[Nfbf-l] Member at large

[davidw]

It has been brought to my attention  that a lot of gossip is circulateing 
about the message I sent out a few weeks ago about me wanting to be a 
"member at large" and hopefully we can put this to rest here and now.  I am 
not the type to respond to gossip as I feel that I have always fought for 
the rights of the Blind-Low Vision Community since going thru my own battles 
after going blind in 1995.

I wrote that message as I am frustrated ever since moving to Florida early 
this year.  While in Washington State we had already fought for 
transportation and it is 100% better than what they offer here.   We could 
travel anywhere, seven days a week,  from six in the morning until mid night 
and that is what I am use too.   but here in our area and many other area's 
it is very limited if your lucky enough to have it and their closed on the 
weekends.

As far as the Florida Division for Blind Services,  it really sucks (pardon 
my language Ladie's)  I've heard that "we have better services than other 
state's"  Umm  I hate to be the bearer of bad news but Florida has in my 
opinion one of the worse if not the worse services in this great country of 
ours.  I've worked in a couple states for the Blind-Low Vision and they put 
Floridas services to shame.

I've met a few so called Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRC's) and a 
couple supervisor's working for the state of Florida's Blind Services and 
after hearing them spew their speech I wonder how they sleep at night and I 
wonder if they are embarrassed to take their paycheck.

So to get back to why I wrote that message: I am really frustrated!  I 
recieved many messages off list stateing I can do "more from the inside from 
the outside"  and I feel that they are sincere and have the same issues and 
concerns as I.
If we stand alone most in likely nobody will hear us but if we stand 
together then we can become loud enough they will have to listen.
Again,
I would rather be standing on my feet fighting then, on my knee's begging.

Happy Holidays to You and Yours,

David Wermuth
President-  Hernando-East Pasco Chapter
352-593-4063