[VABS] Making Student Events Possible

[Robert Parsons]

Hello VABS

 

I remember speaking to students on the conference call about our events and
how important it was to make the events that we do accessible to all areas
of Virginia, so I decided to give you some tips on how to make our events a
possibility for you. This list of resources should be able to answer some of
the dilemmas that you may face when there is an event you would like to
attend that isn't in your hometown.  

 

1.	Don't worry too much about transportation: Most of our events are on
the lines of some type of public transportation. If we do an event, we make
sure that we research options of how students will arrive. Whether it is
Greyhound or Amtrak, there is always an option there that you can use to
attend a VABS event. 
2.	Ask for help: If you are not sure how you can attend a VABS event,
but you really want to make it, reach out to one of the VABS board members.
If it is a transportation or financial issue, I am sure we can find a way to
make sure that you make it. 
3.	Get help from your chapters: The National Federation of the Blind of
Virginia has 12 strong chapters that are very supportive of our efforts.
Speaking as a chapter President myself, I know that my colleagues are
willing to support your attendance if you commit to coming and show interest
in making this division great. 
4.	Talk to the Affiliate President: If you are not finding guidance
anywhere about making it to a VABS event, contact NFBV state President,
Tracy Sofrenko. He is always willing to assist. His email address is
Tracy.Sofrenko at gmail.com <mailto:Tracy.Sofrenko at gmail.com> . 
5.	Check for Deals: Everyone is not financially stable. We all know
this. As students, we are the best at finding deals and promotions to make
things happen. If you see an option that you can use to make an event, see
if it is worthwhile. An example of this is that if there is a carpool in
your area going to a VABS event, try to see if there is room. Other NFB
members love to share costs and make things happen and would have no problem
assisting you. 
6.	Consider Other Divisions: If you are under 18 and your family is
skeptical about you going to another city, have them contact someone in the
Virginia Association of Parents of Blind Children. These parents can ease
your folks' mind at the very least. Some of these parents may even be
attending the event they are questioning and could offer to accompany them.
Visit www.nfbv.org <http://www.nfbv.org>  to get contact information of this
division. 

Hopefully, these options can make your attendance to an event that is not in
your area a possibility. Don't look at another city as a deal breaker
because the more that you set limits to your recreational and student
opportunities, the less progressive your own independence will be. In the
real world, jobs and schools are not around the corner or in your town all
the time. Use these events and experiences as training for your travel and
independence abilities in the future. 

 

Thanks

 

Robert E. Parsons Jr.

President, Richmond Chapter

President, Virginia Association of Blind Students

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

Randolph Macon College '18 

Phone: 804 200 3275

"Without struggle, there is no progress." -Frederick Douglass