[nfbmi-talk] Reflections

[Fred Wurtzel]

Hello Larry,

You have probably read Dr. Jernigan's messages about Blindness: Is History
Against us and so on.  These consider the accomplishments of some
individuals.  However the broad range and quantity of blind people who
experience such success has it roots in Braille and the collective
organization of blind people for mutual benefit.  The NFB is the primary
example, though the AAWB was originally an organization of blind people
co-opted by the sighted.

Our  progress comes from our collective action.  History shows that some
individuals will always rise to accomplishment.  History also shows that
until we all worked together that the average blind person didn't have much
of a chance.

Thank you for these comments.

Warmest Regards,

Fred 

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbmi-talk [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Larry D
Keeler via nfbmi-talk
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 3:02 PM
To: NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List
Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Reflections

An interesting mind game for us to play or at least stop and consider could
be, how far have we come from 1940. We know what we need to do going into
the future, but, where did we come from? How much progress have we made in
75 years? For example, Mr. Bernsteen. Yah, we can pick on his faults and
what we consider weaknesses but, where is he now? The state Supreme court!
Don't think he could have done that in 1940! Or Christine Ha, who won the
Master Chef a couple of years back. Lastly, the blind guy who I believe was
from Ypsilanti who's name I forget, won a few games on Jeopardy.! Sure, we
still have qa long way to go but, we have also come a long way! Mostly, are
parents don't give us up anymore. We are not bothered as often while we are
out in public. We can own things and buy them. We can get married, have
children and raise them. Yes, some people aren't yet convinced of this but
we know our peers have done these things and so much more! I probably
wouldn't have been allowed to take my various science courses unless I just
sat there! I have used bunsen burners, scapels and mixed up chemicals. I
have taken geography and astromomy wher I helped many people read maps or
find object in the sky. I've learned skills in shop and also home economics
which I still use today. I have had the opportunity to compete in wrestling,
swimming, track and skiing. I've climbed trees, rode bicycles and became a
pretty good fisherman. I played flute and rang bells. Now, unfortunately, I
mostly care give which has its own issues. The point is that even now, blind
people in some schools are still facing challenges with accessibility but
others have allowed us to have and benefit from opportunity! 
Larry D Keeler lkeeler at comcast.net Intelligence is always claimed but rarely
proven! 
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