[Nfbf-l] Save The Date!

[Marion & Martin]

Carolyn,
    With all due respect, I feel as if portraying this event as 
"experiencing what visually impaired persons live with every day" not only 
promulgates the
myth that blind people live in darkness, it may also give a false impression 
to those who attend that the simple task of eating is challenging to a blind
person.
    According to Carol Castellano (Future Reflections, Winter/Spring 2006),
" If people are blindfolded but are not taught any of the skills that real 
blind people use, they are likely to emerge from a simulation experience 
feeling
that blindness is scary, sad, and difficult. {I am sure this is not what you 
want them to think blindness is like!} Instead of fostering
acceptance, understanding, and respect, these exercises engender sadness, 
fear, and pity. Instead of thinking of their blind peers as potential 
friends
or colleagues, those who participate can end up feeling more distant from 
their blind peers and feeling sorry for him or her."
    A number of articles have appeared in NFB publications about the 
problems of blindness simulation exercises. To read more, go to
http://www.nfb.org
and enter the search term "blindness simulation". I think it is valuable for 
all of us to learn from the perspective of others. HTH!
Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lappland" <lappland at bellsouth.net>
To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;>
Sent: Wednesday, September 09, 2009 7:32 AM
Subject: [Nfbf-l] Save The Date!


> DINING IN THE DARK
> Saturday, October 10th, 2009      5:00-8:30 PM
>
> Keynote Address By, Senator Jeff Atwater
> Entertainment By Clay Ivory
>
> The most extraordinary three course meal you will ever enjoy in complete 
> darkness! For a few short hours, this is a chance for you and your friends 
> to experience
> what visually impaired persons live with every day.
>
> A unique benefit for the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind.
>
> Providing support, training and resources for blind and visually-impaired 
> people.
>
> Holiday Inn Ballroom
>
> 1301 Belvedere Road
>
> West Palm Beach, FL 33409
>
> $55 per person or $500 reserve table for seven
>
> No children under 12 years of age allowed due to safety considerations.
>
> For tickets call: (561) 640-6029 or e-mail:
> info_focb at bellsouth.net
>
> Held in honor of Dr. Thomas Hartig who brought Newspapers, via the 
> telephone, to blind people across the country. He was an inspiration to us 
> all.
>
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