[Nfbf-l] NFB: fundamentals of blindness

Wed Jun 18 09:41:31 UTC 2014

Jordan,
	I realize that many who are not familiar with the NFB have some
preconceived notions about who we are and what we stand for. I am of the
opinion that these myths and misconceptions are promulgated by those in
whose best interests it is to tell such untruths. The reality is that the
NFB does have some very strong, independent individuals who strive to make
their lives and the lives of other blind people better through a positive
understanding that blindness is one of many characteristics we possess. We
believe that blindness is only one of those characteristics and is not
necessarily the one that defines us. We believe it is our personal
responsibility to obtain the proper training that will allow us to make our
own way in the world and that a fundamental shift in consciousness is the
essential element for living the life we all want and deserve. We are not
all superblind; we are simply blind people living our hopes and dreams like
every other individual, bound and determined to not let blindness stand in
the way of achieving our dreams.

	We do not look down on those who have not yet discovered the truth
about themselves as blind people. In fact, we seek them out to share the
liberating message of our beliefs and put our philosophy into practical
application. For the most part, we are not arrogant, egotistical individuals
who care little about others; we are passionate, caring individuals working
diligently to make the lives of the blind better.

	It is my personal passion to share this belief with anyone who will
listen and accept this truth for themselves. The paradigm shift is not
instantaneous; it is a process - a path to follow. The fact of my process is
that I am not yet there nor do I believe I will ever get there. Once I
achieve a goal, my goal changes to something higher. I am on a journey that
really has no end, filled with excitement and adventure.

	Along my path, I have met others, both blind and sighted who say I
am extraordinary. I do not believe I am extraordinary as a blind person; I
believe this statement is based upon the stereotypical way others expect a
blind person to be. Since I do not fit into the stereotype, I am
extraordinary. My affiliation with the national Federation of the blind has
demonstrated the falsity of the stereotype and the truth of the Federation's
philosophy.

	It is unfortunate that you will not be able to attend convention.
When you do have the opportunity, it will be the life-changing experience it
is for everyone who attends. There you will see blind people helping other
blind people stretch and grow. You will find blind people showing other
blind people a better white cane and a better way to use it. You will find
blind people teaching other blind people Braille and telling them that, even
if they only learn the basics, it is another skill that affords them a
little more independence. You will find blind people sharing with other
blind people how they perform the jobs many think are out of reach for the
blind and instilling hope and confidence. You will find blind people helping
other blind people and this is not the way those who are portrayed by those
who say we are radical, self-serving, arrogant, and egotistical behave. This
is because we are not those people! 

	I am open and available to chat, if you wish. You can reach me by
email or you are welcome to give me a call. My contact information is below
my signature.

Fraternally yours,

Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc.
National Federation of the Blind
(813) 626-2789
(888) 624-3841 (Hotline)
President at nagdu.org
http://www.nagdu.org

High expectations create unlimited potential for the blind!

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbf-l [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jordan
Norregaard via Nfbf-l
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2014 2:07 AM
To: nfbf-l at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbf-l] NFB: fundamentals of blindness

I have received emails recently about the NFB at large, and what it means to
be a federationist.  These are only my opinions and impressions, and may be
absolutely wrong--everyone is entitled to an opinion!

First off, I'd like to discuss reaching out to the masses.  All blind people
could use a bit of a helping hand, or advice from time to time.
I'll give a true example.  I'm not going to convention this year, but I did
see a restaurant with a buffet.  I am totally blind, and I'm wondering how
someone would manage a buffet?  Are their any special techniques to know?
Can a totally blind person navigate a buffet unaided, or would this be one
of those times to ask for sighted help?
Since I truly don't know these answers, I'd like the advice, but am afraid
to ask.  Most federationists are already top-notch independent, and know a
ton of skills, and have had people who guided them on their way properly.
If I ask these questions, would I be looked down upon?
Would you consider me an ignorant idiot?  Truly, no offense, but its a
general assumtion from quite a few people I know, that federationists are
somewhat arrogant and have their noses in the air.  Reaching out to the
masses means sometimes going back to the fundamentals of blindness
adaptations, social skills, table manners, social manners in general and the
like.  The newly blinded may have trouble with the little things we're so
use to doing for ourselves, I.E. cutting food, identifying food on a plate,
Etc.  I'm surprised someone hasn't thought to make a discrete website for
this stuf...I could use some of it!  Just make a good website with the
ettiquet stuff, o&m techniques, cane travel...basicly all the basics.

I'll give one heck of an embarrassing example.  If it takes me
humiliating myself to start a movement, so be it!   I was living alone
for about 9 months, diong college courses.  Of course, I was eating food,
and didn't care about table manners--who's gonna watch me eat?
I didn't realize I fell back into  some terrible habbits--using fingers
instead of a fork or a piece of bread, generally eating too fast Etc. It
appeared as if I was shoveling in the food!  So, what if an adult needs
well...a bit of re-education, or a brush-up on skills?
Usually, family and friends would do this, but I can give instances where my
mom has flat out lied to me about things--what is the proper way to take
food off a scure? I'm sure my adapted method was terribly wrong, but I guess
my mom didn't want to embarrass me...but, I knew on some level that it was,
in fact, wrong!  I'm not wanting to hear, "your doing it fine," when I know
that's not the truth, it simply makes me more humiliated when I did find out
how to actuallly unscure food  properly!!!  I'd rather go to a  discrete
website about this stuf...its private, no one knows but me!...and I'm
guaranteed to get a true answer from someone who knows what he's doing.

One more bad habbit, eating all of one food before switching to another
food--ok ok, how do sighted people manage?  I was never correct on this
behavior, till I read a future reflections magazine telling me it was
unmannerly to do so.  If I ask my mom, would I get the truth or a lie?  I'd
rather hear the truth, although I might not want to hear it.

In summary, let's go back to basics, make a website for the little stuff us
blind people miss, or take for granted as stuff we already know--some of us
don't have the fonts of knowledge and experience most federationists have.
"Its OK to ask questions, we don't bite, or judge."

Jordan

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