[Flagdu] [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.

[Sherri]

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
>>
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