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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>February 3, 2016<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From: Frank Coppel, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Positive Note 1538 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greetings Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> As many of you know, the NFB of SC and the South Carolina Commission for the Blind have been partnering together to plan the 50th Anniversary celebration of the agency. The NFB of SC is specifically working with the Commission for the Blind in planning for a banquet which will be held on Friday evening, May 6, 2016. Besides hosting a banquet, the Commission for the Blind is considering having a weeklong celebration of activities to commemorate this milestone. One of the activities the agency is considering is a “dining in the dark” event. Although Shannon Cook and myself as well as other blind staff members have expressed reservations regarding this particular event, it appears the agency is still considering hosting this event as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. During the past few days, it has been brought to my attention by concerned Federationists, a resolution addressing this issue was adopted at the 2012 NFB National convention in Dallas Texas. The resolution reads as follows; <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Resolution 2012-04 - Regarding Dining in the Dark<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> WHEREAS, the real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight but the widespread public misconception that the blind are not equal to the sighted in society; and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind categorically rejects the myth that the blind are not equal to the sighted; and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> WHEREAS, programs of the National Federation of the Blind teach and promote a positive understanding of blindness, that the blind are normal and equal members of society, and that blindness does not mean inferiority; and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> WHEREAS, an activity known as "dining in the dark" is being promoted and used to raise funds by having sighted people experience blindness by eating in the dark; and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> WHEREAS, an article published in Time magazine entitled “Dining in the Dark” assures would-be diners that the cook “works in a well-lit kitchen”; and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> WHEREAS, the Dining in the Dark website--www.dininginthedark.org--states: “you will pick from a specially prepared menu (designed by a sighted local ‘star’ chef)” and "In darkness everyone becomes equal. Our opinions can't be molded by dress, mannerisms, or makeup as none of it can be seen. You learn that without sight your other senses become more acute”; and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> WHEREAS, these statements lay bare the underlying philosophy of dining in the dark, that sight means superior ability, and that, when sight is removed in the dark, the blind and the sighted are equal: Now, therefore, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this fourth day of July, 2012, in the city of Dallas, Texas, that this organization condemn and deplore the use of dining in the dark in a manner that diminishes the innate normality and equal status of the blind in society; and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization pursue an active policy of opposition to dining in the dark activities and events, including use of media and public protests, whenever and wherever such activities and events exploit blindness and blind people based on a demeaning philosophy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> As we know, resolutions adopted by members at our National convention become the policies of the National Federation of the Blind. It is my firm belief, we as members of the NFB of SC need to fully support 2012-04 and strongly oppose a “Dining in the Dark” activity currently being considered by the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. It is my sincere hope that we can turn our focus toward planning a program which will depict blindness in a realistic and positive manner in accordance with our philosophy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> 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. Joining me for comments in this Positive Note is the President Emeritus of the NFB of SC. Here is Dr. Capps. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> I was stunned to learn that the SC Commission for the Blind is considering a “Dining in the Dark” event as part of their week long activities. It’s unfortunate that this has occurred as it is a distraction to the other positive activities. It seems the Commission personnel disregarded and disrespected the views of the blind staff who opposed the Dining in the Dark event. The blind staff members of the Commission for the Blind are absolutely correct in their opposition to the Dining in the Dark activity. We are glad, however, that there will be a Banquet on Friday night, May 6, 2016 as an important highlight of the 50th anniversary celebration. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> As many of you know, Gov. Robert E. McNair signed the Commission for the Blind Bill into law on May 6, 1966, exactly 50 years ago. It was my privilege to attend this signing ceremony in Gov. McNair’s office. As a part of the signing ceremony, the pen Gov. McNair used to sign the Bill was then handed to my wife Betty. This pen is in the Legislative Hall of Fame in the Board Room of the Federation Center of the Blind. To provide our readers with the picture of the signing ceremony, we are enclosing a copy of the picture used on the cover page of what was then called the Palmetto Auroran (now the Palmetto Blind) from May 1966. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> It will be noted that four years ago the NFB was vehemently opposed to any Dining in the Dark event as clearly covered in the July 4, 2012 resolution adopted at the national convention in Dallas. Thus, this policy is still relevant today and we cannot be a part of any attempt by the Commission to alienate the blind. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Since the SC Legislature and the Governor’s Office were involved in the Commission Bill 50 years ago, we may want to approach the Legislature requesting a suitable resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Commission for the Blind. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We call upon Commission officials including a shorthanded Board of Commissioners and my friend Commissioner Jim Kirby to herewith cease any further planning to have a Dining in the Dark event, as already stated would be very offensive to the blind. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We commend our state President Frank Coppel for his strong stand and leadership in opposing the Dining in the Dark issue. Instead, we believe the Commission for the Blind has enjoyed outstanding success during its 50 year history serving the blind and we strongly support Frank Coppel’s recommendation that the Commission “can turn its focus toward planning a program which will depict blindness in a realistic and positive manner in accordance with our philosophy.” The 50th anniversary celebration should focus upon highlighting successful blind young people, college students, career placements and senior citizens. All of us involved in this big program of service to the blind want to participate in a manner that derives happiness and pride.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: “Groundhog Day: Nature’s first weather forecaster.”<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>