[Stylist] Food for Thought: NFB Literature for a Younger Audience

[Jacobson, Shawn D]

I remember reading "Blindness, Is Literature Against Us" when I was in middle school and it was not above my comprehension.  I believe the reasonably literate middle/high schooler should be able to read a convention speech and understand what we are about.

The question is, do we have literature that discusses NFB philosophy in the current setting, with our issues with the new technology.  I think that the content is comprehensible, but is the tone of the writing something that a millennial would relate to.

Shawn

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From: Stylist <stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tina Hansen via Stylist
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Cc: Tina Hansen <th404 at comcast.net>
Subject: [Stylist] Food for Thought: NFB Literature for a Younger Audience

I wanted to get something out there for everyone to think about.

 

I have been enjoying our NFB literature for a good number of years, ever since I joined the organization in 1992. I joined as an adult, and am now rediscovering the richness of our literature.

 

This got me thinking. We have summer youth programs, such as BELL and the programs at our training centers. We also have our student division.

 

But I've been wondering: Is there a need for someone to articulate our philosophy in a way that a younger peJust some thoughts. Any comments?
Thanks.rson, such as a student in elementary or middle school, can relate to it? Has anyone written or recorded anything targeted at this group? Is it necessary, or is our literature enough as it is?

 

I know these days we hear the phrase, "kid-friendly," tossed around. My working on this Apollo 11 narrative over the past months got me thinking about this. What does it take for something to be accessible to a younger audience, but also good for adults like us? Is there a need for a version of our one-minute message using language that a young person, such as an elementary or middle school student, would find familiar? Is there a need for "kid-friendly" literature?

 

I think of the single blind student in a public school who needs blind mentors and role models. While the parents, if they have any sense at all, may have sought us out, what if they haven't yet? I also know that the younger generation is incredibly tech-savvy. If they happen on our web site, they may or may not stay, depending on their age. Some may be interested, but as with anything, some would want to hear our philosophy articulate by their pears.

 

Once the student reaches high school, I'd think they'd have no difficulty with our literature, but it could be a bit of a challenge for elementary and middle school students.

 

I know my assumptions may be flawed. If that's the case, I admit that right here and now. However, I did want to ask the question. Yet I also know kids like greater interactivity. Is a blog or a Facebook page good enough?

 

 

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