[Nfbwv-talk] Hall Of Honor Story

[NFB Huntington Area Chapter]

Ed and all:

A well deserved public recognition. Way to go Ed.

Brad
On 10/29/2013 9:19 PM, Karen McDonald wrote:
> 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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