[Flagdu] Fw: [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
Patricia A. Lipovsky
plipovsky at cfl.rr.com
Wed Dec 2 01:14:04 UTC 2009
Thank you Marian, and I'm sure with you on my side, I couldn't possibly
lose.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marion & Martin" <swampfox1833 at verizon.net>
To: "Patricia A. Lipovsky" <plipovsky at cfl.rr.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 10:20 AM
Subject: Re: [Flagdu] Fw: [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
> Patricia,
> Voltaire once wrote, "I may not agree with what you say, but I will
> defend to the death your right to say it!"
>
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion Gwizdala
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Patricia A. Lipovsky" <plipovsky at cfl.rr.com>
> To: "Marion & Martin" <swampfox1833 at verizon.net>; "Florida Association of
> Guide Dog Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 10:01 AM
> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] Fw: [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>
>
>> And isn't it wonderful that we can express our opinion freely, and still
>> be respectful to other's who may differ with those opinions. . Thank
>> God for Democracy!!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Marion & Martin" <swampfox1833 at verizon.net>
>> To: "Sherri" <flmom2006 at gmail.com>; "Florida Association of Guide Dog
>> Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 9:36 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] Fw: [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>
>>
>>> Sherri,
>>> Now, there's a politician for you! Where do I contribute to your
>>> campaign? (smile)
>>>
>>> Peace!
>>> Marion
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Sherri" <flmom2006 at gmail.com>
>>> To: "Marion & Martin" <swampfox1833 at verizon.net>; "Florida Association
>>> of Guide Dog Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 2:56 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] Fw: [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>>
>>>
>>>> To every rule there are exceptions. *smile.
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Marion & Martin" <swampfox1833 at verizon.net>
>>>> To: "Florida Association of Guide Dog Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Cc: "NFB of Florida Listserv" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 9:28 AM
>>>> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] Fw: [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Sherri,
>>>>> Now, let's not be too judgmental! (smile) I am one of those
>>>>> "formerly sighted people" and I think I know how it really is!As for
>>>>> the message writer, I don't know if he is sighted or blind, but much
>>>>> more is said in his message than just his words; although the words he
>>>>> writes certainly do convey a mixed message!
>>>>>
>>>>> Fraternally yours,
>>>>> Marion
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>> From: "Sherri" <flmom2006 at gmail.com>
>>>>> To: "Florida Association of Guide Dog Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Cc: "NFB of Florida Listserv" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 8:44 AM
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] Fw: [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Bravo David! I am sick and tired of formerly sighted or sighted
>>>>>> people thinking they know how it really is.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I could say more, but your sentiments are exactly mine. Thank you.
>>>>>> Sherri
>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>> From: "davidw" <dwermuth1 at earthlink.net>
>>>>>> To: "Florida Association of Guide Dog Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Cc: "NFB of Florida Listserv" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 5:26 AM
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] Fw: [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> First of all Thanks for your opinion Charles. and thanks for your
>>>>>>> service to the blind community over your 17 year tenure.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> OK, a few opinions you have that you have expressed that I have to
>>>>>>> respectfully disagree with.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> First of all I have heard while working as a "insider" in the past
>>>>>>> is that I have heard many times, "I have 15 years experience, 12
>>>>>>> yrs, 17 yrs..."
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> All that means to most of the blind -low vision consumers is that
>>>>>>> most if not all of the employees should have been fired years ago.
>>>>>>> and while I have worked as most of the job titles: VRT, ILS, Child
>>>>>>> and Family and sat on many boards myselfFloridas Division of the
>>>>>>> Blind needs to clean house. You say you have worked in the field of
>>>>>>> BVI for 17 years we'll just a little hint, we bvi people don't get
>>>>>>> our sight back after five and on weekends. So I am asking who has
>>>>>>> more experience? I have 19 years of blind experience, 24 hours a
>>>>>>> day includeing holidays, weekends.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm glad that you made the effort to go thru immersion for 3 weeks
>>>>>>> under blindfold. Employees of the prior Texas Commission for the
>>>>>>> Blind go thru immersion for thirty days as new employees. and I am
>>>>>>> also encouraged that you encouraged your new sighted employees to
>>>>>>> make a effort to work on learning or at the very least trying to
>>>>>>> understand the everyday struggles of living b-vi. That makes me
>>>>>>> feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I've like I said in previous post's observe and communicate with
>>>>>>> consumers of the blind community and DBS before I make my comments.
>>>>>>> and I'll say it again "DBS needs to change it's philosophy to
>>>>>>> better serve the BVI in Florida."
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> There are ways to do this and number 1 is to start employing B-VI
>>>>>>> person's into DBS, unless the philosophy from DBS is that sighted
>>>>>>> people can do it better? and if that is the opinion of DBS then the
>>>>>>> whole slate of employees serving the B-VI should be cleaned or then
>>>>>>> what is the use of even giving you all pay checks at the expense of
>>>>>>> our tax dollars.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On the topic of scholarships: are you kidding me? Those student's
>>>>>>> worked their rear ends off to earn them and I know what it takes as
>>>>>>> during my educational learning from the University of Washington I
>>>>>>> earned a few myself. They are a mark of hard work and excellence
>>>>>>> giving to them for all their hard work. If they want to spend it
>>>>>>> on more equipment, food to have enough energy to get to school the
>>>>>>> next day, clothes... then so be it. We as tax payers do not ask
>>>>>>> state employees to return the money it cost's to feed a lunch to a
>>>>>>> agency during a training class, pay back the many Holidays,
>>>>>>> accumidated sick leave, vacation, and all the other perks.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The problem with most state employee's is after a short time after
>>>>>>> tenure they forget where the money is coming from (tax payers) and
>>>>>>> forget who they are working for. The more money they don't spend
>>>>>>> and yes I know about the Federal payback ratio but they start
>>>>>>> thinking about how nice their Christmas party can be and all along
>>>>>>> pat each other on the back saying, "isn't it nice we are helping
>>>>>>> those blind-low vision people"
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thank You again for your long thought out opinions and it sounds
>>>>>>> like a couple blanket statements other state rehabilitation offices
>>>>>>> send out that comes directly from the top. Hmm
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Enough already,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> David Wermuth
>>>>>>> Brooksville, FL
>>>>>>> dwermuth1 at earthlink.net
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> P.S Everyone have a nice day, I know I will.
>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>> From: "Patricia A. Lipovsky" <plipovsky at cfl.rr.com>
>>>>>>> To: "Florida Association of Guide Dog Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>> Cc: "Florida Association of Guide Dog Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>> Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2009 6:59 PM
>>>>>>> Subject: [Flagdu] Fw: [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> From: "Charles Randall" <randybns at earthlink.net>
>>>>>>>> Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2009 4:06 PM
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I have worked at the O&A Center for 17 years. I can tell you that
>>>>>>>> we did not
>>>>>>>> serve that many clients during the switch to NFB concepts. We had
>>>>>>>> clients
>>>>>>>> who did not wish to use the sleep shades. Because of the slow down
>>>>>>>> due to
>>>>>>>> having a set period of time, six to nine months in the general
>>>>>>>> program,
>>>>>>>> clients had ato wait a long period for service. Just because one's
>>>>>>>> philosophy was being implemented doesn't mean service was better.
>>>>>>>> The use of
>>>>>>>> sleep shades can be a very useful tool and should be both an option
>>>>>>>> and a
>>>>>>>> suggestion to certain clients. However, it is not always necessary.
>>>>>>>> Refusing
>>>>>>>> to offer such a tool is as unfortunate as forcing it on clients. As
>>>>>>>> an
>>>>>>>> employee at the Center, I can tell you that we tried to be sure
>>>>>>>> that the
>>>>>>>> customer received quality training and recommended additional
>>>>>>>> instruction
>>>>>>>> when needed. In regards to being a revolving door, it is my opinion
>>>>>>>> that if
>>>>>>>> a client came back to the Center not for new training, it was
>>>>>>>> unfortunately
>>>>>>>> because a councelor in the field didn't know what to do with the
>>>>>>>> client and
>>>>>>>> in some cases, wasn't assisting with job development. I appreciate
>>>>>>>> learning
>>>>>>>> about different methods for teaching blindness skills and in 2004,
>>>>>>>> I spent
>>>>>>>> three weeks at the Louisianna Center for the Blind in what they
>>>>>>>> call an
>>>>>>>> immersion. What I learned best was that what they do is what we do
>>>>>>>> at the
>>>>>>>> Daytona Center. Good people , concerned about and respectful of the
>>>>>>>> customers, teaching skills for travel, daily living and technology.
>>>>>>>> One of
>>>>>>>> the instructors I enjoyed getting to know, was very strong in his
>>>>>>>> NFB
>>>>>>>> philosophy, he felt it was the best way to work, but he was an
>>>>>>>> open-minded
>>>>>>>> person who was willing to dialog and show respect to people with
>>>>>>>> other
>>>>>>>> ideas.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Regarding scholarships, I worked with a woman who had a number of
>>>>>>>> scholarships. DBS didn't as a result pay for her school but they
>>>>>>>> did provide
>>>>>>>> her with equipment she needed to accomplish her goals. Remember,
>>>>>>>> that the
>>>>>>>> pot is not unending and those scholarships should be used first
>>>>>>>> allowing
>>>>>>>> funds to be used for those clients not so fortunate. In the case
>>>>>>>> mentioned
>>>>>>>> where the client was asked to pay the money to the agency. I don't
>>>>>>>> know for
>>>>>>>> sure what happened but I can speculate. Unfortunately, some offices
>>>>>>>> aren't
>>>>>>>> run as well as they should be. They should not have paid the money
>>>>>>>> to DBS
>>>>>>>> but rather used it for further education knowing that DBS would not
>>>>>>>> have a
>>>>>>>> requirement to give additional funds until the scholarship was
>>>>>>>> used.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> During Craig's administration, he made some very useful
>>>>>>>> contributions.
>>>>>>>> Providing the opportunity for clients and training facilities to
>>>>>>>> access more
>>>>>>>> technology was one I felt was long overdue. However, in a speech he
>>>>>>>> made,
>>>>>>>> later published in the Braille Monitor, he made it appear that
>>>>>>>> blind rehab
>>>>>>>> in Florida was totally underserved until his changes and the things
>>>>>>>> he said
>>>>>>>> about the Daytona Center were, shall we say, inaccurate.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> It continues to be the responsibility of the consumer groups and
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> customers to make their voices heard and have an influence on the
>>>>>>>> Division
>>>>>>>> of Blind Services. And all due respect to one of my colleagues, and
>>>>>>>> no
>>>>>>>> besmirching of his integrity, in my opinion, no employee of the
>>>>>>>> agency
>>>>>>>> should serve on the Rehab Council. It is not essential that all
>>>>>>>> employees of
>>>>>>>> DBS be blind to ably provide good service, as we gain new employees
>>>>>>>> who have
>>>>>>>> no background in the blindness field, they need to be encouraged to
>>>>>>>> educate
>>>>>>>> themselves in order to understand their customers and the community
>>>>>>>> around
>>>>>>>> themselves in order to provide quality services, not just manage
>>>>>>>> paperwork.
>>>>>>>> Such education should involve not just course work but taking part
>>>>>>>> in
>>>>>>>> activities alongside their customers and the consumer groups.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Yes it is understood that I am an insider; I am also an officer in
>>>>>>>> my local
>>>>>>>> chapter of the FCB. What is more important to me is my
>>>>>>>> responsibility to
>>>>>>>> express what I feel is a more accurate picture of how some matters
>>>>>>>> have been
>>>>>>>> dealt with between clients and the Division. I am not a spokesman
>>>>>>>> for the
>>>>>>>> agency, only one man with an opinion. I appreciate the chance these
>>>>>>>> channels
>>>>>>>> offer to interact with differing ideas. May I continue to learn
>>>>>>>> from those I
>>>>>>>> don't always agree with. As iron sharpens iron,
>>>>>>>> so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27-17 NIV.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Charles "Randy" Randall
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2009 12:32 PM
>>>>>>>> Subject: Fw: [Flagdu] [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>>> From: "Sherri" <flmom2006 at gmail.com>
>>>>>>>> To: "Florida Association of Guide Dog Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 4:19 PM
>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>I appreciate your thoughtful observations David and I still say
>>>>>>>>>that as an
>>>>>>>>>organization, one of the things we can do is get NAC out of
>>>>>>>>>Florida. I do
>>>>>>>>>not understand the need of Florida agencies to be accredited by
>>>>>>>>>NAC. I then
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>think that if we know of individual cases of people whose cases are
>>>>>>>>>not
>>>>>>>>>being handled well, we work on them on a chapter-by-chapter basis
>>>>>>>>>and
>>>>>>>>>involve others in the state affiliate if need be. I hate to see
>>>>>>>>>Florids'd
>>>>>>>>>rehab system slip back into the dark ages. Again, just my thoughts!
>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>>>> From: "davidw" <dwermuth1 at earthlink.net>
>>>>>>>>> To: "Florida Association of Guide Dog Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 3:41 PM
>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Hello Sherri,
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> I have the personality and knowledge to sometimes kick back and
>>>>>>>>>> observe
>>>>>>>>>> before putting myself in unknowledgeable situations. The reason I
>>>>>>>>>> ask
>>>>>>>>>> these questions is to learn and figure out ways to positively
>>>>>>>>>> asisst in
>>>>>>>>>> the areas that might be takeing a wrong way. We all know that
>>>>>>>>>> sometimes
>>>>>>>>>> people blind or not have issues with advocateing for themselves
>>>>>>>>>> and Yes
>>>>>>>>>> it is frustrateing at times but that is the way it is, and
>>>>>>>>>> sometimes we
>>>>>>>>>> end up with egg on our face but... I have sat and listened to
>>>>>>>>>> consumer's of DBS and heard some story's of how VRC's don't have
>>>>>>>>>> time to
>>>>>>>>>> fill out the ppw for O and M and they just say OK and fade away
>>>>>>>>>> sitting
>>>>>>>>>> in their homes because...
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> It disturbs me and yes I am done observeing, so I ask all of you
>>>>>>>>>> what is
>>>>>>>>>> next? We all know the rehabilitation system here in Florida
>>>>>>>>>> isn't
>>>>>>>>>> working, so????
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>>>>> From: "Sherri" <flmom2006 at gmail.com>
>>>>>>>>>> To: "Marion & Martin" <swampfox1833 at verizon.net>; "Florida
>>>>>>>>>> Association of
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Guide Dog Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 8:31 AM
>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> David and list, I agree with most of what Marion says and was
>>>>>>>>>>> actually
>>>>>>>>>>> going to answer in a similar way, but let me add that years ago,
>>>>>>>>>>> when
>>>>>>>>>>> serving as president of the National Federation of the Blind
>>>>>>>>>>> Greater
>>>>>>>>>>> Orlando Chapter and vice-president of the NFBF, I did advocate
>>>>>>>>>>> with
>>>>>>>>>>> local scholarship winners in Orlando when DBS insisted that
>>>>>>>>>>> because DBS
>>>>>>>>>>> helps them procure equipment and pay for school, the scholarship
>>>>>>>>>>> winner
>>>>>>>>>>> should return the scholarship from NFB-GOC to DBS. I was furious
>>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>>>> went all the way to the top on that one. One person did give her
>>>>>>>>>>> winnings to DBS, but it was after much advice from me not to do
>>>>>>>>>>> so. This
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> was in the pre Craig Kiser era.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> I do believe that DBS was making many progressive strides when
>>>>>>>>>>> Craig
>>>>>>>>>>> Kiser was director. I am acquainted with their present director
>>>>>>>>>>> and am
>>>>>>>>>>> frankly surprised at the turn the O&A center in Daytona has
>>>>>>>>>>> taken. I
>>>>>>>>>>> believe that advocacy from NFBF for those seeking help from DBS
>>>>>>>>>>> is done
>>>>>>>>>>> more on an individual case-by-case basis rather than having some
>>>>>>>>>>> sort of
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> state-wide policy.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> We have, however, participated in phone conferences with FAASB
>>>>>>>>>>> so our
>>>>>>>>>>> input is noted, though not necessarily acted upon.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> I also think we need to take into careful consideration our
>>>>>>>>>>> advocacy
>>>>>>>>>>> efforts. How much can we really advocate for the blind when
>>>>>>>>>>> several
>>>>>>>>>>> people are employed by DBS. This also spills over into
>>>>>>>>>>> transportation as
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> there are those who also work for transportation companies who
>>>>>>>>>>> serve the
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> disabled in Florida.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> I would actually like to see NFB work to drive NAC out of
>>>>>>>>>>> Florida, as
>>>>>>>>>>> accreditation by this organization holds no validity.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Why should you joiner NFB? Primarily because if you want to
>>>>>>>>>>> change
>>>>>>>>>>> something about an organization--if you want to move it
>>>>>>>>>>> forward-- you
>>>>>>>>>>> can only do so from the inside out. Putting forth negativity
>>>>>>>>>>> from the
>>>>>>>>>>> outside-in only hurts that organization and minimizes your own
>>>>>>>>>>> view.
>>>>>>>>>>> Having been both more and less involved with NFB over the years,
>>>>>>>>>>> I have
>>>>>>>>>>> found that my views are noted far more if I am working in the
>>>>>>>>>>> organization to change what it means to be blind, rather than
>>>>>>>>>>> just being
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> an outside observer. Whether I agree or disagree with policies,
>>>>>>>>>>> I find
>>>>>>>>>>> my choice is to do what I can to help the blind throughout
>>>>>>>>>>> Florida and
>>>>>>>>>>> this country and I can do that more effectively being part of
>>>>>>>>>>> NFB than
>>>>>>>>>>> by being out there on my own.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Just my thoughts and I thank you for asking these questions.
>>>>>>>>>>> Sherri
>>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>>>>>> From: "Marion & Martin" <swampfox1833 at verizon.net>
>>>>>>>>>>> To: "NFB of Florida Listserv" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>; "FLAGDU List"
>>>>>>>>>>> <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 10:04 AM
>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> David,
>>>>>>>>>>>> The questions you ask are very valid ones! There was a time
>>>>>>>>>>>> when the
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> NFB
>>>>>>>>>>>> had a greater influence with the Division of Blind Services.
>>>>>>>>>>>> During
>>>>>>>>>>>> Craig
>>>>>>>>>>>> Kiser's administration, DBS was moving in a more positive
>>>>>>>>>>>> direction.
>>>>>>>>>>>> Craig
>>>>>>>>>>>> is a very progressive thinker, understanding, living, and
>>>>>>>>>>>> implementing
>>>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>>>>> NFB's philosophy, in spite of a great deal of opposition from
>>>>>>>>>>>> those who
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> are
>>>>>>>>>>>> content with the status quo. The Orientation & Adjustment
>>>>>>>>>>>> center for
>>>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>>>>> blind in Daytona Beach began implementing NFB-style training,
>>>>>>>>>>>> including
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>>>>> use of sleep shades, in an effort to close the revolving door
>>>>>>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>>>>>>> rehabilitation that once and now, again, exists. His goal was
>>>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>>>>>> provide
>>>>>>>>>>>> excellent training once, not bits and pieces as consumers lose
>>>>>>>>>>>> more and
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> more
>>>>>>>>>>>> eyesight, returning to the O&A Center to improve their lacking
>>>>>>>>>>>> skills
>>>>>>>>>>>> that
>>>>>>>>>>>> should have been taught from the beginning. Unfortunately,
>>>>>>>>>>>> Craig's
>>>>>>>>>>>> health
>>>>>>>>>>>> necessitated his retirement as the Director.
>>>>>>>>>>>> We now have a Director who cannot even use the word "blind",
>>>>>>>>>>>> as
>>>>>>>>>>>> evidenced by her presentation at our last NFBF convention.
>>>>>>>>>>>> Though her
>>>>>>>>>>>> words
>>>>>>>>>>>> seemed to indicate that she is turning to the NFB for direction
>>>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>>>>> support,
>>>>>>>>>>>> I believe these words are only political rhetoric. The status
>>>>>>>>>>>> quo has
>>>>>>>>>>>> been
>>>>>>>>>>>> returned to the O&A Center, taking two giant steps backward,
>>>>>>>>>>>> and the
>>>>>>>>>>>> Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind (FAASB) has
>>>>>>>>>>>> more
>>>>>>>>>>>> influence and control over our lives as it
>>>>>>>>>>>> pertains to DBS than do we, the blind consumer! Florida has the
>>>>>>>>>>>> unfortunate distinction of having more NAC accreditted
>>>>>>>>>>>> institutions
>>>>>>>>>>>> than any other state
>>>>>>>>>>>> and FAASB proports itself - and is accepted - to be the
>>>>>>>>>>>> authoritative
>>>>>>>>>>>> voice
>>>>>>>>>>>> on issues of blindness. This is no surprise, as the Director of
>>>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>>>>> Division of Blind Services is a former Director of a NAC
>>>>>>>>>>>> accreditted
>>>>>>>>>>>> institution - Lighthouse of Central Florida!
>>>>>>>>>>>> As for the NFBF's involvement in consumer advocacy, I am of
>>>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>>>>> opinion that this is one of our major roles! I also feel that
>>>>>>>>>>>> too many
>>>>>>>>>>>> are too close
>>>>>>>>>>>> to agency people to be effective consumer advocates. When
>>>>>>>>>>>> crossing the
>>>>>>>>>>>> lines from colleagues to friends, we diminish our capacity to
>>>>>>>>>>>> be
>>>>>>>>>>>> effective consumer advocates and succumb to the pressures of
>>>>>>>>>>>> those
>>>>>>>>>>>> doing the
>>>>>>>>>>>> pressuring! Our purpose is not to
>>>>>>>>>>>> be popular with the agencies, but to advance consumer rights of
>>>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>>>>> individual with the goal of helping consumers reach for and
>>>>>>>>>>>> achieve
>>>>>>>>>>>> their highest potential!
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Fraternally yours,
>>>>>>>>>>>> Marion Gwizdala
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>>>>>>> From: "davidw" <dwermuth1 at earthlink.net>
>>>>>>>>>>>> To: "Florida Association of Guide Dog Users"
>>>>>>>>>>>> <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Cc: "NFB of Florida Listserv" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 5:00 AM
>>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> First a little background on me. I've worked for the state of
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Texas
>>>>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Washington in the Rehabilitation for the blind and moved to
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Florida
>>>>>>>>>>>>> last
>>>>>>>>>>>>> May. I am not asking these question's to cause waves or
>>>>>>>>>>>>> insult in
>>>>>>>>>>>>> anyway
>>>>>>>>>>>>> as I don't know the answers or how much the NFB has influence
>>>>>>>>>>>>> with the
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> DBS
>>>>>>>>>>>>> here and I am just trying to understand. I have noticed that
>>>>>>>>>>>>> hopefully
>>>>>>>>>>>>> many people on this list just read the post's and for some
>>>>>>>>>>>>> reason
>>>>>>>>>>>>> don't
>>>>>>>>>>>>> participate in the conversation's and I totally understand but
>>>>>>>>>>>>> here
>>>>>>>>>>>>> are a
>>>>>>>>>>>>> couple question's and comments:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1. Does the NFB of Florida meet with the DBS for (Division of
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Blind
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Services) in making decisions for the low vision-blind for
>>>>>>>>>>>>> employment
>>>>>>>>>>>>> or
>>>>>>>>>>>>> for their future goals?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> In other words do you as leaders of the blind community stand
>>>>>>>>>>>>> up for
>>>>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>>>>>> rights for equal opportunity. I've sat at many meeting's
>>>>>>>>>>>>> negotiateing
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>>>>>> (throwing my fist down a few times on occasion" for the
>>>>>>>>>>>>> right's of the
>>>>>>>>>>>>> rehab act and the right of "choice"
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. Does the NFB of Florida demand that all VRC's (Vocational
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Rehabilitation Counselers have the professionalism to asisst
>>>>>>>>>>>>> their
>>>>>>>>>>>>> consumers in obtaining their goals?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> I sat there at the leadership convention and heard at least
>>>>>>>>>>>>> three
>>>>>>>>>>>>> times to
>>>>>>>>>>>>> paraphase" when we getting a commission for the blind" and
>>>>>>>>>>>>> heard no
>>>>>>>>>>>>> comment.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> And I only ask not to be insultive or arogant in any way I
>>>>>>>>>>>>> promise you
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> but
>>>>>>>>>>>>> for those whom are wondering where to turn when DBS trys and
>>>>>>>>>>>>> as you
>>>>>>>>>>>>> know
>>>>>>>>>>>>> most of the time intimidates them can they turn to the NFB of
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Florida
>>>>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Why?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> I've been to a lot of NFB and ACB meetings through out the USA
>>>>>>>>>>>>> and I
>>>>>>>>>>>>> am
>>>>>>>>>>>>> concerned that the majority of them have just been a lot of
>>>>>>>>>>>>> bull and
>>>>>>>>>>>>> quite
>>>>>>>>>>>>> frankly butt-kissing their members to have numbers in their
>>>>>>>>>>>>> chapters.
>>>>>>>>>>>>> What makes you different and why should I join the NFB of
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Florida?
>>>>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>>>>>> remember many people are reading this for leadership.
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Dave Wermuth
>>>>>>>>>>>>> A to Z Adaptive Aids
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Nfbf-l mailing list
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Nfbf-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
>>>>>>>>>>>>> info for
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Nfbf-l:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-l_nfbnet.org/swampfox1833%40veriz
>>>>>>>> on.net
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>>> Flagdu mailing list
>>>>>>>>>>>> Flagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
>>>>>>>>>>>> info for
>>>>>>>>>>>> Flagdu:
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/flmom2006%40gmail.com
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>> Flagdu mailing list
>>>>>>>>>>> Flagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
>>>>>>>>>>> info for
>>>>>>>>>>> Flagdu:
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/dwermuth1%40earthlink.ne
>>>>>>>> t
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>> Flagdu mailing list
>>>>>>>>>> Flagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>>> Flagdu:
>>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/flmom2006%40gmail.com
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>> Flagdu mailing list
>>>>>>>>> Flagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>> Flagdu:
>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/plipovsky%40cfl.rr.com
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> Flagdu mailing list
>>>>>>>> Flagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>>> for Flagdu:
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/dwermuth1%40earthlink.net
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> Flagdu mailing list
>>>>>>> Flagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>> for Flagdu:
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/flmom2006%40gmail.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> Flagdu mailing list
>>>>>> Flagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> Flagdu:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/swampfox1833%40verizon.net
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Flagdu mailing list
>>>>> Flagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> Flagdu:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/flmom2006%40gmail.com
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Flagdu mailing list
>>> Flagdu at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Flagdu:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/plipovsky%40cfl.rr.com
>>
>
More information about the FLAGDU
mailing list