[Nfbwv-talk] Hall Of Honor Story

[Karen McDonald]

I thought you all might want to see the front-page article from 
our local newspaper, the Mineral Daily News Tribune.  I am 
sending this just as it appeared on the newspaper's website.

 The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia got a new 
member in 1969 - Edgar McDonald.  What they didn't know at the 
time was that they had gained a loyal member who would bring 
about great change over the next 44 years.  It is McDonald's hard 
work and dedication that recently earned him an induction into 
the National Federation of the Blind's Hall of Honors.  McDonald 
says the induction meant a lot to him because it is people he has 
worked with and been friends with over the years who voted him 
in.  "The fact that they think enough of me to vote for me means 
a lot; it's significant," he said.  McDonald says it has meant a 
great deal to him to be involved in the organization.  "I learned 
about being blind as a political issue rather than a medical 
one," he said.  McDonald said that he has tried to change social 
"barriers" and the public's view on the blind.  "I came to 
understand that by talking to other blind people and working 
collectively, you get more done.  "Getting more done is exactly 
what McDonald has done in his years of service to the 
organization.  McDonald served as president of the West Virginia 
affiliate from 1991 to 2002.  Under his leadership, Newsline for 
the Blind was brought to West Virginia with the addition of the 
Huntington Herald Dispatch.  McDonald was also a driving force in 
getting the Braille Bill pushed through the West Virginia 
Legislature and signed into law.  McDonald also had the 
distinction of serving on the national board of the National 
Federation of the Blind form 1994 to 1997.  He currently serves 
as chairperson of the Agency Partnership Committee and is also 
serving as the first vice-president of the National Federation 
and as president of the Members at Large Chapter.  "It's humbling 
in a way," says McDonald.  "But now that I got that to live up 
to; if I don't step it up they might kick me out," he laughts.  
McDonald's nomination said he was an integral and essential part 
of the Federation family and most deserving of the honor for 
changing what it means to be blind.  For McDonald, that is just a 
part of everyday life.  "I try to live my life in a way that says 
I am blind and still out living my life.  "Being blind is a part 
of my life, a big part," says McDonald, "but I am not a blind 
guy, I am a guy who happens to be blind."