[nfb-db] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Comments on Belgian Euthanasia of Deaf Men Losing Sight

[Scott Davert]

Hello all.
As is always the case, there is a lot more to the story. As it turns
out, one of the twins could only sleep while sitting up, and the other
had significant spinal issues to the point where he could barrily
walk. Also, both were having greater difficulty eating and also were
having trouble keeping pain medication down. They were supposedly in a
great deal of physical pain. Why does NFB not report this as well? In
fact, their orriginal statement is how awful it is, and the next
paragraph they're asking for donations. I'm a bit shocked that it was
done that way, and also disturbed by the fact that this was not
researched better.
 Whether you agree with the fact that the twins came to the decision
they did, it's best to do a bit of your own research and then draw
your conclusions, as the leaders of this organization have clearly not
done. All the blindness and deaf-blindness organizations are focusing
on the deaf-blind part of this, even though there is much more to the
story. I believe this is why the World Federation of the deaf-blind
has not released a statement on this yet. They're gathering all the
facts and they realize there is more to this isssue than just
deaf-blindness.
However, while on the topic of education, it's certainly an important
topic to spread. Parts of even Belgium do not have a deaf-blind
organization. The French part of the country does not have such
associations as the Flemish part, and I suspect part of the education
issue may sstemm from the difference in languages. I know France has a
deaf-blind association, and perhaps the French part of the country
should reach out to them, but I have no idea beyond these facts as to
what is going on over there. I'm also not sure if the twin brothers
were residing in the Flemish or French part of Belgium.

Scott

On 1/16/13, Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com> wrote:
> Janice,
>
> I saw this. Its sad, very very sad. I understand that people have the right
> to do what they please with there own lives. But I imagine that those
> individuals have no clue what a DB person could do. Do they not know of
> Helen Keller? Its like me, because I am losing my hearing, I am going to go
> and kill myself, which I am not going to do. Yes we all have challenges. And
> maybe those men don't know what or how to deal with the challenges. This is
> where education is needed. I agree completely and totally!
>
> Marsha drenth
> Sent with my IPhone
> http://adventureswith2feet4paws.blogspot.com
>
> On Jan 16, 2013, at 8:14 AM, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net>
> wrote:
>
>> I am shocked and saddened my this news. This emphasizes the need for
>> education on deaf-blindness.
>> Janice
>>
>>
>> -------- Original Message --------
>> Subject:	[Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Comments
>> on Belgian Euthanasia of Deaf Men Losing Sight
>> Date:	Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:00:33 -0600
>> From:	David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com>
>> To:	nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
>>
>>
>> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>>
>> CONTACT:
>> Chris Danielsen
>> Director of Public Relations
>> National Federation of the Blind
>> (410) 659-9314, extension 2330
>> (410) 262-1281 (Cell)
>> cdanielsen at nfb.org
>>
>> National Federation of the Blind Comments on
>> Belgian Euthanasia of Deaf Men Losing Sight
>>
>> Baltimore, Maryland (January 15, 2013): The National Federation of the
>> Blind, the largest organization of blind people in the United States with
>> over 50,000 members, including many deaf-blind individuals, commented
>> today on the state-sanctioned death by lethal injection of deaf twins in
>> Belgium.  Upon learning that they were also going blind, the deaf twins
>> sought and were granted euthanasia.
>>
>> Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
>> “This disturbing news from Belgium is       a stark example of the common,
>> and in this case tragic, misunderstanding of disability and its
>> consequences.  Adjustment to any disability is difficult, and deaf-blind
>> people face their own particular challenges, but from at least the time of
>> Helen Keller it has been known that these challenges can be met, and the
>> technology and services available today have vastly improved prospects for
>> the deaf-blind and others with disabilities.  That these men wanted to die
>> is tragic; that the state sanctioned and aided their suicide is
>> frightening.”
>>
>>
>> The National Federation of the Blind needs your support to ensure that
>> blind children get an equal education, to connect blind veterans with the
>> training and services they need, and to help seniors who are losing vision
>> continue to live independent and fulfilling lives. To make a donation,
>> please go to www.nfb.org.
>>
>>
>>
>> ###
>>
>>
>> About the National Federation of the Blind
>>
>>
>> The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest, largest, and
>> most influential nationwide membership organization of blind people in the
>> United States.  Founded in 1940, the NFB advocates for the civil rights
>> and equality of blind Americans, and develops innovative education,
>> technology, and training programs to provide the blind and those who are
>> losing vision with the tools they need to become independent and
>> successful.  We need your support.  To make a donation, please go to
>> www.nfb.org.
>>
>>
>>
>> <Attached Message Part>
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