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April 2015 Braille Monitor<br><br>
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The April edition of the Braille Monitor is filled with problems,
possibilities, hope and outstanding examples of leadership. <br><br>
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Some of the problems we encounter are frustrating and take years to
solve. The article “The Deaf-blind Dilemma” by Cathy Guillory
Miller offers insight to help us understand the communication
difficulties and attitudinal barriers that deaf-blind people face.
As Cathy Guillory Miller explains, “We will not overcome the damage that
history has done unless we first understand what will be required to heal
the wounds.”<br><br>
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There is rarely an issue of the Monitor that does not contain at least
one article about non-visual access to technologies and websites.
The April edition is no exception. Curtis Chong expresses our
deep frustration with the lack of progress in his article entitled
“Accessibility at Microsoft: More Challenges than Victories.”
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Donna Hill, a blind author, also expressed her frustration with the lack
of access to eBooks in the article entitled “Local Author to Be Featured
in ABA Journal.” Hill was outraged when she discovered that the
promise of over 40 million books contained in the Scribd electronic
library was denied to her. The National Federation of the Blind
took action. I am sure a future edition of the Braille Monitor will
describe our recent victory in this case.<br><br>
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For decades blind persons have been vigilant in protecting the right to
use a guide dog in public accommodations. Congratulations to Donald
Porterfield and the Arizona affiliate for their prompt action to kill a
bill that would have severely limited access to restaurants for blind
persons who use dog guides. Read “Service Animal Laws Challenged in
Arizona” for the specific details.<br><br>
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There are two articles about outstanding Federation leaders that you will
not want to miss. The article “Maurer Devotes Career to Serving
Blind Americans” by Josh Stowe is especially interesting because it was
reprinted from the University of Notre Dame Alumni Association
Newsletter. Jim Omvig’s review of Dr. Joanne Wilson’s many careers
is an excellent tribute to her many years of service in the
Federation. Be sure to read “Dr. Joanne Wilson Retires: Another
Jernigan Pioneer Enters a New Phase of Life.”<br><br>
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We are fortunate to have outstanding leaders. With love, hope and
determination we will turn the problems illustrated in the Braille
Monitor to possibilities of opportunity. Go to
<a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm15/bm1504/bm1504tc.htm">
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm15/bm1504/bm1504tc.htm</a>
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Sharon Maneki<br><br>
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