
from many of you. I came from a country where there are no opportunities for
people with any kind of disability or limitation, or differences, for that
matter. So, while we have a long journey ahead of us to reach full equality
in our society here, we have so much available to us. So, what does Living
the life I want mean to me? It is complex but yet very simple. It means I
have the knowledge, the tools and the ability to make a choice. Every day I
tell myself, as well as my students, that we are all human. And the
complexity and beauty of it is that we WILL make mistakes, we will choose
wrong at times. But We have the right and the opportunity to make those
choices. No one organization, workplace, social group or school environment
can possibly be right for everyone. There are things you might disagree with
in the way things are done. However, I choose to focus on the strengths and
the aspects that will support my beliefs and ideas. If I find that at its
core an organization or a work space aligns with my values, if I find that I
can gain from it, as well as add to it, if I find that with a productive
dialogue we can make things better, I choose to belong. Does this mean that
I agree with everything that is ever said or done? Not necessarily. But we
come again to the power of choice and the fact that I chose to belong here,
I chose to make this my home. So this means I will share, in a productive
way, what my thoughts are, I will contribute what I can at the time needed.
This is what is so crucially important to me. As a person who grew up in a
place where choices were made for me, I value the freedom to make my own
decisions, to discuss openly, to be productive and to turn criticism into an
opportunity for improvement, while appreciating all that is positive and
available to me. Hope this helps. And yes, we all make mistakes, yes, we all
make the wrong choice at times. But we sure try. Having. Supportive and
constructive environment helps create opportunities for a better future, for
collaboration and for a workplace or an organization where care and vision
for a greater good prevails. My commitment is to have compassion, to listen
and to problem solve together. But making a choice on a daily basis is up to
me. There are hard days, where just getting out and facing the world seems
almost impossible. It is on those days that we need to work hard to focus on
the positive and what we have. It will help us get through the day. We need
to focus on what makes us strong, unique and what we have to share with this
world. And when the brighter tomorrow comes, we can extend a hand to a
friend in need. Before we ask of others to see our worth, we find it
ourselves. It looks different to everyone. I value honesty, kindness and
loyalty. So i focus on that for myself. Or at least I try. None of those
core values are achievement-based but they are important to me. Find what
makes you strong! We all have a gift to share. Thank you to all of those who
have contributed. Please do stay active, bring productive ideas and
thoughts, stay involved on a local level and make a difference for yourself
and for others. Once we chose a home, let's make it stronger! Hope everyone
has a very good weekend.
>
> Warmly on this not very warm night :were Anahit
>
> Sent from a mobile device
>
>
> > On Jan 9, 2020, at 6:38 PM, Diane McGeorge via Colorado-Talk
<colorado-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >
> > "Thank you, scott, you are obviously a thoughtful man and think
carefully before you write on this list.
> > If you follow this list, I urge you to read what Scott LaBarre,
contributed. As far as I know, he has stated what the motto really means.
> > I have been a member of NFB longer than most of you have been alive
> > and
have gained so much through becoming active and continue to do so.
> >
> > Jenny, apparently your first encounter withus was not what you hoped
for. I encourage you tolearnmore and come back. At my very firstnational
convention, I was so overwhelmed by all the people and all the highly
educated and daccomplished people that were there, that I feltpretty
inadequate. But I met many people who welcomed me warmly and encourage me
to come again. Of course I wasn't brave enough to tell anybody exceptmy
husband how overwhelmed I felt. Fortunately, he had been active longer than
I and also encouraged me to continue andnot give up.
> >
> > I certainly have done that and enjoyed every minute because of the
people I have meet and of course of all the accomplishments we have made
which have benefitted thousands of people who we will probably never know
about.
> >
> > As for the centers we have established again throughout the country,
> > we
have been able to change lives all over the world.
> > If it had not been for the NFB, these centers would not have come
> > into
being.
> > I know the first directors well and do know Jennifer Kennedywho is
> > now
director at BLIND Inc., and I know from personal experience we were all
encouraged so much by all of you whether we met you personally or not.
> >
> > WelleaI have gone on way toolong butI know that NFB has changed
countless lives and encouraged everyone to "live the life you want", and
that is a very individual choice for each person.
> >
> > Best wishes to everyone
> > Diane McGeorge
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Colorado-Talk <colorado-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
> > Scott Davert via Colorado-Talk
> > Sent: Tuesday, January 7, 2020 3:26 PM
> > To: NFB of Colorado Discussion List <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org>
> > Cc: Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>
> > Subject: Re: [Colorado-Talk] Thoughts on Living the Life You Want
> >
> > Perhaps I've just not been following the NFB closely enough, but
> > I've
always thought the Moro was a bit more general. As in, live the life you
want to live, whatever that may be. Shrugs.
> > As for insurance companies and coverage, they generally will cover
contact lendses and eye glasses. Most do not cover hearing aids at all. Like
Doula, I shelled out 8 grand to just be able to hear in my environment. It
was no easy task, having to sell a lot of things and to compromise so much,
but that's what I had to do. Not to mention paying a loan for the remainder
of my balance. What would someone who doesn't have the ability to even
finance stuff do? When you have no vision, if there is a chance you can get
some of your hearing to use in your environment, I think a lot of people go
for it. I could go on and on about issues facing the deaf-blind population,
but it's not so relevant to folks on this list.
> > I agree that a prescribed way of living is very narrow minded. I've
caught a lot of criticism for using street crossing cards to get assistance
from the public in crossing streets due to my lack of directional hearing.
Such criticism has turned me away from the organization, though I still try
to do my part to educate and support people regardless of whether they think
I'm indepdent or not. I'm mostly living the life I want, but perhaps not the
one that is typical of whatever ideas and ideals others may have about my
life.
> >
> > Just my perspective,
> > Scott
> >
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> >> On Jan 7, 2020, at 5:03 PM, Jenny Perdue via Colorado-Talk
<colorado-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>
> >> Well, that is my mistake. I thought that they covered what someone
needed for hearing aids.
> >>
> >> I was definitely wrong about that, I apologize for assuming that,
> >> and I'm glad to learn something every day :com)
> >>
> >> Jenny
> >>
> >> Sent from my iPhone
> >>
> >>>> On Jan 7, 2020, at 12:44 PM, Doula Jarboe via Colorado-Talk
<colorado-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> his What insurance do you know of that covers hearing aids? At
> >>> least
the type that fits that person's hearing loss requirements, and not just
what little bit the company thinks is sufficient? I've had to pay out of
pocket for my own hearing aids to have what I need, and it's just as
expensive as assistive technology. To give you an idea, one of my hearing
aids cost 3500 dollars, and they are supposed to be replaced every 3 to 5
years. Yes, there are programs out there for people who are low income, but
otherwise, it's similar to obtaining assistive technology for blind people.
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: Colorado-Talk <colorado-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf
> >>> Of Jenny Perdue via Colorado-Talk
> >>> Sent: Tuesday, January 7, 2020 2:10 AM
> >>> To: NFB of Colorado Discussion List <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org>
> >>> Cc: Jenny Perdue <jlperdue3 at gmail.com>
> >>> Subject: Re: [Colorado-Talk] Thoughts on Living the Life You Want
> >>>
> >>> No one's asking to be babied. I'm just asking to be just as
> >>> celebrated as someone who's bringing in thedoe
> >>>
> >>> That's not called Coddling or handholding.
> >>>
> >>> The militant stuff from the NFB is a reason that a lot of people
> >>> don't
join. Instead of being militant. Why don't we give a hand up instead of
telling people what they should do and they're not giving them any help to
do it.
> >>>
> >>> Some of us for neurological reasons cannot be under sleep shade.
> >>> Yet,
the singers don't care. Some of us have physical issues and need to
concentrate on what we need to concentrate on as far as the things that we
need to learn. It's not one size fit oh. But it seems like if you can't to
sleep shade, and you can't learn to make a meal for 60 people. You don't get
the opportunity to go to the centers.
> >>>
> >>> Yes, you have learned to advocate, you have learned to be
> >>> militant,
you have learned all those things. Some of us have had to figure out
everything on their own.
> >>>
> >>> some of us got stuck in the boonies with abusive parents that
> >>> could
beat you in the front yard and nobody would care.
> >>>
> >>> I'm sorry, I didn't have time to be militant and fight for my rights.
I was happy if I didn't get a beat down once a week. Does anybody take that
into consideration, do you take that into consideration. I had no advocate,
I had to do everything on my own. A lot of us have.
> >>>
> >>> So instead of telling us what we should do I'm just leaving us her
> >>> own
devices. If you're successful. How about giving a hand up instead of telling
us what we should do and how we should do it in a militant way.
> >>>
> >>> Besides, I'm sorry, but being militant and beating people over the
head with what we in the NFB think we deserve. Does not make the blind
community look any better. In fact, it makes us look entitled, rude, and
disrespectful. No one has to count out to us. Even though we're blind. And
in the NFB.
> >>>
> >>> We fight so hard for legislature for accessible appliances, etc.
> >>> Do we
fight for those of us who cannot physically work but still need services.
Can't we fight to change the legislature that says that if you don't work or
go to school you can't get help. Why don't we fight for people who need this
to. Not just the big cases that make a splash.
> >>>
> >>> Why don't we fight for minimum wage payments via Social Security
disability for those of us who cannot work legitimately.
> >>>
> >>> Why don't we fight to be able to get certain equipment without all
> >>> the
hassle in the world. You can advocate for yourself all you want to. When the
government does with the government does, and you have a legitimate need to
be reliant on that. And you don't even make minimum-wage when everybody
knows that equipment for us is really expensive. Not covered by insurance.
Oh, that's something we can be militant about. Try to get entrance companies
to have to cover our equipment, just like the cover wheelchairs and hearing
aids.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Jenny
> >>>
> >>> Sent from my iPhone
> >>>
> >>>> On Jan 6, 2020, at 2:56 PM, Eric Calhoun via Colorado-Talk
<colorado-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> "I am compelled to respond on living the life I want. If you are
> >>>> working, you are possessing skills that help you work. NFB
> >>>> doesn't see that in everybody. I am not going to work because
> >>>> someone tells me that I need to, I want to. Same with blind
> >>>> training centers' I am further along than most folks, and I
> >>>> don't need to rock climb or river raft, I've done this as a
> >>>> child. Anyone who knows Braille Institute or the Foundation for
> >>>> the Junior Blind (Wayfinder Family Services for the Blind) knows
> >>>> that they don't need to be coddled, belittled, or made fun of.
> >>>> At nearly 46, (birthday is March
> >>>> 21,) I've been taught by NFB to be militant, self-reliant, and
> >>>> self-sufficient. I will not hold someone's hand and coddle them;
> >>>> I will give them tough love. When I went to the Utah State
> >>>> Convention, I saw 3
> >>>> things: (1) blind people in action, (2) empowerment, and (3) a
> >>>> chance to go beyond blindness. My Federation friends, NFB can
> >>>> only give us pointers, we must shine, not let people baby us.
> >>>> You do not have to work to live the life you want. You must
> >>>> grow,
you must pray, you must live.
> >>>>
> >>>> Living The Life I Want,
> >>>>
> >>>> Eric
> >>>> ..
> >>>>
> >>>> ..
> >>>>
> >>>> Happy 2020. Eric on Facebook: eric at pmpmail.com; click on: Works
> >>>> for God, the Heavenly Father. Want friends from all walks of
> >>>> life? My group, Pen Pals, Prayer Requests, and more with Eric
> >>>> Calhoun, at https://www.facebook.com/groups/631397660379317/
> >>>>
> >>>> ..
> >>>>
> >>>> Love Labradors? P fease join my Facebook Group, Loving Labs,
> >>>> athttps://www.facebook.com/groups/2207028296232736/
> >>>>
> >>>> Peace on earth! Goodwill to men!
> >>>>
> >>>> ..
> >>>>
> >>>> God bless you all!
> >>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>> Colorado-Talk mailing list
> >>>> Colorado-Talk at nfbnet.org
> >>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org
> >>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> >>>> for
Colorado-Talk:
> >>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/jlperd
> >>>> ue3%4 0gmail.com List archives can be found at
> >>>> <http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org>
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> Colorado-Talk mailing list
> >>> Colorado-Talk at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> >>> for
Colorado-Talk:
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/doula.j
> >>> arboe%40gmail.com List archives can be found at
> >>> <http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> Colorado-Talk mailing list
> >>> Colorado-Talk at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> >>> for
Colorado-Talk:
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/jlperdu
> >>> e3%40gmail.com List archives can be found at
> >>> <http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> Colorado-Talk mailing list
> >> Colorado-Talk at nfbnet.org
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org
> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> >> for
Colorado-Talk:
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/scottdav
> >> ert%40gmail.com List archives can be found at
> >> <http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org>
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Colorado-Talk mailing list
> > Colorado-Talk at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> > for
Colorado-Talk:
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/rmcgeorge
> > %40comcast.net List archives can be found at
> > <http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org>
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Colorado-Talk mailing list
> > Colorado-Talk at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> > for
Colorado-Talk:
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/alabarre%
> > 40cocenter.org List archives can be found at
> > <http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org>
> _______________________________________________
> Colorado-Talk mailing list
> Colorado-Talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Colorado-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/graduate56%
> 40juno.com List archives can be found at
> <http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org>
> child
_______________________________________________
Colorado-Talk mailing list
Colorado-Talk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Colorado-Talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/ileenshere%40gmai
l.com
List archives can be found at
<http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org>
_______________________________________________
Colorado-Talk mailing list
Colorado-Talk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Colorado-Talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/doula.jarboe%40gm
ail.com
List archives can be found at
<http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org>
More information about the Colorado-Talk
mailing list