[Nfbmt] What is meant by the phrase "Federation philosophy?"

[Bruce&Joy Breslauer]

This question might make a good discussion topic for an upcoming at large
chapter meeting.  We could go around the phone and say how or whether the
Federation philosophy has impacted our lives. Joy 

 

>From the NFB web site www.nfb.org

 

WHAT IS MEANT BY THE PHRASE "FEDERATION PHILOSOPHY"?

 

You will hear people discussing what they call "Federation philosophy." What
they are referring to is the Federation's positive belief system about
blindness.  Members of the Federation realized the simple truth many years
ago that blind people are simply normal people who cannot see-we are not
defective sighted

people. Blind people are as different as sighted people are; that is, we are
a cross-section of the broader society and, therefore, are not all alike as
some assume. Given proper training and opportunity, the average blind person
can compete in all facets of society on an equal basis with the average
sighted

person. Blindness is a physical characteristic, and the limitations resulting
from this normal characteristic can be overcome using alternative (nonvisual)
techniques to do without sight what an individual would do with sight if he
or she had it. It is respectable to be blind, and, given proper training,
blindness

may be reduced to the level of a nuisance or inconvenience.

 

The real problem of blindness is not the loss of vision itself, but is
wrapped up in all of the public misunderstandings, misconceptions, and
superstitions about it. Because of these incorrect attitudes with their
resulting stereotypes, the blind have organized for the same reasons other
minorities have-to make positive social change through collective action.

 

Joy Breslauer, President

National Federation of the Blind of Montana 

Address: P.O. Box 1325, Great Falls, MT 59403 

Phone: (406) 454-3096

Email: president at nfbofmt.org

Web Site: http://www.nfbofmt.org <http://www.nfbofmt.org/> 

 

Live the life you want 

 

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 

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It's TIME to Eliminate Subminimum Wages for People with Disabilities

http://www.nfb.org/TIME

 

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