[NFB-Talk] Partial Vision Interest Groups?

[Misty Kienzynski]

I do know that there are a lot of partially sighted people like me who feel that there is in fact a “reverse hierarchy” of blindness at play within our organization wherein people who live an entirely blind life are at the top and those with increasingly more vision who live our lives utilizing various amounts of our remaining sight find ourselves falling toward the bottom.

And, honestly, having a special interest group around low vision etc., I would argue, is not about hierarchy at all. It is merely about different ways of living and, heck, might even speak toward our increasing DEI(A) initiatives.

Indeed, all of us should be equally included in our efforts.

P.S.: I realize that I initially stated that I was not intending to create controversy, but, since the philosophical angle has arisen, I felt I needed to reply on behalf of myself and probably many other partially sighted blind people within our midst.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
—

Ms. Misty D. Kienzynski, M.A.





Bonitas non est pessimis esse meliorem. — L. Annaeus Seneca


> On Jun 18, 2024, at 5:41 PM, kaye Zimpher via nFB-Talk <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> You are correct that such special interest groups do not exist. The reason for this is that our philosophy in the national Federation of the blind does not believe in the hierarchy of sight. We are all equal and we should conduct ourselves as such. Having partial vision does not give one a superiority over those who do not. We welcome Those who have full site and partial vision. However, we all walk together through life and experience our blindness and different ways. We can share with each other, help each other, learn from each other, and support each other, but we do not form a hierarchy or segregation among visual acuities. I hope this answer is succinct and helps you, and in future, if you still do not find the  NFB as the place that you would feel most comfortable, my recommendation would be that you first look upon the website and listen to or read some of the many speeches and publications that discuss these matters and layout our philosophy and detail. If after that, you still do not agree, then you must do what is best for you. 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>>> On Jun 18, 2024, at 4:53 PM, Misty Kienzynski via nFB-Talk <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>> Greetings.
>> 
>> I recall being told a while ago that NFB has no special interest groups, divisions, etc. etc., even informally, that relate to the unique needs/interests of those who have useable vision and seek to utilize it most efficiently for themselves, which, as a low vision person, I would argue is our right to do.
>> 
>> It is far from my intention to jin up controversy about this here on this list, though I believe that this issue does deserve further discussion at a more appropriate time and place, but I’m wondering if the status of this situation has changed and,if so, which entities may now exist to address this gap in outreach within NFB.
>> 
>> I have honestly thought to go so far as to join that “other organization”’s CCLVI to address this issue for myself, but I would much prefer to remain within my own organization’s walls for this.
>> 
>> Thanking you for any info you are able to provide.
>> —
>> 
>> Ms. Misty D. Kienzynski
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Bonitas non est pessimis esse meliorem. — L. Annaeus Seneca
>> 
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