[Massachusetts-NFB] Member To Member - Getting to Know Each Other

[Bronwen Tedesco]

Today we are going to get to know Shirley Dorris, board member and
president of the Cambridge chapter. Shirley was born in Perth Amboy, New
Jersey then lived in East Keansburg, New Jersey. When she was thirteen, she
moved to Portland, Tennessee. She often enjoyed camping with her family on
weekends. When she graduated from high school, she went on to work in her
father’s restaurant, where she worked for 28 years and had children along
the way.



Shirley was introduced to blindness from an early age because her dad was
blind, as well. She later learned that she and her dad shared the same eye
condition: cone rod dystrophy. She realized something stood out when she
was driving home with her daughter in the car, the sun was shining, she
couldn’t see, and pulled over and called her husband. That was when she
went to the eye doctor resulting in her diagnosis. In 2014, the birth of a
grandchild brought her to Waltham, Massachusetts, where her journey with
blindness continued.



Shirley received orientation and mobility training through the commission
in 2021. When reflecting on that experience, she said, “It really changed
my whole world. It made me the independent person I am today.” She was also
part of a support group through the Carroll Center. In 2022, Shirley was
introduced to the NFB when there was talk of going to New Orleans and was
told in order to go, she needed to join the NFB. Her motivation and
enthusiasm resulted in her continued involvement being nominated to serve
on the board, then later becoming the Cambridge chapter president. When
asked if there was any advice she had for anyone who recently lost their
vision or joined the NFB, she said, “Don’t think your life has ended
because you lost your vision. In some cases, it is just beginning. Get
involved in all the blind communities you can. We are all here to learn
from one another.” Shirley currently remains in Waltham where she lives
independently and enjoys traveling, listening to music, hanging out with
family and friends, volunteering at the infant-toddler program at Perkins
as well as the Carroll Center. It’s been great getting to know you,
Shirley, and stay tuned for our next Member to Member!


Wishing everyone happy holidays and a happy new year! Can't wait to learn
about more of our members in the coming year!


Sincerely,

Bronwen
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