[nfb-talk] observations about Foundation Fighting Blindness
Mike Freeman
k7uij at panix.com
Sat Apr 23 21:44:16 UTC 2011
He's basing it on our common experiences that most such events do more to
reinforce erroneous stereotypes that we, the blind, are either miraculous
freaks or pitiable idiots and do very little to impart what it's really like
to be blind, especially after having been blind for a while and/or receiving
training in blindness skills.
Haven't you read some of the journalistic magna opi about trying to
experience what it's supposedly like to be blind? Damn near all are laced
with references to how hard being blind is and how miraculous and heroic we
are for merely existing, let alone thriving. I should think these would be
enough to make the flaws in the "dining in the dark" experience clear.
Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of John Heim
Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2011 2:17 PM
To: info at michaelhingson.com; NFB Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] observations about Foundation Fighting Blindness
That is just so unfair. What are you basing that on?
I will probably be a waiter at a Dining in the Dark event this summer.
I'll record it if I can. Lets see what this is all abut. In the mean time,
lets keep an open minde.
On Apr 22, 2011, at 9:05 PM, Michael Hingson wrote:
> However, I bet the presentation is SIGNIFICANTLY different.
>
> The Michael Hingson Group, INC.
> "Speaking with Vision"
> Michael Hingson, President
> (415) 827-4084
> info at michaelhingson.com
> To learn more about my upcoming book, speaking topics and speaking
> availability please visit www.michaelhingson.com Thunder Dog is now
> available for early ordering on Amazon!!!
> http://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Dog-Blind-Triumph-Ground/dp/140020304X/r
> ef=sr_
> 1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289090352&sr=1-3
>
>
> for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit:
> http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-talk-
> bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jeanette Fortin
> Sent: Friday, April 22, 2011 6:57 PM
> To: NFB Talk Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] observations about Foundation Fighting
> Blindness
>
> there are a few nfb chapters doing the dining in the dark thing as
> well you know?
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
> To: <info at michaelhingson.com>; "'NFB Talk Mailing List'"
> <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, April 22, 2011 7:45 PM
> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] observations about Foundation Fighting
> Blindness
>
>
> Oh my Lord! Is the RP Foundation fighting Blindness involved in that
> Dining in the Dark nonsense? I fear me greatly there's no hope for
> them then.
>
> Mike Freeman
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-talk-
> bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Michael Hingson
> Sent: Friday, April 22, 2011 6:23 PM
> To: 'NFB Talk Mailing List'
> Subject: [nfb-talk] observations about Foundation Fighting Blindness
>
> All,
>
> First, note the subject line change. I think the issue here is what
> is "fulfilling"? From the literature I have read from this
> organization as well as from discussions I have had with staff their
> idea of a "fulfilling
> life" does not contain the high expectations I or many of us have.
> It all
> goes back to the philosophy of blindness one chooses to have.
>
> If, for example, you think that it is amazing that a blind person can
> cut their food and even find it, but think that because a blind person
> does eat independently their life is in part fulfilling then your view
> of the true nature of blindness differs from mine. "Dining In The
> Dark" is a fundraising event the Foundation has sponsored in various
> parts of the country. Putting a group of sighted people under
> blindfold, then serving them food while making statements like "this
> is what blind people face every day" cannot help improve the public's
> view of the abilities of blind people.
> Nevertheless this is the kind of thing the Foundation Fighting
> Blindness does constantly.
>
> As, I think, Mike Freeman said, it is all in what you mean by
> "fighting".
> We in the NFB fight blindness every day. The blindness we fight is
> that of people who let their eye sight get in the way of their vision
> which has become blinded by prejudice and misinformation. (See
> Thunder Dog when it is released).
>
> The tragedy of blindness is not the loss of eye sight unless we make
> it so.
> Any "tragedy" is only as serious as we allow it to be. Those who lose
> their sight can move forward and have as full and productive a life as
> before if they are willing to get the proper training. There is
> nothing new here but, we need to keep saying it if we expect the world
> to come around and believe that truth. It's marketing pure and
> simple.
>
> Happy Easter.
>
>
> Best,
>
>
> Mike Hingson
>
> The Michael Hingson Group, INC.
> "Speaking with Vision"
> Michael Hingson, President
> (415) 827-4084
> info at michaelhingson.com
> To learn more about my upcoming book, speaking topics and speaking
> availability please visit www.michaelhingson.com Thunder Dog is now
> available for early ordering on Amazon!!!
> http://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Dog-Blind-Triumph-Ground/dp/140020304X/r
> ef=sr_
> 1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289090352&sr=1-3
>
>
> for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit:
> http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-talk-
> bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
> Sent: Friday, April 22, 2011 2:01 PM
> To: NFB Talk Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] FW: {Disarmed} FW: A personal report
> fromChairmanGordon Gund
>
> The choice of the word "fighting". It's not the they're against the
> blind leading fulfilled lives; they can't conceive of it.
>
> Mike Freeman
> sent from my iPhone
>
>
> On Apr 22, 2011, at 13:10, "John Heim" <john at johnheim.net> wrote:
>
>> I'm sure the Foundation Fighting Blindness is very much in favor of
>> blind
> people living rich and fullfilling lives. What makes you think they're
> not?
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "James Aldrich"
>> <jajkaldrich at gmail.com>
>> To: "Jeanette Fortin" <jeanette at fortin-home.com>; "NFB Talk Mailing
>> List"
> <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Friday, April 22, 2011 11:20 AM
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] FW: {Disarmed} FW: A personal report
> fromChairmanGordon Gund
>>
>>
>>> Hello all!
>>>
>>> I greatly dislike how this organization the foundation fighting
>>> blindness
> reinforces how terrible it is to be blind! Yes! It is no picnic at
> first when one loses vision I'm certain but we in the NFB are here to
> show there is life after vision loss or there is life when one is
> blind! We have a more positive message! Yes! I'm all for preserving
> one's vision but if this isn't possible, I for one wish to see someone
> continue to live a full and enriching life as much as possible! There
> are many who can't cope but there are more who do and they live quite
> well! At least, they have a life!
> It is far better to be blind today than it was a hundred years ago but
> even at that time, I'm certain some lived meaningful lives even then!
>>>
>>> Jim
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jeanette Fortin"
> <jeanette at fortin-home.com>
>>> To: "NFB Talk Mailing List" <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2011 4:03 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] FW: {Disarmed} FW: A personal report from
> ChairmanGordon Gund
>>>
>>>
>>>> well let me say this, why not fight blindness? if there is a way
>>>> some
> people can regain their vision or if doctors can help folks to save
> the vision they have, go for it.
>>>> i got a call today from my cousin who works with hazzardess
>>>> materials in
> his job. he was hit in the face with some costic liquid last week and
> lost his vision for a couple of days. Because he was rushed to a
> special hospital and given specific treatment for his eyes which were
> damaged by the costic liquid, the doctors are hopeful he will regain
> all or most of his vision.
>>>> from some folks way of thinking it appears they think it would be
>>>> just
> fine for him to have lost his vision and subsequently his job. it
> gave him a true appreciation of those of us who have dealt with vision
> loss for years and has made him grateful for whatever vision he has.
>>>> i think maybe the name of the organization, fighting blindness may
> offend some folks, but if you understand how someone who had vision
> and loses it feels maybe you would understand why the foundation is
> trying to find ways to help folks either regain or not lose their
> vision, jeanette
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "S Baker"
>>>> <srbaker12 at hotmail.com>
>>>> To: "ANFBchat" <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2011 3:31 PM
>>>> Subject: [nfb-talk] FW: {Disarmed} FW: A personal report from
>>>> Chairman
> Gordon Gund
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> SRBaker
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> From: srbaker12 at hotmail.com
>>>>> To: nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> Subject: RE: [nfb-talk] {Disarmed} FW: A personal report from
>>>>> Chairman
> Gordon Gund
>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:29:26 +0000
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> This email solicits donations. It also has links to current
>>>>> research to
> correct blindness.There is nothing wrong with being blind, if that is
> what you want. If there is technology that can reverse,cure me, I am
> all for it.
> There is an old saying "There are none so blind as those who will not
> see".
> Our eyes may not work but our brains do.
>>>>> Steve
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> SRBaker
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> From: ladygloria at webband.com
>>>>>> To: nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:19:37 -0700
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] {Disarmed} FW: A personal report from
>>>>>> Chairman
> Gordon Gund
>>>>>>
>>>>>> What in the heck is wrong with being blind!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Gloria Whipple
>>>>>> Corresponding Secretary
>>>>>> Inland Empire chapter
>>>>>> nfb of WA
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> [mailto:nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On
>>>>>> Behalf Of S Baker
>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2011 14:14
>>>>>> To: AMoLList
>>>>>> Subject: [nfb-talk] {Disarmed} FW: A personal report from
>>>>>> Chairman
> Gordon
>>>>>> Gund
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> SRBaker
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:00:24 -0500
>>>>>> From: GGund at FightBlindness.org
>>>>>> To: srbaker at charter.net
>>>>>> Subject: A personal report from Chairman Gordon Gund
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Like you, Steven, I follow the work of the Foundation Fighting
> Blindness
>>>>>> closely. As a donor, I want to know that my donations make a
> difference.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> And believe me, they do. When I reflect on the last year and
>>>>>> listen to
> this
>>>>>> video, I am reminded that we have more clinical trials for
> sight-saving
>>>>>> treatments underway than ever before. Clearly, hope and optimism
>>>>>> are running high. Incredible strides have been made in the last
>>>>>> few years,
> and
>>>>>> these remarkable advances would not have been made without your
> support of
>>>>>> the Foundation. They include:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Vision Restored. We are continuing to build on remarkable gains
>>>>>> in
> gene
>>>>>> therapy. As you may recall, in a Foundation-funded trial,
>>>>>> 9-year-old
> Corey
>>>>>> Haas and 19 others received a gene therapy treatment and can now
>>>>>> see.
> And
>>>>>> as the trial has expanded, participants have shown sustained
> improvement in
>>>>>> vision. Building on this success, similar gene therapy treatments
>>>>>> are moving into clinical trials for choroideremia, Stargardt
>>>>>> disease and
> Usher
>>>>>> syndrome.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Innovative Technology. The high-tech industry has a treatment I'm
>>>>>> incredibly excited about-- the world's first commercially
>>>>>> available artificial or "bionic" eye. Early funding from the
>>>>>> Foundation was key
> to
>>>>>> getting this engineered retina off the ground. Building on the
>>>>>> studies
> we
>>>>>> funded, the light-sensing, implantable "chip" has been tested in
>>>>>> a
> clinical
>>>>>> trial in Europe with great results. In the study, people who were
> profoundly
>>>>>> blind experienced improved vision that could help them to be more
>>>>>> independent. In fact, many can now see shapes and recognize large
> letters.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Groundbreaking Therapies. A research team funded by the
>>>>>> Foundation
> Fighting
>>>>>> Blindness developed an innovative technique for correcting the
>>>>>> disease-causing gene by using stem cells derived from a person's
>>>>>> skin.
> While
>>>>>> more work is needed to ensure safety, this advancement suggests
>>>>>> that
> doctors
>>>>>> may someday be able to treat a patient's retinal disease using
>>>>>> their
> own
>>>>>> skin cells.
>>>>>> These few accomplishments barely begin to tell the story of all
>>>>>> the
> progress
>>>>>> that's being made. And this is why words can never express my
>>>>>> personal gratitude for your passionate and committed support.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I hope you will take a few minutes to watch the video and see the
> results of
>>>>>> your support and the hope it has generated. But most importantly,
>>>>>> I
> hope you
>>>>>> will see that research is progressing at a terrific rate. It's
>>>>>> been a
> long
>>>>>> time coming, but we crossed a critical threshold when our
>>>>>> researchers actually restored sight. It launched us into a new
>>>>>> era when more and
> more
>>>>>> people will have their sight saved or restored every year. A lot
>>>>>> of
> work
>>>>>> remains. But we'll get there by continuing to work together.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The Foundation Fighting Blindness values the support you give us
>>>>>> by donating, talking to your friends, and advocating for
>>>>>> increased
> research
>>>>>> funding. As we continue our relentless pursuit to eradicate
>>>>>> blindness,
> we
>>>>>> hope you will continue your steadfast support of our mission.
>>>>>> Thanks
> for
>>>>>> envisioning a bright future for the millions affected by retinal
>>>>>> degenerative diseases.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Gordon Gund
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Check us out on:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Tell a Friend | Subscribe | Change email address | Unsubscribe
>>>>>> Foundation Fighting Blindness www.FightBlindness.org
>>>>>> 7168 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 100 Columbia, MD 21046
>>>>>> 1-800-683-5555
>>>>>>
>>>>>> nonprofit software
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> nfb-talk mailing list
>>>>>> nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>> for
>>>>>> nfb-talk:
>>>>>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/ladygloria%4
> 0webba
>>>>>> nd.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> nfb-talk mailing list
>>>>>> nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>> for
> nfb-talk:
>>>>>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/srbaker12%40
> hotmai
> l.com
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> nfb-talk mailing list
>>>>> nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>> for
> nfb-talk:
>>>>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/jeanette%40f
> ortin-
> home.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nfb-talk mailing list
>>>> nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>> for
> nfb-talk:
>>>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/jajkaldrich%
> 40gmai
> l.com
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nfb-talk mailing list
>>> nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>> for
> nfb-talk:
>>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/john%40johnh
> eim.ne
> t
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-talk mailing list
>> nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nfb-talk:
>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40pani
> x.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> nfb-talk mailing list
> nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nfb-talk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/info%40micha
> elhing
> son.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nfb-talk mailing list
> nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nfb-talk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40pani
> x.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nfb-talk mailing list
> nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nfb-talk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/jeanette%40f
> ortin-
> home.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nfb-talk mailing list
> nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nfb-talk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/info%40micha
> elhing
> son.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nfb-talk mailing list
> nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nfb-talk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/john%40johnh
> eim.net
_______________________________________________
nfb-talk mailing list
nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
nfb-talk:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40panix.com
More information about the nFB-Talk
mailing list