[nfb-db] nfb-db Digest, Vol 54, Issue 25

Wed Jul 17 03:02:54 UTC 2013

Hello, unfortunately I didn't reach over and read your named the green off on my braille display, but I'm going to paste my signature information, when you get a chance please give me a call, I would like to talk to you about some of this? Your friend and the national Federation of the blind, Maurice. Now here comes my signature file.Sincerely Maurice mines secretary national Federation of the blind of Washington Clark County chapter. Amateur radio call sign kd0iko. Phone 360-524-0791.
On Jul 16, 2013, at 7:49 PM, Tracie Inman <tracieinman at yahoo.com> wrote:

> 
>  Hello All:
>   I have seen some very strong opinions on here in the last couple of days.   While we encourage every one to express their opinions openly here on the list, I would like to caution every one to be careful not to become negative or point fingers at any one who may be on or off this list.  Please do not talk negatively about our NFB President, any of our leaders,members, or any of our Centers.  Please also try not to assume or guess their opinions on certain topics with out hearing it directly from them. We must be respectful of our leaders and of each other.  
>   I personally do not believe that Dr. Maurer or any one else in the Federation thinks negative of the Deaf-Blind in any way.  In fact, I believe the opposite is  quite true. The National Federation of the Blind has been very supportive of the Deaf-Blind Division and their needs.  Mark Riccobono has been very careful to make sure that we have had accommodations at every national convention to the best of his ability. All of the centers will accommodate the needs of the Deaf-Blind and any one else who has special needs. 
>   The NFB Leaders, the Deaf-Blind, and indeed the SSP's themselves may not fully understand the role of the SSP. It is up to us to educate as well as advocate for our needs, both individually and for the Deaf-Blind as a whole.  After all, the NFB is the blind speaking for themselves - and that includes the Deaf-Blind.  
>   Let us be careful to keep the list positive, encouraging, and supportive of one another, and of the Federation.  If you have an issue please take it to the appropriate party such as your chapter or affiliate president or Dr. Maurer's  office. If the issue is relating to the Deaf-Blind Division or Deaf-Blind concerns please contact Joe Naulty, myself, Marcus, Janice, Burnell, Cathy, or Matthew.  We would be glad to address any concerns that you might have.  We are always here for you and will be happy to listen to your concern. If you don't have our contact information simply post a message here letting us know you would like to speak to us and one of us will contact you.  
>   God bless each of you and may the Deaf-Blind division and the federation continue to grow and continue to work to change what it means to be blind - and Deaf-Blind.  
> 
> Best Regards,
> Tracie Inman
> NFB Deaf-Blind Division
> First Vice President  
>  
> Tracie Inman, Independent Contractor
> http://www.Inmantravel.com
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> From: "nfb-db-request at nfbnet.org" <nfb-db-request at nfbnet.org>
> To: nfb-db at nfbnet.org 
> Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 9:57 PM
> Subject: nfb-db Digest, Vol 54, Issue 25
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> Today's Topics:
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>   1. Re: affiliate president's survey of deaf-blind (Sheila Leigland)
>   2. Re: affiliate president's survey of deaf-blind (Maurice Mines)
>   3. Re: affiliate president's survey of deaf-blind (Marsha Drenth)
> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 19:08:31 -0600
> From: Sheila Leigland <sleigland at bresnan.net>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] affiliate president's survey of deaf-blind
> Message-ID: <51E5EE8F.7070901 at bresnan.net>
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> Message: 2
> Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 18:11:18 -0700
> From: Maurice Mines <maurice.mines at gmail.com>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] affiliate president's survey of deaf-blind
> Message-ID: <DB10D842-A578-4C9B-9616-CC400FC2AC85 at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> 
> I guess I've a few things to say in response to your message one you assert that anyone who is gone through and into the center, and/or is currently in one is functioning at a higher level than anyone else? I guess let me state a thought that I have always held I am certainly not a super blind person. I am a person who just so happens to be blind and although able to hear depending on the situation less, or more of what is going on around me. I view it is up to me, to explain to people around me and/or with me what I do and don't wish, or need in the way of assistance. I also remember when I lived in Colorado a fairly lengthy discussion about paratransit versus using the fixed route system. The reason why I am mentioning this instance here is to show that not everyone in the NFC believes that independence must trump everything even when there is the risk of harm to oneself. I was at a deaf blind seminar and Diane McGeorge stated that it's really up to us whether we feel comfortable with the fixed route bus system or paratransit depending on if we can hear the route or not and whether we feel safe in taking that particular route. I guess sitting through that conversation made me feel a whole lot more comfortable with taking their transit these days in many instances as opposed to the fixed route system since I can only hear very well on one side. For instance if the traffic is going with where I have the most hearing and it's probably going to be in a straight line and the bus goes where I am going to go anyway that I'll probably take the fixed route system but if I'm going to a place where the means of getting there has the traffic on the site that I'm quite nearly deaf on I will certainly take the paratransit option. I guess what I'm trying to get at here is independence is what you decide it is to you and for your circumstances. And as to speak to your comments regarding into the training centers and a graduate of the Colorado Center for the blind. And sure when I was there some things needed to be modified to accommodate the situation that my hearing can put me in and those on modifications were pretty much done on a case-by-case basis. I think if you attend any of these center it's up to you to explain what you do need and what you don't need in terms of modifying the activity that you're doing yes even if he does promote independence strongly but I don't think anyone looks down on anyone if they have to do something in a different way based on being deaf blind. So simply saying that there are lower-level functioning people in higher-level functioning people I would take some issue with that don't sell yourself short? At least find a way to safely try something and see if it will work for you before automatically assuming that it is not possible. Just my two cents worth. Let me finish my email post up this way if you have questions about what NSB centers can, and cannot accommodate wind out how to contact all three of them and talk to their directors at least from what I know in Colorado Julie Deaton is happy to talk with prospective students need. And I don't think based on what I've heard that the director of blinding and/or the Louisiana Center does things any differently. I hope this helps? All we can do is continue reaching out to each other and asking the questions and see what the answers are.Sincerely Maurice mines secretary national Federation of the blind of Washington Clark County chapter. Amateur radio call sign kd0iko. Phone 360-524-0791.
> On Jul 15, 2013, at 6:59 PM, Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> > Danielle, 
> > I am very glad to hear that mentors were so accomendating. I also think its great that you had fellow scholarship winners help. I am sure its a huge honor for you to have won a scholarship. 
> > 
> > I guess I am sstill a little leary. Here is the dilemna, the NFB promotes independence. How does a deafblind person who has to use the services of an SSP? does the NFB consider this as independent? In their defination, a deafblind person like that would not be independent, because that person was relying on the assistance of a SSP. Now I don't think it should be this way. See for some reason I am easily to say that because a person who has a moderator hearing loss, can still just be a blind person. But a person who is profoundly hearing impaired, is deafblind. In this case deafblind has a negative meaning. Because we are lower, we are not as independent, because we are not just a blind person, because we might need help from an SSP. Just like in any disablity group there are different levels. Blind persons who go to the NFB centers, are considered to be the upper level of blind people. Blind people who do not, of course then do not have the same training, or Ie Independence, whether or not that person neds to go to a NFB center, but because of all that, that person is lower on the chain. Because a deafblind person has different abilities, needs to use different techniques, is not just a blind person, nor can go to a NFB center, that person is lower on the chain. Granted I am talking about those of us who are severely to profoundlly deaf, who need assistances more than just someone repeating speech. This same thing happens in the other disabled community. If you have one leg amputation, is considered to be more of a person, than a person who who must use a wheelchair because of a double amputation. Again, don't get me wrong, I do not think it should be this way. I am stating obversations, and my own opinion only. I think its these levels we should be breaking down. 
> > 
> > This is all way way beyound the fact that I won't ever win a scholarship, because again, in the eyes of the NFB I am not worthy. 
> > 
> > Marsha drenth  
> > Sent with my IPhone 
> > 
> > On Jul 15, 2013, at 8:28 PM, Danielle Burton <danielleburton94 at gmail.com> wrote:
> > 
> >> Hi, Marsha. My name's Danielle burton. I'm one of the deaf-blind scholarship winners. I'm not sure who the other one was unless they were mistakenough and seen me a couple times. I am totally blind with mild hearing loss in my left ear and moderate in my right. I wear hearing aids for both ears. I do not use sign or an SSP but during Convention sometimes my friend who was also a scholarship winner would have to repeat what was being said because the speaker was too far away from me. Also, when I was with my mentors I would explain that they needed to stay close to me because I wouldn't hear them in crowds. They were all very understanding and we would minstly stay in contact with each other while using canes. They also made a point to find places that were quieter to eat so that I could hear better. 
> >> 
> >> Sent from my iPhone
> >> 
> >> On Jul 15, 2013, at 7:59 PM, Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com> wrote:
> >> 
> >>> Janice,
> >>> I am so very very hapy to hear about this. I remember hearing on the stream of the general session that Alaska, was deafblind. I also noticed that Dr. Mauer was not very nice in giving the ALaska person to respond. This made me mad. How inconsiderate. I know of 4 federationists in my state who are DB, I know of other DB people, who are not NFB'ers too. I am glad that the search for more DB persons is being done. I am curious about the scholarship winners, who were the DB winners? How much or little hearing did they have? Did they need an SSp? I wonder if a person who was totally blind and deaf, who required an SSP would be given the chance to be a scholarship winner. I also wonder if there is some discimination in the scholarship process in this regard. 
> >>> 
> >>> Marsha drenth  
> >>> Sent with my IPhone 
> >>> 
> >>> On Jul 15, 2013, at 12:07 PM, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> wrote:
> >>> 
> >>>> Hi Everyone,
> >>>> I wanted to let you know that the Deaf-Blind Division gave letters to all 51 Affiliate president's or alternate delegates asking their cooperation in identifying deaf-blind in their state.  We learned that Alaska Affiliate president was Deaf-Blind and required an SSP to during session to respond.  Also the Alternate Delegate for Delaware was also Deaf-Blind.  There were several other states affiliate who had spouses that were Deaf-Blind. Finally, two of the Nationally Scholarship winners were Deaf-Blind.  While HKNC does compile a list of Deaf-Blind in the United States, the division is specifically looking for a Federationists, who are Deaf-Blind.
> >>>> Janice
> >>>> 
> >>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>> nfb-db mailing list
> >>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
> >>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
> >>> 
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> nfb-db mailing list
> >>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
> >> 
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> nfb-db mailing list
> >> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
> > 
> > _______________________________________________
> > nfb-db mailing list
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> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 3
> Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 21:56:52 -0400
> From: Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] affiliate president's survey of deaf-blind
> Message-ID: <442ADA84-3909-4237-8CDE-8B2A2F59FE9B at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset=us-ascii
> 
> Maurice,
> Yes I was upset at the way that the president of alaska was treated on the convention floor. Yes I was not there in person, and only listening on the stream. I clearly stated in my message to this list that I was angered as a deafblind person, that it was opinion that person was treated wrong. I also do not think I need to know what is appropriate for a list and what is not either. as I moderator of the NFB lists myself. I can say thinking before I hit the send button whether I am wearing my moderator hat or as a normal person always happens. With that said, I will not be one of those persons who sits by and lets the NFB or any organization dictate, govern how I act or speak. Again this my opinion. 
> 
> 
> 
> Marsha drenth  
> Sent with my IPhone 
> 
> On Jul 16, 2013, at 8:48 PM, Maurice Mines <maurice.mines at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> > Good evening, there are some things that I would like to point out here? One you say that you are very upset at Pres. Mauer based on what you heard on the convention stream. I think before you call someone out on a publicly available and for every searchable list you might want to talk to the person in question for you do that? If you have a problem with Pres. Mauer then write the national Center and asks that the email be passed on to him just a suggestion remember that anything you say on a publicly available list such as this one, is very searchable 40 years to calm in other words what I'm trying to get at here is net etiquette. So what I subscribe to is never say anything on a list that you would not say to that person if they were sitting across the table from you. Of course what's your stating his personal opinion, but be careful to not make it look like a personal attack? While I think the idea of a survey is a good one, one must realize that not every single state president has the time, or the interest right there during the convention to do such a survey items suggesting that maybe one might want to supplement this by suggesting that state presidents find someone with which you can correspond with in each of the states that would be helpful? I of course do not speak for my state president at all, but I will ask him add to our local chapter meeting on Thursday evening if he saw your survey? I hope I get my suggestions are helpful? I just think that being careful what you say online shows restraint, and respect for all points of view on a particular issue and work cause and/or concern. As far is how this all started out, you do know that  You do know, that the national Federation of the blind of Alaska has a presence on Facebook, you might see if you can strike up a conversation on Facebook, and invite the unit B of Alaska, and/or whatever manages their Facebook profile to get you in touch with that person, and strike up a conversation on this list. What I'm suggesting is inviting them to join the conversation on this list so that we can all at least get to know one another, and hash some of this out? Just in case anyone is interested I like most people have a Facebook account and if I know who you are I would generally accept you as a friend. Note however I only accept friend invitations from people who I know in some other capacity other than just Facebook. What I'm hoping comes out of when trying to get across here, will help all of us think before we hit the send button. I know it is easy to write an email in the heat of the moment, but on a list such as this one bad, and/or inappropriate, or unintentional comment unfortunately in the digital world can last a very long time. Hope this helps? My contact information follows.Sincerely Maurice mines secretary national Federation of the blind of Washington Clark County chapter. Amateur radio call sign kd0iko. Phone 360-524-0791.
> > On Jul 15, 2013, at 4:59 PM, Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com> wrote:
> > 
> >> Janice,
> >> I am so very very hapy to hear about this. I remember hearing on the stream of the general session that Alaska, was deafblind. I also noticed that Dr. Mauer was not very nice in giving the ALaska person to respond. This made me mad. How inconsiderate. I know of 4 federationists in my state who are DB, I know of other DB people, who are not NFB'ers too. I am glad that the search for more DB persons is being done. I am curious about the scholarship winners, who were the DB winners? How much or little hearing did they have? Did they need an SSp? I wonder if a person who was totally blind and deaf, who required an SSP would be given the chance to be a scholarship winner. I also wonder if there is some discimination in the scholarship process in this regard. 
> >> 
> >> Marsha drenth  
> >> Sent with my IPhone 
> >> 
> >> On Jul 15, 2013, at 12:07 PM, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> wrote:
> >> 
> >>> Hi Everyone,
> >>> I wanted to let you know that the Deaf-Blind Division gave letters to all 51 Affiliate president's or alternate delegates asking their cooperation in identifying deaf-blind in their state.  We learned that Alaska Affiliate president was Deaf-Blind and required an SSP to during session to respond.  Also the Alternate Delegate for Delaware was also Deaf-Blind.  There were several other states affiliate who had spouses that were Deaf-Blind. Finally, two of the Nationally Scholarship winners were Deaf-Blind.  While HKNC does compile a list of Deaf-Blind in the United States, the division is specifically looking for a Federationists, who are Deaf-Blind.
> >>> Janice
> >>> 
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> nfb-db mailing list
> >>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
> >> 
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> nfb-db mailing list
> >> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
> > 
> > 
> > _______________________________________________
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> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
> 
> 
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