[nabs-l] Ending the NFB/ACB feud

Ashley Bramlett bookwormahb at earthlink.net
Tue May 19 23:24:13 UTC 2009


Sara,
The issues are complex and explaining them would take a book.  I suggest you 
read The Braille Forum on line at acb.org and the braille monitor on 
nfb.org.
You'll get a sense of the different issues and strategies.
Also read the legislative priorities for each.
A few different priorities are:
1. accessible currency.  Acb supports this.
2. support of many audible signals and trumpicated domes (bumpy strips near 
subway platforms)
Acb supports, nfb doesn't.
3. ACB supports descriptive video/tv and wants it mandated.  NFB has a 
priority to get nonvisual access to critical allerts on tv first.
4. ACB supports different training techniques for blind people.  They do 
support braille and learning computers.  Where we differ is mobility.  ACB 
says folding canes are fine for training and supports university trained OM 
instructors.  NFB says train with a straight long white cane with structured 
discovery and feels blind people can be Om instructors.
Hope this gives you a glimpse of the issues.

Ashley
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <sarah.jevnikar at utoronto.ca>
To: <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 11:22 PM
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Ending the NFB/ACB feud


>
> Hi all,
> Could someone please, as objectively as possible, explain the NFB  versus 
> ACB issues? I don't really get what the big deal is ...
> Thank you,
> Sarah
> Quoting David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com>:
>
>> Jim:
>>
>> I think there are specific issues on which the NFB and ACB can agree
>> and work together, but I think it is unrealistic to think we will ever
>> combine.  First, the ACB was started by a group of people who disagreed
>> with how the NFB was doing things.  Unless they say you were right
>> after all and we were wrong, or unless the NFB says, your way is
>> better, it just isn't going to happen.  Secondly, there are fundamental
>> and basic differences between the two groups, what we believe, how we
>> conduct our business etc.  That stuff isn't, and shouldn't go away.
>>
>> As I say, cooperation on specific issues can and should take place. 
>> but...
>>
>> The ACB exists to do things differently from the NFB.  If you take that
>> away from them, there isn't much left.
>>
>> Dave
>>
>> At 03:34 PM 5/17/2009, you wrote:
>>> Terri and Arielle,
>>>
>>> I just wanted to let you both know that one of the members of MABS   is 
>>> also VP of the National Student Division of the ACB. He is   adamatly 
>>> opposed to the (bordering on childish) feud that exist   beteen the two 
>>> organizations.
>>>
>>> I am wondering if we can't use this oppertunity to somehow begin 
>>> bringing the two organizations back together. After all, we will be 
>>> then next generation leading these two organizations, and if we  can 
>>> sieze this oppertunity, maybe we students can set the example  for  the 
>>> "adults" within the two national organizations.
>>>
>>> I wonder if a join NABS/ACB student convention would be just the 
>>> solution to begin ending this conflict?
>>>
>>> Thoughts?
>>> Jim
>>>
>>> Homer Simpson's brain: "Use reverse psychology."
>>> Homer: "Oh, that sounds too complicated."
>>> Homer's brain: "Okay, don't use reverse psychology."
>>> Homer: "Okay, I will!"
>>>
>>>
>>>
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