[NFBofSC] FW: [Brl-monitor] The Braille Monitor, July 2022

[Frank Loza]

From: brl-monitor-bounces at nfbcal.org <brl-monitor-bounces at nfbcal.org> On
Behalf Of Brian Buhrow
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2022 4:47 PM
To: brl-monitor at nfbcal.org
Subject: [Brl-monitor] The Braille Monitor, July 2022

 


The Braille Monitor, July 2022


BRAILLE MONITOR


Vol. 65, No. 7 July 2022

Gary Wunder, Editor

Distributed by email, in inkprint, in Braille, and on USB flash drive, by
the

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

Mark Riccobono, President

telephone: 410-659-9314

email address: nfb at nfb.org <mailto:nfb at nfb.org> 

website address: http://www.nfb.org

NFBnet.org: http://www.nfbnet.org

NFB-NEWSLINE® information: 866-504-7300

Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind

Follow us on Twitter: @NFB_Voice

Watch and share our videos: YouTube.com/NationsBlind

Letters to the President, address changes, subscription requests, and orders
for NFB literature should be sent to the national office. Articles for the
Monitor and letters to the editor may also be sent to the national office or
may be emailed to gwunder at nfb.org <mailto:gwunder at nfb.org> .

Monitor subscriptions cost the Federation about forty dollars per year.
Members are invited, and nonmembers are requested, to cover the subscription
cost. Donations should be made payable to National Federation of the Blind
and sent to:

National Federation of the Blind

200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, Maryland 21230-4998

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. THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
IS NOT AN ORGANIZATION SPEAKING FOR THE BLIND—IT IS THE BLIND SPEAKING FOR
OURSELVES.

ISSN 0006-8829

© 2022 by the National Federation of the Blind

Each issue is recorded on a thumb drive (also called a memory stick or USB
flash drive). You can read this audio edition using a computer or a National
Library Service digital player. The NLS machine has two slots—the familiar
book-cartridge slot just above the retractable carrying handle and a second
slot located on the right side near the headphone jack. This smaller slot is
used to play thumb drives. Remove the protective rubber pad covering this
slot and insert the thumb drive. It will insert only in one position. If you
encounter resistance, flip the drive over and try again. (Note: If the
cartridge slot is not empty when you insert the thumb drive, the digital
player will ignore the thumb drive.) Once the thumb drive is inserted, the
player buttons will function as usual for reading digital materials. If you
remove the thumb drive to use the player for cartridges, when you insert it
again, reading should resume at the point you stopped.

You can transfer the recording of each issue from the thumb drive to your
computer or preserve it on the thumb drive. However, because thumb drives
can be used hundreds of times, we would appreciate their return in order to
stretch our funding. Please use the return envelope enclosed with the drive
when you return the device.

Vol. 65, No. 7 July 2022


Contents


Corrections and Apologies

by Chris Danielsen

A Tribute that Can Only Begin to Capture My Friend, My Brother, and the Most
Important Member of My Federation Family

by David De Notaris

Music in the Service of Those Who Sorrow: The World Blind Union Extends a
Helping Hand to the Blind of Ukraine

by Gary Wunder

We’re With U: We Choose Not to Be Neutral

by Martine Abel-Williamson

We’re With U: The Blind Community at its Best

by Jonathan Mosen

Chapter Chatter Part 2: Intention, Prevention, and Intervention

by Christine Faltz Grassman

Lessons and Lifelines
by Renée Valdez

Coming to Our Senses

Reviewed by Deborah Kent Stein

An Explanation about the Need for and Beauty of our Code of Conduct

by Ronza Othman

When it is Okay to Say “Yes”

by Nancy Burns

How the Monitor is Built, Its Timelines, and Making it What You Want it to
Be

by Gary Wunder

She Had an Anteater

by Peggy Chong

Eye Talk

by Annie Schlesinger

[PHOTO CAPTION: Chris Danielsen]


Corrections and Apologies


by Chris Danielsen

I need to make a couple of clarifications and corrections to the article
“Shattering a Record and Shifting a Paradigm” that appeared in the June 2022
Braille Monitor. I humbly ask the forgiveness of New Mexico historians,
space aficionados, Spaceport America officials, and any other readers
affected or confused by my reporting errors, which are as follows:

The Elephant Butte Dam, near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, was not
constructed early in the Depression. Rather, although it was a federal dam
project like the Depression-era Hoover Dam, it was completed well before
then, in 1916.

The suborbital space planes projected to be operated from Spaceport America
by Virgin Galactic are not named “Blue Origin.” That name belongs to a
separate commercial space company. The currently operational Virgin Galactic
plane is the company’s “SpaceShipTwo” model and is named VSS Unity.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: David De Notaris]

[PHOTO CAPTION: Joe Ruffalo]


A Tribute that Can Only Begin to Capture My Friend, My Brother, and the Most
Important Member of My Federation Family


by David De Notaris

>From the Editor: David is well known for his work in state government,
having served in several leadership roles in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
including as director of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) and eventually
as executive director of the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational
Rehabilitation (OVR) in Pennsylvania. After seventeen years, he decided it
was time for him to do what he had long wanted to do, that being to start a
training company. He and his wife Mariann are the founders/owners of Sky's
the Limit Communications LLC. In his work he deals with everything from
education at the school district level to employment, his work includes
companies such as Verizon, Comcast, Fidelity, NASA, United States Army, and
players in the healthcare industry, and even the technical giant, Microsoft.
His company concentrates on providing instruction in advocacy,
employability, resiliency training, iOS productivity, and accessible
financial literacy training for state agencies nationally. For his business,
his company does diversity, leadership, and resiliency training, meaning he
knows people from human resources to top executives. In covering everything
from education to rehabilitation to employment, his company has the ability
to build relationships that get blind folks what they need.

In addition to all of this, David is an active member of the National
Federation of the Blind, and it is in this capacity that he writes to honor
a cherished friend, brother, and treasured family member:

Seldom do I feel apprehensive, but trying to capture the life of Joe Ruffalo
is no small undertaking. I’ve known Joe for most of my life, and he has not
only been a larger-than-life character, but he has been at the center of so
many things I have wanted to do and have eventually done.

Not only do I want to tell Joe’s story as I have experienced it, but I’ve
tried to incorporate the experiences of so many he has touched. Of course I
am not so naive as to believe I can come close to capturing all that he was
and will continue to be for people, so let us not think of this as the first
or the last article about Joe. What I do hope is that this one can
demonstrate his generosity, humor, and enthusiasm for many generations to
come.

I met Joe on a day I will forever remember; it was December 29, 1983, and
the location was the Essex Racket Club and Fitness Center in West Orange,
NJ. It was an event sponsored by the Association of Blind Athletes of NJ
(ABANJ). We were brought together by Rich Ruffalo, Joe’s younger brother.
Rich was my high school biology teacher and a coach who talked me into going
out for weight lifting. Like Joe and me, Rich was in the process of going
blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, more normally abbreviated as “RP.” I was
a young teen trying to find a way to distinguish myself and find something
that would get me noticed for something positive and in which I could take
pride.

I was encouraged by Joe to always set goals and work toward achieving them.
One of them had to do with weight lifting. He taught me through
demonstrating in his own life that the way to succeed in reaching a goal was
to write it down, go after it with lots of enthusiasm, track my progress,
and eventually achieve it. He said that one of the advantages to writing
down and tracking a goal came at the end. “Just think how good you are going
to feel when you write the words ‘Goal Achieved’ on your list.”

On that cold December day not only did I start learning about setting goals
but also about the value of making friends I could look up to for guidance
and as role models. Joe and Rich encouraged me to become involved in the
Association of Blind Athletes in New Jersey. Joe’s heart came through to me
when I realized that he celebrated my milestones with every bit as much
enthusiasm as he did his own. He still holds a world record in the
Paralympic weight lifting competition, but it isn’t surprising that you
heard that from someone other than Joe. As he so often said, “It’s not about
me, me, me. It’s about we, we, we!”

This fantastic man was more than a role model and a friend. Joe was exactly
the soldier you wanted by your side, and as Rick Fox remarked at Joe’s
memorial service, Joe was both a general and a lieutenant. As a general, he
could see the big picture, could think strategically, and predict with
remarkable success what was likely to happen in the future as a result of
actions taken today. As a lieutenant, he was marching with his men and was
in tune with the needs of each and every one of them.

Our friend came to the Federation in 1988. Joe’s Federation sister, Jerilyn
Higgins, has observed through much thought, study, and experience that the
best way to get someone to do something you want them to do is to nag. It
took her six months, but eventually she got Joe to attend his first meeting.
Joe’s wife Judy, knowing him better than anyone, told him “I know you’re
going to go off and join another organization. Isn’t it enough that you are
already a part of the Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Boy Scouts,
and the special education board? You are going to join; I know it.” This he
vehemently denied and made Judy a promise that if he joined, he would take
her out to dinner. When he got home, Judy took one look at him and said, “I
told you so. You joined, didn’t you?” Joe just smiled and asked Judy where
she wanted to go out for dinner.

Joe has often told the story of his first meeting and what convinced him to
be a part of this organization he had previously thought to be radical,
militant, and unreasonable. He shared the story that when he arrived at the
meeting, Florence Bloom, then the president of the National Federation of
the Blind of New Jersey, asked if he would like a cup of coffee. He replied
in the affirmative, believing that in the meeting of the blind, a coffee
would be delivered. Florence informed him that the coffee was at the back of
the room and that the decaf was on the left and the regular on the right. He
found this both interesting and motivating. He liked the idea of blind
people doing for themselves but was worried enough about his ability to
carry that he poured himself less than half a cup of coffee, reasoning he
would not spill any.

As the meeting progressed, the discussion turned to fundraising, and Joe
observed that the Federation could easily make dollars instead of pennies on
each sale if only it upped its marketing game. Florence was not defensive;
it didn’t bother her that he was a new person on the block proposing
significant change. She said that she could see his point and asked that he
be in charge of the project. That quickly led to his being in charge of all
of the affiliate’s fundraising.

This was the first of many projects to which Joe lent his name, his talent,
and his energy. Just how he would be called on to serve he couldn’t know,
but one morning he got a call, and on the other end of the phone line was
President Maurer. “Good morning, Mr. President,” Dr. Maurer began.

“I’m sorry sir, you’ve got the wrong number. This is Joe, and I’m the vice
president.”

“No, I don’t have the wrong number. Congratulations, President Ruffalo.” It
seems that the previous president gave up her job, and Joe’s assumption to
the presidency was first communicated by a man he was so honored to serve
under for decades.

So by 1993 Joe was the president of the National Federation of the Blind of
New Jersey, and he held that position until 2020. State convention
attendance was from fifteen to twenty when he joined, and now convention
planners routinely count on three hundred or more to fill convention
sessions. An affiliate that had two chapters when he joined had seven
chapters and seven special interest divisions when he left the office some
twenty-seven years later.

I attended my first national convention in 1992, and if memory serves, it
was the first national convention for Joe as well. I remember seeing him at
the New Jersey affiliate table, and although I don't remember what we were
selling, I remember vividly how excited he was about it: lots of folks take
their turn selling, but Joe did not regard it as a burdensome task. I will
never forget observing him standing there, rubbing his hands together, and
shouting out with enthusiasm that was infectious. As the crowd would come
and make their purchases, you could hear Joe saying “Isn't this great! Isn't
this great!”

One of the things I remember about Joe is that every time he approached me
with a request, the way he introduced it was to say “Dave, I would like to
ask you for a small favor.” A small favor seemed so little, and with Joe it
was never a big favor, not even when he asked me to be the coordinator for
the job opportunities for the blind program. Just having gotten a job
myself, I argued how very busy I was. Joe was sympathetic. He said, “Well,
how about this? Let’s say you try it for a couple months, and if it doesn’t
work out, get back with me, and we’ll find someone else.” Well that
two-month temporary appointment turned into most of a decade of service, but
I got as well as I gave, learning from people like Lorraine Rovig and others
how to organize activities, advertise them, and generate excitement about
them. Here, too, Joe was a tremendous help, always reminding me that the
best way to get someone enthused was to capture in a lead phrase or a
sentence (a hook) exactly what you intended to do. He understood the
importance of establishing momentum from the beginning and then maintaining
it throughout the life of a project. His constant refrain was, “nothing ever
happens without enthusiasm,” so it is not surprising that enthusiasm was
something he brought in large measure to everything he did.

In talking with Carol Castellano, I learned that Joe was a master of the
small ask. “He would call me and always start out by saying, ‘Two minutes,
three minutes, that’s all I need.’ This might happen five or six times a
day, and almost always those two or three-minute conversations went half an
hour. I knew it would, but I loved being a part of whatever Joe was a part
of, and I knew I was honored to be on such a team.”

Of course, Joe was about much more than selling, competition, growing, and
achievement. He was about kindness, manners, being a gentleman, and living
the Golden Rule. He often observed that the important thing was not the
growth that took place in the affiliate but the difference we were able to
make in the lives of people who interned, then decided to become a part of
the organization. He deeply believed that if you did what was right for
people, organizational growth would take care of itself. Joe would always
say, “People don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you
care.”

When Joe learned about somebody who was going blind, whether it was talking
to them in person or to one of their relatives, the time he was willing to
spend on the phone with them knew no bounds. He knew it was all about
forging relationships and through them giving the hope that would determine
whether blindness was a tragedy or simply a nuisance and an inconvenience.
It was not uncommon to find Joe on the telephone late in the evening and
sometimes during the very early morning. This is what all of the
organizational stuff was about. Bringing hope, creating opportunity, and
seeing change were all results of Joe’s positive attitude and at the same
time the very reason for it.

After college there were times when I wanted to participate in some
particular activity of the Federation and simply didn't have the money. When
Joe found out, he would pull me aside, slip me some money, or let me know
that this or that would be taken care of: “Your room is covered.” “We have
your registration and banquet already, so don’t worry about them.” I
listened closely during chapter and affiliate treasurer reports, but never
did I hear about a fund that made me a grant. I asked Joe about this once,
my theory being that perhaps the costs were rolled into convention revenue
or maybe there was a scholarship covered by other attendees’ registration.
His response: "No, Dave, I just take care of it out of my pocket. You know,
if people don’t have it, they can't come, and letting them show up and
hearing something positive just may change their life, and that makes all
the difference."

I used to tease him and wonder why he so frequently won in the 50-50
drawing. Of course, the greater number of tickets you have, the greater
chance you have of winning, but I think there was also something else
involved. Joe would tell me repeatedly, “Dave, don't worry about being a
go-getter; concern yourself with being a go-giver." I think that kind of
attitude was reflected back to him in the form of what we called luck but
may have been a bit of the Divine intervening to see that Joe could continue
his good work.

The one thing I treasured most about Joe was his ability to laugh not only
at situations but also about himself. One story I love to share is a bunch
of us at a United States Association of Blind Athletes’ event went out to
dinner at a busy restaurant. They directed/controlled its customer lines
using poles connected together by velvet ropes often found at
banks/restaurants/registration areas. We found ourselves in a long line, and
Joe’s brother Rich decided to play a prank. He did this by gently
unfastening one of the long velvet ropes and attaching it onto Joe’s
backpack. Once Rich knew the rope was secured, he yelled to Joe “Come on
Joe, get moving, you’re holding up the line.” Of course, Joe set off with
real determination, and the ropes and polls that made-up the crowd-control
system of the restaurant made a joyous crash, boom, bash noise as it
collapsed. The only noise louder than those clanking poles was the laughter
of Joe Ruffalo, the man who, no matter the circumstance, never got ruffled.

Joe used to tell me "I don't have a college degree, but I will work harder
than anyone else." What a great lesson that was to me: a lesson about taking
what some would consider an adversity or a detriment and turning it around
to be a major source of motivation. But it was more than work; it was about
attitude. "It is not about me, me, me; no, it is about we, we, we."

Joe was hardworking, determined, and driven; when he got an idea he would
run with it! Some close friends would playfully call him “Joe Rockhead” a
reference to Fred Flintstone’s good friend from the Water Buffalo lodge.

Joe was not only a great soldier for the National Federation of the Blind
but also for the Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club, the latter giving
him the highest award they could offer. There was no question that Joe was
loyal through and through, the finest in what you would want in a good
soldier. If there were things that bothered him or questions he couldn't
answer, his standard refrain, in which he believed totally was, "They are in
a better position to know than I am. I'm sure they know more than I do and
have already considered this."

One of the things that most endeared me to Joe was his concern about me and
about my family; his questions were not general but specific: how is
Marianne, young David, MaryKate, and Emily.

I used to love it when Joe would show up at the NFBNJ Christmas Party at the
Gateway Hilton Hotel in Newark, and the kids would go crazy because they
observed that Santa Claus was carrying a white cane. A blind man who was
happy, a blind man who was a major part of a celebration; a blind man who
was always leading in holiday festivities! What an example of a role model
and what better way to let young children know that blind people can be
givers too.

Joe was very involved with the programs of the New Jersey Commission for the
Blind. Much of his work was as a volunteer, but he did have at least two
paid positions with funds from the Commission. One of them was working in
the Leadership Education Advocacy and Determination Program serving children
from thirteen to twenty-one. I interviewed one person who remembered one
meeting that was held at Joe’s house, and the activity was cooking. He
helped a young man make a pie, and at the end of the session the young man
pleaded with Joe to adopt him.

I played a small role in helping Joe gain a paid position working with
seniors. I was asked to review a proposal to fund a program through the
Commission. It was called the Senior Community Independent Living Skills
Program. As I read, I could see Joe written all over the success this
program could have, but, near the end of it, I came upon a stumbling block.
I noted with regret that the manager must have a college degree. That was
too limiting, so I inserted a part of a sentence that said "or equivalent
life experience." When I turned the proposal back to the director and told
him about my addition, he agreed that it was something that should have been
included in the document from the beginning.

As soon as I completed that call, I called Joe Ruffalo and suggested he
apply. At first he was skeptical, noting his lack of formal qualifications.
I told him about the substitution of life experience. Then he was concerned
because he had no resumé, but with a three-way call between Joe, Carol
Castellano, and myself, Joe was able to submit an application the very next
day, and he served for more than a decade helping seniors. He loved the
work, it showed, and just as he had with his transition-aged students, he
and others could see that his work was making a positive difference in the
lives of blind folks. What I learned that day was that even the most
positive among us occasionally need encouraging. Joe had some doubts about
Joe, but his friends did not. One of his often quoted remarks came to serve
Joe as well as the many men and women he helped: "People need encouragement
like flowers need rain."

Although this article is about Joe’s life, it would be incomplete if we did
not say that Joe is being buried at Arlington Cemetery, an honor reserved
for those with distinguished service. Among his medals is a bronze star,
representing heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or
meritorious service. His service came at a cost, Joe returning with
occasional eruption of PTSD. One day when he threw himself and his sister
Jane to the ground and she asked what he was doing, is a subdued and
apologetic voice he apologized: “I thought I was saving us; for a moment we
were both in Saigon.”

As flattered as I am to try to chronicle the life of my friend, one of the
hard things about writing this is that I have known him the majority of my
life, and he is so much more than a friend: he was my advisor, my older
brother, and my mentor. Interestingly, he would at times argue otherwise,
many times identifying me as his mentor and then quickly letting people know
that one did not need to be more advanced in age in order to mentor. One
simply had to have experiences from which another could benefit, and he
credited me generously with that, using as but one example the observation
that I encouraged and helped teach him to use the screen-reading program
JAWS.

The only reason I can write this is that I know that no single article can
capture the larger-than-life character that was Joe Ruffalo, and I trust
others will fill in the blanks and tell all of the other stories that must
be told. In writing remembrances, we sometimes ask ourselves what we should
leave out—those things less flattering, less admirable, more revelatory of
one’s darker side. This has not been my issue, for there was little of this
in Joe. My problem is simply that there isn’t enough space in this article
or creativity in me to say the kind of thank you that Joe deserves. I trust
that he knows the enormity of the task we are all trying to undertake in
honoring him, and he would encourage us to be kind to ourselves, give one
another the time and love he can no longer give, and to understand that this
really was never about him but about us.

One day I recall Joe calling me and sharing, “David, do you know what NFB
stands for?”

“Yes Joe, of course, National Federation of the Blind.”

“Yes, correct, but it also stands for Never Felt Better!” Joe was blessed to
find the NFB, and then he found himself.

I end this with tears in my eyes, love and respect in my heart, and
gratitude in my soul for having the opportunity to know, learn from, and,
like so many, be encouraged by our good friend, brother, and mentor, Joe
Ruffalo! Joe would so often end what he wrote with: We care, we share, we
grow.” And yes, Joe, we promise to keep doing all of this and more. Thank
you Joe—you were and still are a difference maker!

--------

[PHOTO CAPTION: We're With U! concert logo. A concert to benefit the blind
of Ukraine.]


Music in the Service of Those Who Sorrow: The World Blind Union Extends a
Helping Hand to the Blind of Ukraine


by Gary Wunder

Far too often for my liking, I find myself swinging between extremes: I must
do something about the condition of the world; I can do nothing about the
condition of the world. I absolutely must help this person; there is not a
thing in the world that I can reasonably do to help this person. You can
imagine the relief that came over me and probably many others when we
realized that we did not have to stand idly by and watch as the blind of
Ukraine suffered under the aggression of a Russian invasion. We could not be
active combatants; we had no stage to host our persuasive arguments for
peace. But we weren’t prohibited from taking action; in some measurable way,
we could reach out to the blind people of Ukraine—be they in country or
refugees—and say that we care enough to share; we live and therefore we
give; we will trade apathy, indifference, and impotent rage for a more
positive journey. We won’t stop our own fight simply because we can’t stop
the world from fighting, and we won’t let the fact that we can’t throw back
all the starfish in the sea prevent us from doing what we can.

Two articles follow this brief introduction. One is from the president of
the World Blind Union, Martine Abel. She is in charge of the relief effort.
The second is from Jonathan Mosen, perhaps the best-known voice of any blind
person in the world. He brought the spirit, the technical expertise, and the
track record of success that made this effort look doable, and doable it
was. Of course, I am proud to be a part of our nation's contribution to the
effort, made possible in large part by the active role played by our own
National Federation of the Blind. We promoted the event, helped connect
people, and gave our technical and financial expertise to collecting money
both on the day of the concert and in the days following. Our Performing
Arts Division helped by providing some of the musical talent that made the
concert a sheer delight to attend, and, with enough prompting, we got our
President to play his guitar and give us a song.

In this concert we were not the leaders, not the experts, but the
facilitators. In that spirit, let me stop this introduction and let the real
experts speak for themselves. Thank you to all who participated, not only
for the people of Ukraine but for people like me who need a way to show that
we believe, we care, and we act.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Martine Abel-Williamson with her guide dog.]


We’re With U: We Choose Not to Be Neutral


by Martine Abel-Williamson

>From the Editor: The “We’re With U” concert is symbolic of so much that we
in the National Federation of the Blind and our colleagues in the World
Blind Union have come together to demonstrate. We, the too often down and
out, the too often underestimated, the too often counted out when it comes
to thoughts about meaningful contributions—we long ago decided that this
would not be our place in the world. This was not a one-time decision; it
only has meaning if the commitment of love, energy, and resources is
ongoing. Improving the lives of the blind means choosing action over apathy,
hope over hopelessness, and never letting the realization that we cannot
change everything for the better in one day stand in the way of our doing
what we can when we can.

Martine is the president of the World Blind Union and has long been active
in the affairs of the world. Here is what she has to say about the “We’re
With U” Concert:

It’s a great pleasure to meet you in my role as WBU president, although the
situation of me checking in with you at this time is extraordinarily
unfortunate. I met some of you when I attended your 2019 Convention in Las
Vegas, and I do hope I’ll enjoy the experience again.

I now live in New Zealand, but I was born in Namibia and spent most of my
childhood years in South Africa, and, it was a fellow South African, Desmond
Tutu, who said it simply, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice,
you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

Yes, I was as equally shocked as many others when Russia invaded the
Ukraine. I couldn’t believe it—in today’s day and age!

At the WBU level, we realized we needed to act swiftly in the most
appropriate way. We’re not a humanitarian or international aid organization,
but in these situations we need to do what we do best, so we established the
Ukrainian Unity Fund.

Many blind people also told us they’d wish to contribute in a creative and
meaningful fashion, and that’s how the Ukraine Unity Fund met with the
“We’re with U” Ukraine benefit concert [hashtag #BlindWithU on social
media].

So, based in New Zealand, at 6 a.m., Sunday, 17 April, I tuned into the
start of the We’re With U Ukraine benefit concert, and I remained tuned in
until around 7:15 p.m. that day. It was an honor to experience the
solidarity, the effort, the talent, and the witnessing of financial
contribution on that day, and which are still going as we speak. When the
World Blind Union (WBU) established the Ukrainian Unity Fund, we didn’t
realize just how people would rally and stand together—not just to raise
funds but to give of their time and unique talent, in other words, to give
of their soul!

I want to use this opportunity to assure people that the WBU will act in
good faith and with due diligence when attributing the funds you’ve so
generously contributed. The following principles are meant to guide
decision-making concerning how funds from the Ukrainian Unity Fund are
disbursed.

*	WBU will endeavor to partner with disability organizations and
mainstream relief organizations. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and other
formal agreements will be developed as needed to govern these partnerships.
*	In addition to the principles below focused on humanitarian relief,
WBU will advocate for systemic change regarding a more inclusive response to
war and other disasters. The primary purpose of the Ukrainian Unity Fund
will be to assist blind and partially sighted Ukrainians directly; however,
some of the funds may be directed toward advocacy initiatives to have a
long-lasting impact.
*	Due to legal constraints, WBU will not be able to provide financial
and/or other resources directly to individuals. However, direct aid may be
possible through established partnerships.
*	WBU will focus support on those who are blind or partially sighted;
however, those assisting the blind/partially sighted individual, such as
family and friends, may also benefit from the supports.
*	WBU will try to focus support on needs related to blindness, such as
assistive technology, blindness skills training, and access to apps like
Aira, as opposed to core needs like shelter and food. However, where core
needs exist, if WBU is the only or the most suitable organization able to
assist, then WBU will assist with core needs.
*	WBU will assist both those still living in Ukraine and those who
have fled to other countries. Supports may relate to responding to the
emergency, such as support with evacuation, or may relate to assisting those
who are adjusting after being displaced, such as replacing lost adaptive
equipment.
*	Funds may also be used to support rebuilding efforts once the war is
over. This could include replacing damaged adaptive equipment or supplying
Braille paper to a school for the blind.
*	WBU will endeavor to disburse the funds in a timely manner while
doing so in a way that is responsible.

I also wish to use this opportunity to thank the National Federation of the
Blind (NFB) and Jonathan Mosen and his crew at Mushroom FM for your
tremendous support in helping us to raise these funds and to promote the
amazing concert. So, let’s keep on demonstrating our support to our fellow
blind and vision-impaired Ukrainians, their families, and the organizations
and communities who are assisting them, for, as someone once very aptly
reminded us: “Freedom is not free.”

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Jonathan Mosen]


We’re With U: The Blind Community at its Best


by Jonathan Mosen

>From the Editor: No voice is more internationally known among the blind
community than that of Jonathan Mosen. He is unquestionably a Renaissance
man, a person who has his hand in music, technology, literature, and who
clearly demonstrates a healthy concern for his community. Jonathan’s
production skills and his willingness to share resources did much to make
the concert a success, and it is with pleasure that we print the article he
has written for readers of the Braille Monitor:

The world can seem like a gloomy place at times. Momentous events occur that
concern us, but their magnitude overwhelms us. Yet, sometimes, the spark of
an idea occurs which catches fire, making us realize we have more influence
than we thought.

There is no better example of this than the We’re With U concert for
Ukraine. It showed us that with an inspired idea, planning, and unity, no
problem is too big that we can’t make a difference.

It all started with one blind man’s belief that we could assist the people
of Ukraine through music. Jaffar Sidek Ahmad, a musician from Singapore,
started a discussion on relevant email lists about blind musicians holding a
virtual concert to raise money for blind Ukrainians, both those who remain
in Ukraine whose lives have been torn apart by war, and those who have had
to flee. Jaffar’s original idea was to run the concert as part of a
fundraising initiative being undertaken by his church.

Having covered the invasion from a blindness perspective in my podcast, I
was outraged by what was happening and eager to find a way to assist. So, I
contacted Jaffar offering my assistance in any way that might be useful to
him. Ideas I ran by him included being the MC for the event, donating
Mushroom FM’s resources and infrastructure, and seeking the support of
others in the blind community. Jaffar was happy to accept my offer of help.
We immediately got to work. I created a website, and Jaffar continued to
encourage blind performing artists to submit content.

As part of my initial contacts with people in the blind community, I reached
out to Mike May, who became an unsung hero of this event. His enthusiasm was
infectious, and he single-handedly recruited several of our corporate
sponsors. Mike briefed President Riccobono, who was quick to offer NFB’s
full support. This support took many forms, including infrastructural,
fundraising, and messaging assistance.

The event’s success depended on identifying a credible partner to receive
the funds. It had to be an organization the blind community knew well and
trusted, and it had to have the links to ensure that funds raised were
dispersed in the most impactful way. Through President Riccobono, we were
connected with Marc Workman, Executive Director of the World Blind Union,
which had just set up a Unity Fund for Ukraine.

Since its founding in 2010, Mushroom FM has hosted many successful events
making innovative use of social media. But one of the most consequential
decisions I made early on was to make the concert available to any internet
broadcaster who wanted to carry it. There are a surprising number of
internet radio stations run by the blind, for the blind. Often, they compete
for the same audience. On the day, the event was carried by over twenty
broadcasters in a resounding display of unity for the blind of Ukraine.

We are bombarded by so much information nowadays that it is easy to become
desensitized to the fact that war equates to millions of personal tragedies.
To make it clear why money was so badly needed, it was important that we
hear from blind people or those assisting blind people, be they still in
Ukraine or now refugees. So, the concert was interspersed with first-hand
accounts of the war.

Many people made this event what it was, but the true stars of it are
undisputedly the performers, who so generously donated their talent and kept
so many people listening throughout the entire concert. Most were blind, a
few were not, but all performances were exceptional. We heard many styles of
music and even some poetry.

We couldn’t all gather together in a stadium, but we were brought together
virtually via a Twitter hashtag, and I was able to acknowledge many
listeners on-air. Donations came pouring in via NFB’s and WBU’s accessible
online platforms.

For the radio and audio geeks, and the blind community has a good number of
those, let me share a few behind the scenes details of an event, which,
despite its complexity, was technically flawless for its 11.5 hours. We
played 224 separate audio elements during the concert. This included the
music, anecdotes from Ukraine, sponsorship messages, and calls to action.
Every element was normalized to a common LUFS value and had it crossfade
point set manually.

We streamed two versions of the concert concurrently. The version on
Mushroom FM included our usual audio processing, while a separate stream
offered an unprocessed version for Internet radio stations wishing to retain
their unique sound.

The result of it all was that on the day, we raised over $80,000. When other
donations were processed because of the event, the amount raised exceeded
$100,000. While I have no doubt that it will be easy to find worthy ways to
allocate those funds and that more are needed, it is a significant sum for a
grassroots movement of concerned blind people to have raised in a project
that went from idea to global event in the space of a month.

Whether you donated your talent, your time, your money, or all of the above,
thank you so much. You can look back on the contribution you made and feel
proud of being a part of something very special. We made a difference for
the people of Ukraine. In the process, we also provided a powerful, moving
demonstration that, no problem, even a war, is so big that we can’t make a
difference. We are stronger together. We are better when we focus on what
unites us. We have more power than many of us realize.

The memory of the concert may be fading, but the conflict is ongoing. Please
continue to look for ways that you can show the people of Ukraine, “We’re
With U.”

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Christine Faltz Grassman]


Chapter Chatter Part 2: Intention, Prevention, and Intervention


by Christine Faltz Grassman

>From the Editor: Christine is a chapter president, but she is so much more.
She is sensitive, perceptive, and especially tuned to be a peacemaker
without avoiding topics that should and in fact must be discussed. Here are
more thoughts she has to offer about fairly handling difficult topics and
those who bring them:

Ten percent of conflicts is due to difference in opinion and ninety percent
is due to wrong tone of voice.
— Susan Wiertzema

I think it is safe to say that when individuals or groups gather with
positive purpose and common interests, there is a collective intention to
collaborate and recognize the interdependence that is necessary for efforts
to bear fruit. As people who are blind, we have more than a passing
acquaintance with how even the best intentions can lead to unhappy results.

Previously, I discussed the importance and necessity of speaking up. Now I
want to address handling situations where speaking up in particular ways and
at particular times may not be ideal and provide some respectful techniques
for de-escalating what could become an awkward and/or upsetting incident.

Virtual and hybrid meetings have become the norm for many of us over the
past couple of years, and they offer undeniable advantages. Their
disadvantages, however, introduce a level of significant complexity when it
becomes necessary to tam down conflict.

There is often good-natured joking about the power of the “Mute All” and
“Remove” options on conferencing platforms. All jesting aside, however, we
have likely all witnessed the benefit of these tools. Genuinely destructive
and hurtful attacks have occurred on meeting platforms, and the “Mute” and
“Remove” options act as virtual security guards and bouncers. However, it is
not the unsavory and unscrupulous alone who can derail a discussion,
demoralize a meeting, or start something that could yield repercussions for
weeks, months, or longer.

We all have bad days and we all make mistakes. A sincere apology after a
significant outburst goes a long way toward righting an ill-timed statement.
Perhaps it might take some time to recognize that an apology is needed until
after some reflection or after someone has diplomatically pointed out the
issue, perceived or otherwise. Waiting too long, however, or tossing out an
apology simply because one is hounded to do so will likely be considered
insincere, and a delay gives time for the incident to imbed itself into
memories, the grapevine, and potential exaggeration or attachment to other
incidents people are suddenly recalling, particularly by those who were most
hurt or offended.

What should you do if a discussion at a meeting takes a turn that is not
conducive to a productive and welcoming environment? The individual running
the meeting can set guidelines and should follow through with those
guidelines. Do not show favoritism by allowing more latitude to board
members, the newbie, your best friend, your spouse, or the most senior
member. Everyone must behave respectfully, and everyone should receive
respect. This does not mean that the more wordy among the crowd cannot be
asked to move on, wait their turn, or give someone else a chance to speak.
Chapter meetings are not places for monologues, and the person who is
constantly dominating the discussion, being contrary, or putting down
someone may require a time limit and perhaps a private discussion about
etiquette in the meeting.

Never return rudeness with rudeness or name-calling with name-calling. If
someone uses words like “ridiculous,” or “idiotic”, do not get upset if
those adjectives were used for a proposed idea or activity. Sure, it could
have been worded differently, but try to avoid feeling and acting as if the
adjectives were used to insult the person proposing the item in question.

There might come a time when things become heated between two or more
individuals. It might be helpful to designate someone to quietly go over to
(or if virtual, text or email), the individuals in question while the
meeting moves on. To the greatest extent possible, efforts should focus on
keeping the meeting on track with the least disruption. Even if someone
needs to step outside with a person or two, the meeting should proceed, and
anyone not directly involved should act as if nothing of note is occurring.

After such incidents, it is difficult for people to refrain from passionate
discussion, finger-pointing, or rehashing past incidents involving the same
person or persons. Please try to avoid doing this. Unless there is a
persistent pattern of disruption from a particular individual or group,
dwelling on something unpleasant gives it more power and significance, and
what should remain at the center are the goals of the chapter as defined by
its agenda and subsequent decision-making.

It might be necessary to talk with one or more people several times between
meetings if a personality conflict or repeated flouting of meeting
discussion guidelines occurs.

What guidelines might be put into place? Generally, the standard fare will
do: no interrupting unless someone is dominating the conversation and
meeting time. (Perhaps there should be a set time limit if others are
continually unable to get a word in, and that time limit must apply to
everyone if a question is being asked or a comment is being made. Obviously,
speakers, activities, and necessary discussion of chapter business would not
have such limits applied.)

Be especially cognizant of the fact that the leaders and most active members
set the tone. If harassment, belittling, or gossip is tolerated (or worse,
encouraged), de-escalation tactics will not be effective. If all do not walk
the walk, talking the talk will be considered window dressing, lip service,
and rank hypocrisy.

It is absolutely fine to stop pejorative or derogatory statements or
disruptive behavior in its tracks without attempting to address it quietly.
All attendees should witness that bullying, ridiculing, or other words or
behavior that are meant to marginalize, put down, or threaten are
categorically forbidden. Chapter and division meetings, activities, and
events should be welcoming, comfortable environments that all look forward
to attending. At no time should anyone ever feel it emotionally necessary to
avoid one or ever leave one feeling badly, unheard, or ignored.

Leaders should be receptive to constructive criticism and consider solutions
to any friction. Work hard to be approachable by anyone who attends meetings
who might feel that the chapter or division is not as warm and inviting as
you might wish it to be or perceive it to be. We can all improve,
individually and as a group.

In an upcoming article, I will discuss mediating conflict. If anyone wants
to provide an example of a local conflict (no names, please), write to me at
cfgrassman at icloud.com <mailto:cfgrassman at icloud.com>  and I will use it as
an example. Obviously, all strategies and techniques must be tailored to
your group’s dynamics—whether you are dealing with an isolated incident or a
pattern—and other variables, but the guidelines provided should give an
effective foundation for conflict resolution.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Renée Valdez]


Lessons and Lifelines


by Renée Valdez

>From the Editor: Renée is a person who has tremendous value to the National
Federation of the Blind not only because of the energy she brings to our
cause but because her memory of going blind is fresh enough that she can
relate to people who think all doors have been closed and are starved for
what we have to offer. This is a spectacular article, and if it is half as
much fun to read as it has been to edit, prepare to be thoroughly engrossed
in this experience.

In case you want to know what she does when not writing, Renée is the chair
of the NFB of Virginia Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee; the
co-chair of the NFB of Virginia Fundraising Committee; a mentor in the NFB
of Virginia Project RISE Program; and the vice president of the Northern
Virginia Regional Human Rights Committee. Here is her most splendid article:

"Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood."

— Helen Keller

Ain't that the truth. It's like I woke up one day and found myself—fifty-six
years young, blind, and still learning. WOW! And let me tell you, some of
these lessons along the way have not been amusing!

I believe that God, the Universe, and Mother Earth all have a very warped
sense of humor. I mean, C'MON, MAN! The last time I looked up, not only did
I have my eyesight, but I was forty-eight years old, enjoying a rewarding
and quite lucrative career, traveling around the United States and Canada
training the "untrainable"—TSA Supervisors and Air Marshalls—and having a
BLAST! And, I am happy to report that by day two of a five—day intensive
training, I had these tough guys and gals eating out of my hand.

It was Octoberish, 2013, when I began to notice a slight change in my
vision, especially at night. I suppose I should have considered it a clue
when I was driving into a 7-Eleven parking lot and hit the very large
garbage can at one corner of the lot head on! But no! I politely backed up
and tried my parking efforts once again, and I pretended like that trash can
thing never happened. I never mentioned it to my Honey, Scott, or anyone,
for that matter.

Then, on a midnight run to Micky D's, I came to the four-way stop not far
from our home. As usual, I stopped. I looked to the right, then the left,
then the right again. Seeing nothing in the darkness, I stepped on the gas
to go through the intersection, and BLAM! Quite suddenly, the airbag
deployed in my face after the car came to a very severe and arduous stop. I
had broadsided a van, I found out later. But at that moment, sitting with
the airbag in my lap, I, once again, looked to my right, where the thing I
hit should have been, and I saw nothing.

I drove forward to the next block, where there was a street light. I got out
of the car, checked the damage, and delightedly saw that there was none. So
I got back in the car, decided that the other vehicle left as well, and
continued on my midnight mission to McDonald's. Despite the fact that there
happened to be a vehicle behind me who witnessed the whole thing and called
it in, I was fortunate not to get charged with hit-and-run by the grace of
God, the Universe and Mother Earth! When I received the police report, I
called the family I had broadsided, apologized, and wished them well.

You'd think that after that crazy incident I would consider my eyesight—or
the lack thereof. It wasn't until late December of 2013, when my eyesight
had declined to a dangerous level during the day, that I mentioned it to my
Honey and my best friend.

Fast-forward now through doctors not knowing what was happening, and finally
being diagnosed by the NIH docs at the National Eye Institute that I had
VKH, a very rare autoimmune disease that affects Asians, Hispanics, and
Native Americans. This qualifies me twice; then came the megadoses of
wonderful and dangerous medications. My eyesight fluctuated drastically up
and down for the next five years, taking with it my emotions. This made me
an emotional and psychological basket case!

The next four years were busy for me, my days filled with remembering to
take my mega-meds, sitting on the couch with my fur baby, MJ, who never left
my side, and watching the television show Forensic Files—somehow, I found
that soothing as I licked my emotional wounds. The intro music still has
that effect on me. I was mourning, and I was so deep in it.

I mourned the life I knew and loved—my career, mostly. I loved what I was
doing. I loved meeting a group of people on the first day of a training they
didn't want to attend and breaking the ice. I loved the experience of
witnessing the hardest shells crack by day two when they started sharing
their stories. I cherished the moments on days three through five when it
was a safe enough environment to share a few tears with those stories. And,
when the training was over, I miss the hugs and the "see you again sometime"
wishes.

All I could think, sitting there in the safety and seclusion of my cocoon,
was that I had to find a way to close that chapter of my life forever, and
the mere thought of it seemed to cut off the air to my lungs, making it
almost impossible to breathe.

Early in my diagnosis, I stumbled on the Department for the Blind and
Visually Impaired (DBVI). They came in like a lifeline, providing me with
air. I met my new mobility instructor, Joanne Laurent, a strong-willed
little woman who, with her infectious laughter, kind spirit, and constant
affirmations (I called it nagging) forced me to escape my cocoon for brief
periods and taught me to use a white cane and not get hit by a Mack truck.
Another powerhouse, Alex Castillo, came to my home and proved to me that I
could cook and clean my counters and wash clothes and, and, and...be
independent.

I think it was late 2017 when I stumbled once again. This time, it was Brian
Miller. I can't remember who gave me his email address, but one day I
mustered the courage and the will to email him. Much to my surprise, he
responded with an invitation to meet for coffee. YIKES! It was time to put
the lessons I had with Joanne to the test. I did.

Meeting Brian was like falling backward onto a thick, fluffy, soft
comforter. He had a way about him that was calming, welcoming and accepting
and inspiring. I was bragging to him about my ability to once again be able
to make coffee, my drug of choice, using my French press, even grinding my
own beans! Well, he shared with me his mutual love of coffee and how he
purchased his RAW beans from Misha's Coffee and roasted them in his home
with his own roaster. WHAT! HOW? He explained the cracking sound the beans
made when they were close to being done and the aroma that filled his home.
OVERACHEIVER! When he shared with me how he roasted his own beans or how he
traveled to exotic places around the world by himself, it was totally
without arrogance or pride; it was simply Brian sharing a glimpse of his
heart and spirit.

In March of 2018, I received an email from Brian telling me I had to go to
this meeting. (I still have that email.) He said he was starting a chapter
for the National Federation of the Blind in our community. I didn't want to
go, but how could I say no to Brian? I attended that first meeting, and it
was God or the Universe or Mother Earth—or Brian—who made sure I was elected
to serve as a board member. What! Another lifeline. I am forever grateful to
my friend.

The rest, as they say, is history. I was connected, and I became hooked. I
started to venture out of my self-made cocoon more and more and began to
feel a sense of purpose again. I attended bits and pieces of my first NFB
state convention and met a few people who became lifelines—Evelyn Valdez,
Sandy Halverson, Bonnie O'Day, Joe Orozco, and so many more that would make
this blog much longer than it already is! And I shared a little time with
Tracy Soforenko, the Virginia state affiliate president, at a legislative
visit on Capitol Hill. He asked questions. I told him about my period of
mourning, my hopeless journey into blindness, my desire to be useful and
fulfilled once again. As I spoke, I really didn't see how that could happen
in my life. I was looking through the lenses of my past, and I could not
fathom how I could ever be like Evelyn or Tracy or any blind person who
laughed and smiled and lived their lives.

Tracy listened to me. He continues to challenge me to spread my wings.
Today, as secretary/treasurer of the Greater Alexandria Chapter, a position
that I absolutely love; a student in the Chapter Leadership Institute;
mentor in Project RISE; coordinator of the 2021 Mini BELL Program; co-chair
of the NFBV Fundraising Committee; and member of the NFBV Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion Committee, I am feeling fulfilled, and I am happier than ever!
I have a sense of true belonging. I have a mission.

I believe that God, the Universe, and Mother Earth, in their warped kind of
way, know what they are doing. And I believe that Helen Keller was right. To
be fully understood, life's lessons must be lived ... and savored.

Peace!

----------


You Can Make a Difference 


Blind children, students, and adults are making powerful strides in
education and leadership every day across the United States. For more than
eighty years, the National Federation of the Blind has worked to transform
the dreams of hundreds of thousands of blind people into reality. With
support from individuals like you, we continue to provide powerful programs
and critical resources for decades to come. We sincerely hope you will plan
to be a part of our enduring movement by including the National Federation
of the Blind in your charitable giving and in your estate planning. It is
easier than you think.

 

With your help, the NFB will continue to:

*	Give blind children the gift of literacy through Braille.
*	Promote independent travel by providing free, long white canes to
blind people in need.
*	Develop dynamic educational projects and programs to show blind
youth that science and math careers are within their reach.
*	Deliver hundreds of accessible newspapers and magazines to provide
blind people the essential information necessary to be actively involved in
their communities.
*	Offer aids and appliances that help seniors losing vision maintain
their independence.

Plan to Leave a Legacy

The National Federation of the Blind legacy society, our Dream Makers
Circle, honors and recognizes the generosity and vision of members and
special friends of the National Federation of the Blind who have chosen to
leave a legacy through a will or other planned giving option. You can join
the Dream Makers Circle in a myriad of ways.

Fixed Sum of Assets

You can specify that a fixed sum of your assets or property goes to the
National Federation of the Blind in your will, trust, pension, IRA, life
insurance policy, brokerage account, or other accounts.

Percentage of Assets
You can specify that a percentage of your assets or property goes to the
National Federation of the Blind in your will, trust, pension, IRA, life
insurance policy, brokerage account, or other accounts.

Payable on Death (POD) Account

You can name the National Federation of the Blind as the beneficiary on a
Payable on Death (POD) account through your bank. You can turn any checking
or savings account into a POD account. This is one of the simplest ways to
leave a legacy. The account is totally in your control during your lifetime
and you can change the beneficiary or percentage at any time with ease.

Will or Trust

If you do decide to create or revise your will, consider the National
Federation of the Blind as a partial beneficiary.

Visit our Planned Giving webpage
(https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving) or call
410-659-9314, extension 2422, for more information.

Together with love, hope, determination, and your support, we will continue
to transform dreams into reality.

Ways to Contribute Now

Throughout 2021, the NFB:

*	Sent nearly one thousand Braille Santa and Winter Celebration
letters to blind children, encouraging excitement for Braille literacy.
*	Distributed over five thousand canes to blind people across the
United States, empowering them to travel safely and independently throughout
their communities.
*	Delivered audio newspaper and magazine services to 126,823
subscribers, providing free access to over five hundred local, national, and
international publications.
*	Gave over six hundred Braille-writing slates and styluses free of
charge to blind users.
*	Mentored 232 blind youth during our Braille Enrichment for Literacy
and Learning® Academy in-home editions.

Just imagine what we’ll do next year and, with your help, what can be
accomplished for years to come. Below are just a few of the many diverse,
tax-deductible ways you can lend your support to the National Federation of
the Blind.

Vehicle Donation Program

The NFB accepts donated vehicles, including cars, trucks, boats,
motorcycles, or recreational vehicles. Just call 855-659-9314 toll-free, and
a representative can make arrangements to pick up your donation. We can also
answer any questions you have.

General Donation

General donations help support the ongoing programs of the NFB and the work
to help blind people live the lives they want. You can call 410-659-9314 and
elect option 4 to donate by phone. Donate online with a credit card or
through the mail with check or money order. Visit our Ways to Give webpage
(https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give) for more information. 

Pre-Authorized Contribution

Through the Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) program, supporters sustain
the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind by making recurring
monthly donations by direct withdrawal of funds from a checking account or a
charge to a credit card. To enroll, call 410-659-9314, extension 2213, or
fill out our PAC Donation Form (https://www.nfb.org/pac) online.

If you have questions about giving, please send an email to outreach at nfb.org
<mailto:outreach at nfb.org>  or call 410-659-9314, extension 2422.

[PHOTO CAPTION: Deborah Kent Stein]


Coming to Our Senses


by Susan R. Barry

Reviewed by Deborah Kent Stein

>From the Editor: I am often asked if the Braille Monitor would like to
review a book, and my answer is usually yes. My reservation is whom I can
ask to do it. Debbie Stein volunteered to review this one, and I am very
glad she did. Debbie’s history as a writer and a Federationist is so well
known that I will not repeat it here. The wonderful review she provides
follows:

Coming to Our Senses: A Boy Who Learned to See, A Girl Who Learned to Hear,
and How We All Discover the World

by Susan R. Barry

Basic Books, 2021

ISBN: 9781541675155

Available from Amazon, Kindle, audible.com, and bookshare.org

In the 1954 film The Magnificent Obsession, the beautiful female lead (Jane
Wyman) is blinded in an automobile accident. Years later, the young doctor
who loves her (Rock Hudson) performs a miraculous operation that restores
her vision. To the joy of her family and friends, Helen can see again!

Miracle cures like this appear so often in fiction and film that they are
woven into our cultural imagination. Yet the case histories of blind people
who gain vision through surgery tell a very different story. One of the
best-known cases in modern times is a man described in an essay by Oliver
Sacks, "To See or Not to See." Virgil, as Sacks called him, lost his sight
in infancy due to cataracts. When he was in midlife the cataracts were
surgically removed, and suddenly Virgil could see. However, his sight proved
of little benefit, as he could not interpret what he saw. He grew depressed,
unable to live as a blind person yet incapable of using the sight he had
gained.

MRI studies in people who have been blind from birth or early childhood
indicate that the visual cortex is soon re-purposed to handle a variety of
other tasks. Today it is widely believed that vision restoration in a person
blind from birth or early childhood is likely to be unsuccessful after the
age of eight. Similar findings raise questions about the effectiveness of
cochlear implants for people who are prelingually deaf. People who receive
implants after the first few years of life have trouble adjusting to their
new hearing.

In Coming to Our Senses journalist Susan Barry recounts the history of Liam,
a young man with albinism whose vision was dramatically improved with the
implantation of a device called an intraocular lens (IOL). She compares and
contrasts Liam's story with the case of Zohra, a woman deaf from birth who
gained hearing when she received cochlear implants. Both Liam and Zohra were
in their teens when they had their surgeries; they had passed the age when
they might be expected to reap serious benefits. Yet, through ongoing effort
spread over many years, they both taught themselves to make use of the
sensory information that was now at their disposal.

Liam was never totally blind. As a small child he could make out blurry
images up to four feet away, though his acuity diminished, as he got older.
His mother insisted that he begin Braille and cane travel instruction in
kindergarten, and he also learned to read large print. Liam learned to deal
with his low vision from early childhood, and he never regarded his
blindness as a tragedy.

In 2005, when he was fifteen, an ophthalmologist suggested that an IOL might
greatly improve Liam's vision. After careful thought, Liam and his mother
decided he should undergo the surgery. Liam's perception of colors improved,
as did his depth perception, and his lifelong nystagmus disappeared.

Nevertheless, Liam struggled to interpret what he saw. "He saw lines where
one object ended and another began, where an object in front occluded an
object behind, or where a shadow was cast on a surface," Barry writes. "He
saw a tangled, fragmented world." As Barry explains, "understanding the
lines and colors he saw required constant attention and analysis." The
effort was overwhelming and exhausting.

Over time, Liam gained a greater understanding of the visual world, and the
effort grew less intense. Yet fifteen years after his surgery, he continued
to piece together whole images by studying their components. Climbing stairs
posed dramatic challenges. "All the while, when I move, the stairs are
skewing and changing," Liam wrote, "and if you move around a staircase
extremely, some weird stuff can happen." In many instances, such as taking
buses and light rail, Liam continued to use his long white cane.

Like Liam, Zohra had to adjust to the hearing she acquired. She struggled to
make sense of the sounds that flooded her life after she received her
cochlear implants. With the help of her family, especially a devoted aunt,
she worked every day to sort through the cacophony and to master the
enormous complexities of spoken language. More than a decade later, she was
still learning new sounds and discovering new coping strategies.

Unlike Sacks's Virgil, neither Liam nor Zohra regretted undergoing their
surgeries. Yet both of them acknowledged that adjustment to the new sensory
input required unending effort. They rose to the challenge and approached
their acquired senses with a sense of adventure.

Coming to Our Senses thoroughly dispels the myth of the miracle cure. Barry
reveals the vast complexity of the mental processes most of us take for
granted as we move through our noisy, dazzling, mystifying world.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Ronza Othman]


An Explanation about the Need for and Beauty of our Code of Conduct


by Ronza Othman

>From the Editor: Ronza is well known to readers. She holds down a fulltime
job working as director of Equal Opportunity Compliance at the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid services. In addition, she is our state president in
Maryland, is active everywhere, and has given a lot of her heart and mind to
working as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Feedback Committee. Here is
her request of us as we work to make our Federation the kind of place where
anyone would be glad to visit and participate:

"Why do we even need a Code of Conduct?” Many of us have heard this question
or some iteration of it over the last six or so years as we worked to
conceptualize, then articulate, then socialize the NFB Code of Conduct. As
an organization we heard it again as we made updates and process
improvements. We heard sentiments like, "We shouldn’t need a document to
tell us how to get along with each other,” or “no document is going to ever
cover every potential situation,” or “I don’t want to be treated like a
child to be told what I can and can’t do.”

But others shared, “I’m so glad there are some concrete policies that
everyone is expected to follow,” “The Code of Conduct just puts on paper
what we’ve always expected of our members and participants, and it’s a good
thing to all be on the same page,” and “I like that we are in lockstep with
society by incorporating principles and guidance on these areas.” We also
heard everything in between.

It is our charge, as the NFB Code of Conduct Feedback Committee, to engage
with the membership about the Code of Conduct, how to improve and enhance
it, and how to make it accessible and available to all. The Code sets out
guidance for how members of the Federation should comport ourselves. It
establishes the minimum standard for how we should interact to ensure the
safety, full participation, and inclusion of our members, participants,
employees, guests, and volunteers. As we evolve as a community, our Code
evolves, and we are doing our best to get it right. To get it right though,
we need all of you.

In early 2018 the NFB adopted a Code of Conduct, which provided policy
guidance in a variety of areas, including anti-discrimination,
anti-harassment, prevention of and response to sexual and other misconduct,
conflict of interest, and other important categories. The work to think
through what the Code should include and how to articulate its principles
began several years before its 2018 adoption. Since 2018, the Code has been
updated and enhanced several times. Most recently, the NFB Board of
Directors updated a revised Code in December of 2021.

As part of the most recent iteration of the NFB Code of Conduct, Article XI
included language that enhanced and more clearly spelled out how the Code
would be reviewed. “The President shall appoint a Code of Conduct Committee
that will review data and procedures regarding reports filed under this
Code. The Committee will monitor actions under this Code, gather feedback
from the Federation community about the Code, assist in educating the
community about the Code and procedures, and make recommendations to the
National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors as needed.”

In early 2022, President Riccobono appointed the Code of Conduct Feedback
Committee to undertake this work. This Committee is representative of the
membership in that it consists of leaders and non-elected members from
across the Federation. Some of the Committee members are long-time
Federationists, and others are fairly new. The Committee includes mental
health professionals, teachers, mediators, parents of blind children, crisis
support personnel, and a variety of other professions. The members range
from recent graduate to retiree. The Committee is a cross section of the
organization, but also each member has a particular skillset or background
that makes this work particularly meaningful to them.

As part of our charge, we are soliciting feedback and suggestions from the
Federation community about the Code of Conduct and its associated processes.
We recognize that some have participated in the Code of Conduct, perhaps as
a filer, complainant, respondent, witness, or a responsible leader. We are
very interested in feedback on the participant experience, and we are
committing to receiving that feedback in a manner that is both trauma
informed and protects confidentiality. However, we will caution that the
Code of Conduct Feedback Committee is not able to assess outcomes of matters
brought under the Code.

We also recognize that there are some who have not yet fully bought into the
Code. We are interested to hear from these individuals as to their
perspectives as well. We want to assess barriers to participation in the
Code process, including attitudinal barriers, access barriers, and other
barriers we have not yet contemplated.

We want the Federation community to think about what, if any, aspects of the
Code the Board should enhance, augment, or change. We want feedback on how
the Code could be socialized more widely and how to get buy-in from
individuals who have not yet done so. We want to know how to enhance the
training mechanisms and resources that are available. We want to know what
has worked, what hasn’t, and what ideas people have that could work in the
future.

To that end, we are inviting individuals to engage with us. Those wishing to
share feedback and suggestions are encouraged to email the Code of Conduct
Feedback Committee at Codefeedback at nfb.org <mailto:Codefeedback at nfb.org>  or
call us at 410-659-9314, extension 2284. We plan to hold some office hours
at the 2022 NFB National Convention, where we will be on hand to speak
individually and in person with those who would like to engage with us. We
also plan to send out a survey this fall to the NFB community. If people
have additional suggestions about how we can engage with the membership,
please share those ideas with us at the email address or phone number
provided.

We want to make sure the NFB Code of Conduct is effective, fair, and easy to
understand. We also want to ensure that people feel comfortable and safe
using it if they need to do so. We want it to be accessible, meaningful, and
usable. We want the participant experience to be as easy as it can be. We
want people to trust in the Code and its processes. And we want it to be
representative of what our community wants and needs it to be. We are asking
you to help us in this effort.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Nancy Burns]


When it is Okay to Say “Yes”


by Nancy Burns

>From the Editor: Nancy is a longtime leader in the National Federation of
the Blind and often makes contributions to our magazine. Here is another of
her thoughtful offerings, this time speaking about independence, when it
must be asserted, when it may take second place to meet the temporary needs
of another, and the way in which it may change over time. Enjoy:

Diversity in opinions and long-held philosophical beliefs could possibly
create a platform for open discussion on a variety of issues. The following
comments are based on my own personal experiences, however, I believe that
as a longtime Federationist, others will relate to these words.

Learning that in 1940 Dr. Jacobus tenBroek possessed enough faith in blind
individuals to create the cornerstone of the National Federation of the
Blind became the source of my own philosophy of life. Fortunately, such
Federationists as Dr. Isabelle Grant and Lawrence (Muzzy) Marcelino were my
personal mentors and contributed to my growth as an independent blind woman.
These names may not be familiar to all, but they were most incredible and
positive influences within the state of California.

It was with the encouragement of Dr. Grant that I joined the blind student’s
group. For the first time, I observed young, blind students traveling
independently all through the city of Los Angeles to attend NFB and other
meetings. They were even planning a trip to San Francisco for a state
convention. I swallowed my fear and traveled with my new friends. By
observing students buying tickets, boarding a Greyhound bus, and checking
into a hotel, I gained valuable lessons not taught in any of my classes. I
simply observed, learned, and enjoyed this trip. It was a challenging and
totally exciting experience for me. I learned that I, too, could travel
independently with the use of my long white cane and my hearing. My
self-confidence took a huge boost during this trip.

My good fortune continued as I met and worked with Dr. Kenneth Jernigan. His
seminars were brilliant and energizing. It was he who not only confirmed my
concept of independence but convinced me that independence was and still is
the right choice for me. A portion of this philosophy was to adapt the
belief that blindness should not be used to take advantage of certain
situations. There are negative repercussions when blindness is used in this
manner. I can still hear him saying, “There is no free lunch”. Thus, my
philosophy of life was truly established.

In addition to formulating my own independence, I developed the desire to
work with and advocate for other blind people. While bringing together blind
individuals, it became apparent that peer interaction is invaluable. Working
with people who are recently experiencing vision loss is particularly
rewarding. It has always been my desire to share with others the message of
independence that was so generously shared with me.

Though it was at first surprising to me, it was sometimes difficult to make
the right decision as I practiced my own independence. For example, while
standing in a long bank, store, or other such line, there have been times
when I was told I could move to the head of the line. If I felt that this
offer was based only on my blindness, I politely thanked the person but
refused the offer. It was my habit to allow time for such situations. One
such incident occurred as I was standing in a long bank line during my lunch
break. It was the manager who offered me the opportunity to step ahead of
others in the line. I thanked him and said that most everyone else was more
than likely on their lunch break, and I chose not to step ahead. The lunch
break was important to all of us, so why should I be allowed to move ahead
of others simply because of my blindness? At the time, I was working in a
Federal building in Los Angeles and knew that the majority of the people
were waiting to cash checks since it was payday. I have often pondered the
basis of such actions. Was the manager motivated by pity? Thinking of this
always causes me to be uncomfortable and encourages me to educate the public
about blindness. I was learning that microaggressions about blindness does
exist and have attempted to deal with it during my life experiences.

Since I was working in Los Angeles, it was necessary to navigate busy and
congested sidewalks and to cross noisy intersections. While waiting at one
such intersection, all too often someone would grab my arm and drag me
across the street. This usually resulted in my becoming rather disoriented
when my long white cane missed my usual landmarks. These incidents caused me
to become resistant when such a person felt obligated to guide me. However,
if I stood at an unfamiliar intersection, I was comfortable saying “yes”
when asked if I needed assistance. There are simply times when it becomes
necessary to say, “yes please,” rather than the usual “no thank you.” Safety
is always the issue in such circumstances. I suppose the obvious question
that arises is does saying “yes” really cause the loss of independence? This
question is, and likely will be debated forever. The answer is not easy. If
I don’t know the skill and am not comfortable using it, taking the help
reduces my independence or lengthens the time it takes me to gain it. If I
have crossed the street so often that I could do it in my sleep, perhaps
saying yes is okay.

Some years later I was working for the California Department of
Rehabilitation and had the opportunity to travel to London with a friend.
During this trip, a most favorite memory and experience took place while
walking independently down Bronson Road during lunch hour for Londoners. I
was able to step out of a department store and simply walk along with other
busy Londoners. As I stopped at a noisy intersection to listen to traffic
flow, a gentleman asked if he could assist. I said yes, that would be
helpful. I was quite competent in listening to the traffic flow in Los
Angeles, but in London, the traffic was moving in the wrong direction, and I
chose not to risk becoming a hood ornament on a fast-moving vehicle. So,
when a Londoner stopped and asked if he could assist, I said I was looking
for Selfridges department store. He advised me that it was across the street
and that he, too, would be crossing. He simply walked beside me, and when we
reached the opposite side of the street, he told me that he was going to the
right and that the store was to my left. I thanked him and continued down
the sidewalk. All of this is to say that my philosophy of independence has
helped me to feel good about myself. These events occurred during the 1970s
and ’80s.

Fast forward to the early 1990s. During a convention of the National
Federation of the Blind in Dallas, Texas, it was my pleasure to room with a
dear friend who held the same basic philosophy about independence as I hold.
It was during this conference when I met, and soon afterwards married, Don
Burns. It was the second marriage for both of us, and he was recently
experiencing vision loss. But had quickly adapted a similar philosophy of
independence. All of this is simply to lay the background for the next
several years of my life. As a blind couple, we have traveled extensively,
and our experiences are phenomenal. We have learned to accept those
sometimes demeaning and often annoying comments while at the same time
attempting to educate the offender. The general public has little connection
with the blind population and is unaware of the vast interests and abilities
of those of us who happen to be blind. We are often called amazing or even
courageous. If time allows, we spout a quick response, always indicating
that we are just travelers who happen to be blind.

As we age, and our bodies slow down, we learned that saying, “yes, thanks”
becomes easier. This is somewhat difficult because of my years of
independence and of politely refusing such assistance. Don and I have
learned that at times it becomes necessary to swallow our pride and put
safety first. During a recent trip abroad, we were in customs and heading
toward a down escalator. Both of us were loaded down with luggage and
backpacks. When a customs agent advised us of the location of an elevator,
we both readily accepted the suggestion. Based on the years of declining
such suggestions, this acceptance was tough. We both realized that it was
time to put safety first.

All of this is to say that we do not lose our independence when accepting
assistance. Self-confidence or the lack thereof is the true issue in such
cases. The National Federation of the Blind, the largest and most powerful
organization of the blind, is the backbone of the blind population in the
United States. Throughout the decades, hundreds if not thousands of blind
people have become successful and effective members of society.

All of this is the result of a forward thinking, young, blind professor. I
doubt that Dr. Jacobus tenBroek had any realization about the impact his
philosophy would have on the lives of future blind citizens. Thank goodness
he did what he did, and thanks also that we continue to do what we do.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Gary Wunder]


How the Monitor is Built, its Timelines, and Making it What You Want it to
Be


by Gary Wunder

It seems that the coronavirus has interfered in everything we have come to
expect, and the Braille Monitor has not been immune—particularly our
hardcopy formats. When we produce hardcopy as in the case of Braille, large
print, and our audio thumb drives, we necessarily extend the time for
publication if needed. As helpful as it is to put our magazine out through
email, on the web, and on NFB-NEWSLINE®, given the speed with which
electronic documents can be published, we believe there are a significant
number of readers who still want and need the publication in a form that is
delivered directly to their homes. What we always wrestle with is the desire
to publish late-breaking news and the need to get the publication out on
time.

Here is a review of how the hardcopy timeline has been affected most
recently. Vendors have had difficulty because the virus has hit its staff,
and the virus is even interfered with necessary servicing of their
equipment. One issue had to be completely redone, so we offer our most
sincere apology to those who read the hard-copy edition in Braille. There
have been minor delays in the print issue as well. And the National
Federation of the Blind is investigating the unacceptable delays in the Free
Matter service from the U.S. Postal Service. The most recent delay comes
from me, having contracted the coronavirus yet a second time and delaying
our June 2022 publication by about a week. Our goal has been for readers to
have hardcopies at least by the end of the same month, which has not been
met.

So that our readers understand the way the publication is built and the
deadlines we use, here is a brief outline. When we get an article that we
are privileged to run, it is first read and edited by me as the editor. It
then gets a format check by Elyse Bryan, and later she takes all of the
individual articles we have assembled and places them into one document
based on the order that I specify. Normally this document is compiled as
early as the tenth or as late as the fifteenth of the month. The document,
written in Microsoft Word, is then submitted to our first proofreader,
Lorraine Rovig, who examines it for errors in spelling, punctuation,
grammar, and overall clarity. Any suggestions for changes get run by me, the
word document is updated, and it then gets sent to our art director, Suzanne
Shaffer. She then uses the Word document to create the multicolumn document
we will use for the print edition by importing it to Adobe InDesign. That
layout then goes to a second proofreader, who not only looks for the errors
listed above, but also looks for errors in layout and opportunities
presented by the print format to pull out certain notable quotations. Again
we do a review session, and the corrected document, this time an electronic
version of pages marked up by pencil and pen, goes back to Suzanne who
incorporates all of the changes into the Microsoft Word document and the
multi-column layout produced in Adobe InDesign. Once this is done, we
subject the final document to a light review and send it off for embossing
and printing.

Shortly after the document is submitted for the hardcopies, then the audio
is recorded by Will Schwatka and also proofed, and the digital formats are
setup on our website under nfb.org/publications
<https://nfb.org/publications> . The digital format is typically available
on the first of each month. A few months ago, we made the decision to delay
a deadline date because we were waiting for an important piece of
information from the White House. With these various changes on our
timelines, we are seeking your feedback.

Understanding your thoughts and expectations regarding the Braille Monitor
would be helpful in determining where we may evolve the timelines. Is it
more important for the Braille Monitor to be predictably on time or would an
occasional delay for late breaking news be your preference? Are you
accessing multiple formats as they become available? Do you prefer to think
of the Monitor being Issue One through Issue Eleven, or do you prefer that
it continue to be designated by month and be closely linked by date?

The Braille Monitor belongs to all of us in the Federation so that we can
remain informed and included. We have no higher obligation than to meet the
desire of our readers. Please share your comments with me by writing to
gwunder at nfb.org <mailto:gwunder at nfb.org> . Though we won’t be using a formal
survey, you will be heard, and what you say will be taken into account. Any
other input you care to share will also be welcome.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Peggy Chong]


She Had an Anteater


by Peggy Chong

>From the Editor: Peggy Chong is often featured in these pages because of
what she reveals about blind people who have played such a part in building
what we now enjoy but would otherwise get little credit were it not for her
efforts. For me what she writes is therapeutic. So many times in my life, I
have thought I was a pioneer, but the reality is that I was traveling a road
that some blind person had helped to build. I sometimes have felt like I was
carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, but the reality is that
people who had far less to work with carried the burden every bit as well as
I have and in many cases have done it far better. Here is a splendid example
of a woman who enjoyed her life, focusing not on her adversities but on how
she could live the life she wanted. Here is Peggy’s article:

Hello Blind History Lady Fans:

One of my more interesting ancestors this past year is Emily Raspberry.
There was so little written about her and yet so much to tell. Following is
a glimpse into what I have learned of this incredibly strong woman.

Born December 12, 1915, in Alabama, Emily came down with the flu at age
four. When she recovered from the flu, she was totally blind. Her little
sister died from the flu on December 20, 1918.

Emily's mother sent her to public school with her older brother. No
accommodations for a blind Black child were possible, so Emily listened and
participated in class orally, not learning to read or write. Finally, Emily
was enrolled at the Alabama School for the Negro Deaf and Blind in the fall
of 1926.

Emily was homesick, but there was so much to learn. In only two weeks, she
mastered the Braille Code and read all 130 books the school owned. A new
world opened to her. She had a glimpse of the sighted world, and she wanted
to be a part of it. Her teachers were impressed with Emily's quick
acquisition of the Braille Code and placed her in the upper class. She
studied hard to cram in several years of learning into her first year.

Emily returned home for the first time on May 22, 1927, to find her mother
gravely ill. Emily was home only a few hours before her mother died. Instead
of returning home as she intended, immersed in the joy of showing how well
she was able to learn as a blind child, she was faced with the shock that
came from the death of her mother and the heart-wrenching separation from
her family that would follow.

A funeral was planned in days. After the funeral, Emily was told she would
live with her half-sister in West Virginia. She was enrolled in the West
Virginia School for the Colored Blind almost immediately. She found they had
twice the Braille books in their library and magazines in Braille. Emily
threw herself into her studies. She found the classes harder than in
Alabama.

Unlike other schools, West Virginia held unsegregated classes that included
both the deaf and the blind students. The boys had one dorm and the girls
the other. There were no separate dorms for the blind and deaf students.
Rooms were crowded; sometimes three or four boys shared one that would have
been considered small for two.

There is no record of when Emily graduated, but it is believed to be either
1932 or 1933. She enrolled at the West Virginia State College for Negro's in
Dunbar. At the end of her first year of college in 1935, she knew she wanted
to be a teacher in a school for the blind. Her hope was to share her love of
reading and literature to the blind and colored students she taught, her
hope being they would come to experience many of the possibilities offered
by the outside world.

Emily graduated in 1938 and continued classes through the West Virginia
State College, enabling her to become a certified teacher of the blind. She
received her master's degree from Hampton University.

Emily started as an academic teacher in the primary grades at the West
Virginia School for the Colored Blind in 1940 in Institute, West Virginia, a
town located near Charleston. She taught reading and writing for the blind
and deaf children in her classes.

On her desk she had a toy anteater. Over the years, the anteater showed its
wear. Emily decided the toy needed to be disposed of. Knowing her students
loved the anteater, frequently saying hello or goodbye to it, she set up a
funeral for the anteater. The class went out and dug a shallow grave for the
toy, placed it in the grave, and held a short service.

When the school for the white in Romney and the school for the colored
combined in 1955, Emily was one of only three teachers from the colored
school that made the transfer. Not all the colored students from the
Institute transitioned to Romney.

The staff at Romney were friendly, but Emily did not mix socially. For at
least the first year, she took a room in the student dorms, as did the other
single teachers. As a single woman, and the only Black faculty in the blind
department, she may have felt out of place.

In reading classes when she recognized a spark, she assigned a poetry lesson
for spelling class to bring out the creativity of the students. The children
were encouraged to write a poem, including all of the spelling words for the
week. In her Braille classes, she taught the students to work with a slate
and stylus, while other teachers used the Perkins Braillewriter.

She incorporated listening to the radio into her classes to ensure her
student's interest. They were assigned lessons to write about what they
heard. The eighth-grade class in 1956 wrote a quiz show based on the show,
"The Big Surprise."

Emily supervised school trips to watch plays or listen to concerts. For
years, she had season tickets to the Cumberland Classical Musical Series.
Each year Emily paid for four student season passes for those with an
interest in music. She took the students by riding the bus or hiring a
driver.

When a movie of interest—mostly historical films such as Man of All Seasons
came to town, she asked students to accompany her to the movie theater in
Romney. She paid for their tickets and treated them to their own box of
popcorn.

A memorable year was 1967 when she was chosen to supervise a student
teacher. Emily was honored and proud as the student teacher was a former
blind student.

In 1969, Emily taught health. This was most likely not her favorite subject,
but she entered the class with the same enthusiasm as her English classes,
even though textbooks were more than twenty years old. One assignment was to
make up word puzzles relating to their health lessons. When the project was
over, the best questions were put into an article for the school newspaper,
The Tablet, to show how much her students learned that semester.

Later she took an apartment above a restaurant. Rickety wooden stairs led to
her door. The apartment overlooked Main Street. The entire space may have
been no more than nine hundred square feet.

Emily frequently took the Greyhound bus to Washington, DC. When a student of
hers also rode the bus, she talked to them about their schoolwork or family.
In class, Emily mentioned her travels to DC, commenting on the friendliness
of the staff to her and sadness that maids in the hotels were paid so
little.

Other blind teachers from the school asked to have their meat cut or their
tea poured from the pot on the table, but not Emily. She insisted she would
cut her own meat, pour her own tea, and serve herself.

Summer vacations were never wasted. She took classes at Harvard. In 1961 she
worked as a proofreader for Perkins Braille Press. Vacations meant spending
time in exhibits at the planetarium, museums, concerts, exhibits on history
and more. Usually these were attended in Boston. There were also trips to
attend conventions of the AAWB [American Association of Workers for the
Blind], of which she was a member.

At one concert, she spoke briefly to Senator Edward Kennedy, also attending.
Their meeting was exciting for Emily, and she took the news back to her
students about this encounter with a man who would make history.

Emily retired at the end of the 1977 school term and moved to Boston. She
kept in touch with some of the Romney residents. They wrote to her in print,
and she answered them in print. She died September 12, 1988, in Vermont.

If you would like to schedule a presentation, contact Peggy Chong at
theblindhistorylady at gmail.com <mailto:theblindhistorylady at gmail.com>  or
call me at 303-745-0473, or cell 515-707-5915, chongpegg10 at gmail.com
<mailto:chongpegg10 at gmail.com> . You can read more of my books at
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/24325.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Annie Schlesinger]


Eye Talk


by Annie Schlesinger

>From the Editor: Annie has written before for our publication, and she is an
advocate for learning how to age and deal with the problems that come with
it and with blindness. In this article, she talks about her problems with
balance, offers some comments, and subtly asks for ideas. Anyone having them
can send them to her at anniembbs at gmail.com <mailto:anniembbs at gmail.com> .
Here is what she has to say:

In May 2021 I was changing clothes; I bent over, fell on my arm, and broke
my wrist. I discovered Tucson orthopedic Institute has a weekday evening
walk-in clinic. Since that time, I have had trouble with my balance as well
as some pain and stiffness in that arm and hand.

Preparing for blindness and aging has helped me during this time. I have
been to a neurologist; and ear, nose, and throat specialist; and have also
visited physical therapy. Fortunately, I didn’t have a stroke, but if I had
called 911, the tests and scans could’ve been done in the ER instead of
waiting months for appointments. I ended up with a diagnosis of Central
Vestibular Disorder, which seems to be a catchall diagnosis for my problems.
I have an imbalance problem and often bad pain in my head along with nausea.
I have another referral to a neurologist.

Sessions with a physical therapist have helped me with my balance and
feelings of dizziness, but some degree of dizziness is always present. I
continue to do home exercises for both balance and dizziness. I look around
my senior living community and have incorporated some new behaviors. I don’t
bend over, or if I do, I hang onto something and keep my head up. I seem to
fall forward, but I have a friend who says she has to be careful about
falling backwards. I set up a dressing chair; it has arms and faces the bed.
I have a shower chair, hand-held shower hose, and grab bars; I need it all.

For a number of months I have been pushing a personal shopping cart for
support and protection—not the best solution. I need to get back to using
the long white cane to travel safely. I don’t want to use a walker, which
requires two hands and a third hand for the long cane. It’s possible, but
it’s one step at a time. It seems my choice is a support cane, a Hemi
Walker, or to propel myself by my feet in a wheelchair with the long white
cane sweeping in front. I am trying a lightweight shopping cart I pull
behind with the long white cane in front. I am looking for help on what best
to do as a blind person who has very poor balance.

Vestibular.org <http://vestibular.org>  has an incredible amount of
information about diseases and balance. The eyes affect balance; I do
gaze-stabilization exercises. I have joined two of their online support
groups as I try to learn about this impact on my life and continue to
maintain as much independence as I can. Thank you for any suggestions.

----------


NFB Pledge


I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
constitution.

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbofsc_nfbnet.org/attachments/20220629/4a2e3b99/attachment-0001.html>
-------------- next part --------------
_______________________________________________
Brl-monitor mailing list
Brl-monitor at nfbcal.org
https://nfbcal.org/mailman/listinfo.cgi/brl-monitor