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Hello Everyone,<br><br>
It is my pleasure to forward an introduction from the new editor of
Future Reflections magazine. Many of you already know Debbie Kent
Stein, who has worked on behalf of blind children and their families and
been an active Federationist for many years. Here are
Debbie's comments:<br>
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Greetings! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to
the leaders and members of the National Organization of Parents of Blind
Children. As you know, Barbara Cheadle will retire from her
position at the National Center in Baltimore on May 1. I have been
asked to serve as the next editor of <i>Future Reflections</i>, the
magazine Barbara started twenty-six years ago and nurtured since its
beginning. I feel honored, excited, and a bit daunted as I
contemplate the challenges before me. I hope to maintain the high
standard Barbara established, and to help the magazine meet the
ever-changing needs of today's parents and teachers of blind
children.<br>
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To tell you a bit about myself, I have been totally blind since birth due
to Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA). I grew up in New Jersey,
where I began my education in a resource room and was later fully
mainstreamed. I earned a B.A. in English from Oberlin College
and a master's degree from Smith College School for Social Work.
For four years I worked in community mental health at University
Settlement House in New York City. I then moved to the town of San
Miguel de Allende in Mexico and embarked on a new career as a writer of
books for young readers. My first novel, <i>Belonging</i>, was
published by Dial Press in 1978. It draws upon my experiences as a
blind student in a regular high school. I have written nearly two
dozen young-adult novels, as well as many nonfiction titles, mostly on
topics in U.S. history. Since 1983 I have lived in Chicago with my
husband, Dick Stein, also a writer of children's books. We have one
daughter, Janna, age twenty-five, who is currently teaching and thinking
about going to graduate school.<br>
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For more than twenty years I have been an active Federationist in
Illinois and in some national programs as well. I feel that every
aspect of the organization's mission are vital, but my greatest passion
is for our work with blind children and their families. I have
served as NOPBC liaison in Illinois since 1991, advocating at IEP
meetings, planning seminars, and providing resources wherever I can.<br>
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At NFB national conventions I have had the pleasure of meeting and
learning from many parents from around the country. As editor of
<i>Future Reflections</i> I look forward to widening and deepening my
acquaintance with all of you in the NOPBC. I welcome your ideas,
questions, and stories. And of course, I welcome your articles and
news items for <i>Future Reflections.</i> Please feel free to
contact me with your thoughts and suggestions. I believe the
magazine should reflect the triumphs and concerns of parents, and should
map a course toward the best possible future for today's blind
children.<br>
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