[Nfbwv-talk] Hall Of Honor Story

[Smyth, Charlene R]

Karen, 

Thank you so much for sharing this article.  Way to go, Ed!!!

Charlene


-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbwv-talk [mailto:nfbwv-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Karen McDonald
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 9:20 PM
To: NFB of WV Discussion List
Subject: [Nfbwv-talk] Hall Of Honor Story

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."

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