[Ct-nfb] FW: ACB Resolution on H.R. 3086

[Chris Kuell]

I know many ACB members who are capable, competent blind people. They 
believe in independence, Braille, and the right of all blind people to 
become active members in the workplace and society. Marcia dresser, who used 
to live in Connecticut and was the first VP of the ACB here, worked with us 
to help pass a Braille bill back in 1999. I was on several BESB committees 
with her, and I admire Marcia and her husband Steve, also blind and an 
active ACB member, very much. I've met people at national convention who are 
members of both NFB and ACB--although Dr. Maurer would certainly 
excommunicate them if he found out. Again, these are capable, competent, 
admirable blind people, who are networking and not judging people by 
affiliation, but rather by character.

I see the ACB and NFB as completely analogous to republicans and democrats. 
Both groups have a vision for our country, but they have different ideas on 
how to get there. Neither side is evil, although I have my doubts about the 
folks at Fox news, but for some reason, people get fired up when they feel 
they have an enemy, which is how far too many NFBers and ACBers react. I've 
studied both organizations, and choose to be an NFB member because I think 
our philosophy best matches my own personality. But I don't think the ACB is 
wrong, just different. I would summarize this way: The NFB wants training 
and opportunities for blind people, while the ACB wants understanding and 
accommodations.

I listened to the ACB audio clip, twice, and I find it fascinating how 
different people react to the same stimuli. I didn't hear any slamming of 
the NFB, I just heard a single sentence saying 'it's an NFB bill'. The 
sentence wasn't said with love or enthusiasm, and in fact probably held a 
little disdain, but I certainly wouldn't call it slamming.

ACB's decision not to support HR 3086 is hardly comparable to Hitler gassing 
the Jews or the English exterminating Native Americans. It's a decision 
based on facts, math, and mission. NIB doesn't pay blind workers below 
minimum wage. Good will does, but by my calculation,it's very few blind 
people. The large majority of the few hundred disabled workers who receive 
below minimum wage are multi-disabled, almost all with severe cognitive 
disabilities. And the small percentage of blind people who are included in 
this class are also multi-disabled, with blindness the least of their 
troubles. Traditionally, the NFB has not fought on behalf of other 
disabilities, and DR. Maurer himself told me personally that 'it dilutes our 
message'. The NFB has decided to fight on behalf of people with other 
disabilities in taking on HR 3086, while the ACB has decided that they 
won't. It's not evil, it's simply a different viewpoint.

Deb, are you sorry you asked? Smile.

chris