[Ohio-talk] NFB and ACB

[Kaiti Shelton]

Hi all,

One of the things I've been working on this semester, and talked a
little bit about on the list recently, is an organization for students
with disabilities and allies on UD's campus.  My partner in crime in
this is another blind student, and it is interesting how things have
worked out.  We seem to have very similar attitudes about independence
and are in agreement on how to work to make disability less of a taboo
topic of conversation on campus, but I'm a Federationist and she's an
ACB member.  It's interesting because sometimes in conversations we'll
dance around mentioning the different organizations.  For example, the
other day she said, "I went to a conference in October and-something
about BSVI."  I know it was the ACB convention, so I'm wondering why
there needs to be the secrecy about it.  I doubt she's intentionally
doing it-it's probably passed down through the generations.

I'm guilty of this, too.  Though I have not been shy about my
allegiance and have specifically said things like, "I heard this at an
NFB thing," I have not done it as much as I normally would.  I am also
guilty of not wanting to do anything with the ACB.  Until Dr. Maurer
made a comment telling me I should apply for ACB scholarships at the
last conventions I never applied simply because I didn't agree with
the organization's approach.  I also heard horror stories of NFB
people being announced as "The other camp" as they entered ACB
functions, and didn't want to be treated like that so I never thought
of attending anything they sponsored.

It really got me thinking about how the organizations are still at
odds with each other today.  It's funny, too, because when I've
mentioned things like, "We could do something for Meet the Blind
Month," the reaction is just like, "Oh, an NFB thing."  I wouldn't
quite describe it as disappointment, but definitely something along
those lines.  While I personally don't agree with the approach the ACB
takes as an organization, I won't judge someone who does.  I know a
few people who have had membership in both organizations
simultaneously and like them.  I don't think I've ever met a full ACB
person, though, so this is something new.  I really like her and her
attitude about things is very similar to mine, so this is puzzling me.
I would love to use opportunities in the club to promote things like
Meet the Blind Month, or use a fundraiser to possibly get some funds
for BELL as a service event, but in this instance I feel obligated to
keep it neutral.  Thoughts?

   --
Kaiti Shelton
University of Dayton 2016.
Music Therapy, Psychology, Philosophy
President, Ohio Association of Blind Students
Sigma Alpha Iota-Delta Sigma