[Ohio-talk] NFB and ACB

[NMPBRAT at aol.com]

Well, I too am a member of both organizations.  I think  for me, I agree 
with some aspects of each organizations philosophies....and  disagree with 
others.  I'm kind of that way with politics as well, I  guess....in that, I 
don't hold a hard party line.   I think you can be  a part of both if you are 
willing to respect and appreciate each organization's  beliefs, strengths, 
and what they can "bring to the table"....as I  personally see merit in both.  
Just my thoughts!
Respectfully,
Nicole
 
 
In a message dated 4/18/2015 9:52:35 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
ohio-talk at nfbnet.org writes:

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

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