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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoPlainText>Dear NABS:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> On August 25, 2016, the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) created what they are calling the “Blind fold Challenge,” under the hashtag “#HowEyeSeeIt (eye as in E. Y. E.) In this challenge, people are asked to put on a blind fold for a minimal amount of time to preform a day-to-day task. In doing so, a person is supposedly made aware of what it is like to be a blind person.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>It is the hopes of the Foundation Fighting Blindness that, because they recognize the struggles blind people face, they will donate money to “cure blindness.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> Our members of the National Federation of the Blind have spoken out against this campaign, and we have been silenced. In fact, we are not inherently opposed to medical research for blindness. What we find problematic is the inaccurate portrayal of blind people as helpless; or worse: blindness as something to fear. For example, one of the videos demonstrates “what it would be like if you lost your sight…what it is like to no longer see your children.” In an age where blind parents are systematically subjected to third-party custody or separation from their children, on the bases of their blindness, videos misconstruing blind parenting is offensive, dangerous, and frightening to us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> We have explained, using scientific research, why blind fold simulation is harmful in societal interactions and practical application. We have fought back hard, by demonstrating what it is truly like to be blind, independent, and capable. We have been marginally successful. The fight does not stop here. We must continue the fight to show that we can live the life we want. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>There are three things we must keep in mind and take action:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>1. Do not participate in the blindfold challenge: they are destructive and dangerous to our work.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>2. Do not donate to this campaign: we are not against medical research, even medical research conducted by the foundation. We are against this campaign, though!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>3. Educate people. Please post videos, pictures, and text. This will explain how you live the life you want. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines us, or what holds us back. We know, with alternative techniques and proper training, we can perform the same task as an average person in an average setting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>In pushing back, we must stay respectful. We must continue educating the public because it is the low expectations of blindness that create obstacles between us and our dreams. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>I believe in us, the students, to show our capabilities by pushing back on the Blindfold Challenge. Let’s join together, the national Federation of the Blind, the most powerful blindness organization in our nation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>#HowEyeSeeIt<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please let me know if you have any questions; and I can’t wait to see all the posts our blind students have to share!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yours and the Movement,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kathryn Webster<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President | National Association of Blind Students<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(203) 273-8463<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:Nabs.president@gmail.com">Nabs.president@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nfb.students.com<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>@nabslink<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>