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<div id="header"> <h1 class="title">The Braille Monitor, October 2021</h1> </div>
<h1 id="braille-monitor">BRAILLE MONITOR</h1> <p>Vol. 64, No. 9 October 2021</p>
<p><em>Gary Wunder, Editor</em></p> <p>Distributed by email, in inkprint, in
Braille, and on USB flash drive, by the</p> <p>NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND</p>
<p>Mark Riccobono, President</p> <p>telephone: 410-659-9314</p> <p>email address:
<a href="mailto:nfb@nfb.org">nfb@nfb.org</a></p> <p>website address: <a
href="https://www.nfb.org">https://www.nfb.org</a></p> <p>NFBnet.org: <a
href="http://www.nfbnet.org">http://www.nfbnet.org</a></p> <p>NFB-NEWSLINE®
information: 866-504-7300</p> <p>Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind</p>
<p>Follow us on Twitter: @NFB_Voice</p> <p>Watch and share our videos:
YouTube.com/NationsBlind</p> <p>Letters to the President, address changes,
subscription requests, and orders for NFB literature should be sent to the national
office. Articles for the <em>Monitor</em> and letters to the editor may also be
sent to the national office or may be emailed to <a
href="mailto:gwunder@nfb.org">gwunder@nfb.org</a>.</p> <p><em>Monitor</em>
subscriptions cost the Federation about forty dollars per year. Members are invited,
and nonmembers are requested, to cover the subscription cost. Donations should be
made payable to <strong>National Federation of the Blind</strong> and sent to:</p>
<p>National Federation of the Blind</p> <p>200 East Wells Street <em>at Jernigan
Place</em><br /> Baltimore, Maryland 21230-4998</p> <p><strong>THE NATIONAL
FEDERATION OF THE BLIND KNOWS THAT BLINDNESS IS NOT THE CHARACTERISTIC THAT DEFINES
YOU OR YOUR FUTURE. EVERY DAY WE RAISE THE EXPECTATIONS OF BLIND PEOPLE, BECAUSE
LOW EXPECTATIONS CREATE OBSTACLES BETWEEN BLIND PEOPLE AND OUR DREAMS. YOU CAN
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT; BLINDNESS IS NOT WHAT HOLDS YOU BACK. THE NATIONAL FEDERATION
OF THE BLIND IS NOT AN ORGANIZATION SPEAKING FOR THE BLIND—IT IS THE BLIND
SPEAKING FOR OURSELVES.</strong></p> <p><em>ISSN 0006-8829</em></p> <p>© 2021
by the National Federation of the Blind</p> <p>Each issue is recorded on a thumb
drive (also called a memory stick or USB flash drive). You can read this audio
edition using a computer or a National Library Service digital player. The NLS
machine has two slots—the familiar book-cartridge slot just above the
retractable carrying handle and a second slot located on the right side near the
headphone jack. This smaller slot is used to play thumb drives. Remove the protective
rubber pad covering this slot and insert the thumb drive. It will insert only in
one position. If you encounter resistance, flip the drive over and try again.
(Note: If the cartridge slot is not empty when you insert the thumb drive, the
digital player will ignore the thumb drive.) Once the thumb drive is inserted,
the player buttons will function as usual for reading digital materials. If you
remove the thumb drive to use the player for cartridges, when you insert it again,
reading should resume at the point you stopped.</p> <p>You can transfer the
recording of each issue from the thumb drive to your computer or preserve it on
the thumb drive. However, because thumb drives can be used hundreds of times, we
would appreciate their return in order to stretch our funding. Please use the
return envelope enclosed with the drive when you return the device.</p> <p>Vol.
64, No. 9 October 2021</p> <h2 id="contents">Contents</h2> <p>Illustration: The
Beauty of Local Programming and the Magic of Sharing Your News</p> <p>Apologies
from the Editor</p> <p>Transformative Leadership in Partnership with the Blind:
Colorado Raises Expectations for All Blind Americans</p> <p>by Jena Griswold</p>
<p>Transformative Innovations in Transportation: A Commitment to a Future Informed
by the Blind</p> <p>by The Honorable Pete Buttigieg</p> <p>Reframing the Fight
for Civil Rights: Understanding the Discourse on Equality Verses Equity from a
Social Justice Perspective</p> <p>by Kane Brolin, Dr. Evette Simmons-Reed, Dr.
Carolyn Peters, Dr. Lashawna Fant, and Lee Martin</p> <p>Personal Reflections on
Freedom</p> <p>by Maurice Peret</p> <p>A Life Well Lived by our Colleague, Friend,
and Federation Family Member, Charlie Brown</p> <p>by Alan Schlank</p> <p>Leadership
and Common Bonds: Transformative Change and Civil Rights Grounding from
Maryland’s Seventh Congressional District</p> <p>How Speaking Out Can Help
Prepare for Cloudy Days and Save Lives</p> <p>by Jonathan Franks</p> <p>Living,
Loving, and Providing for One’s Family Isn’t New to This Generation</p>
<p>by Peggy Chong</p> <p>Constitution of the National Federation of the Blind as
Amended 2014</p> <p><em>Monitor</em> Miniatures</p> <p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Greater
Akron president Dave Bertsch speaks to the families about the NFB.]</p> <p>[PHOTO
CAPTION: Greater Akron member Camryn Gattuso speaks to students about the NFB
Scholarship she won.]</p> <p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Greater Akron member Pat McPherson
gives a backpack of accessible school supplies to a student.]</p> <p>[PHOTO CAPTION:
Greater Akron members Jessica Stover and Krissy Coen serve pizza and help students
with accessible crafts and games.]</p> <h2
id="the-beauty-of-local-programming-and-the-magic-of-sharing-your-news">The Beauty
of Local Programming and the Magic of Sharing Your News</h2> <p>Having local
programming at the chapter level is fundamental to what we do in the National
Federation of the Blind. When the Greater Akron Chapter of the National Federation
of the Blind of Ohio thought about ways they could help blind students, they
decided to give backpacks to the young people, the contents of which would be
determined by the student. The event was a wonderful way to begin bridging the
gap that so many of us who grew up without blind role models complain about. It
also gave members of our Akron Chapter a chance to meet with young people and
their families and to hear in their own words the things that excite and challenge
them. It began building a bridge between the organized blind and the teachers who
work in the Akron public schools. May every chapter find a way to be so proactive
and to make the National Federation of the Blind something that every student can
experience, touch, take to their school room, and, at the end of the day, bring
home.</p> <p>Because of the Akron Chapter's efforts and taking the time to share,
we have a great lead for the <em>Monitor.</em> Please do the same when your chapter
has an event; share it so we may all take strength and direction from you.</p>
<p>----------</p> <h2 id="apologies-from-the-editor">Apologies from the Editor</h2>
<p><strong>It's not a great feeling to make a mistake, but when there are enough
of them that apology is plural, that's even worse. So here goes:</strong></p>
<p><strong>In the August-September issue I did not include the speech made by
Lizzy Muhammad-Park, our $12,000 winner of the Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship. Here
is what she said:</strong></p> <p><strong>Lizzy:</strong> Thank you, Madam
Chair.</p> <p>Hello, my Federation family. This honor represents your belief
in me as a Federation leader and as a future successful blind professional. I
would like to give a huge thank-you to the scholarship committee; to the National
Federation of the Blind as a whole; to Dr. Ray Kurzweil; to my husband; to my
parents, especially my mom; and to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I heard
a quote earlier this week which said, “Don't worry about how you can get
out of a situation, but instead think of why you were put in it.”</p>
<p>With that, I need to share a little story with you. After four surgeries,
a 5-year-old girl had a conversation with her mother that went something like
this.</p> <p>“I can't take it anymore.”</p> <p>“You have to,
baby.  You're strong.”</p> <p>“No, really, mom, I can't do this
again.”</p> <p>“Are you sure?” The mother wondered what her
child's future might hold. “If you don't, you won't be able to see
anymore.”</p> <p>“I don't really care about that. Can I still go to
school?”</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>“Can I still play with
my friends?”</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>“Can I still watch
TV?”</p> <p>“Yes,” her mom said.</p> <p>“Okay, then,
I'm fine with it. As long as I don't have to get another surgery.”</p>
<p>I was that little girl. And after this conversation, my mom told my family
about our decision.</p> <p>“You can't listen to a child!  She doesn't
know what it means to be blind!”</p> <p>Hmm, what did they know?</p>
<p>“No,” my mom said firmly. “If she's okay with it, then
we're okay with it. You don't know.  She might be part of a change for blind
people.  I believe that she was chosen for this.  God has a plan for
her life, so instead of praying for her sight, let's pray for His will to be
done.”</p> <p>Since everyone doesn't have my mom on speed dial, I will
leave you with this:  What the world views as weakness can be used for
strength.  It is in this way that the least become the greatest. People may
underestimate you, and they will doubt you.  But don't let people tell you
who you are.  You tell them who you are. Better yet, show them. You are not
a victim of blindness.  You were chosen for this.  You are in the right
place at the right time, surrounded by the right people, the members of the National
Federation of the Blind showing people who we are—I’ve got to start
that part again because it's like the best part. The members of the National
Federation of the Blind: showing people who we are with everything we do since
1940; Live the life you want and build the Federation.</p> <p>Thank you a million
times over for awarding me this honor.  I will do my best to make you proud.</p>
<p>----------</p> <p>[PHOTO/CAPTION: Randi Strunk]</p> <p><strong>In the same
issue I put a picture of Briley O'Connor in the place where our Iron Man
Randi Strunk should have appeared. You will also find it here.</strong></p>
<p><strong>I remember reading Hazel tenBroek talking about getting out an issue
of the <em>Braille Monitor</em> from the Berkeley office. To paraphrase, she said,
"We all set back, took a few minutes to rejoice, and then waited for the list of
our mistakes to start coming in. That's no excuse for me, of course, but it's nice
not to be alone.</strong></p> <p>----------</p> <h2
id="transformative-leadership-in-partnership-with-the-blind-colorado-raises-expectations-for-all-blind-americans">Transformative
Leadership in Partnership with the Blind: Colorado Raises Expectations for All
Blind Americans</h2> <p><strong>by Jena Griswold</strong></p> <p><strong>From the
Editor: Right now there is tremendous debate in our country over the issue of
voting and security. While some are sure fraud is rampant and we must protect
against it, others are actively looking for ways to increase turnout and at new
technology that will see that every person eligible to vote has a good chance to
do it. This presentation is an example of someone enthusiastic about helping blind
people vote. Here are some of the remarks used to introduce her by President
Riccobono:</strong></p> <p><strong>President Riccobono:</strong> You heard Eve
Hill talk about Colorado raising expectations for all blind Americans by enacting
a law which we heard in the roll call. It's also been repeated in Hawaii. Our next
presenter has the distinction of being the thirty-ninth secretary of state for
the great state of Colorado and also the youngest secretary of state currently in
the nation. She's bringing new perspectives to the work in Colorado, and she has
demonstrated herself as a true champion for equality for the blind through her
work to offer electronic delivery of voting and now in Colorado with electronic
returns. So, here for some remarks about leadership for the rest of the nation to
pay attention to is Colorado Secretary of State, from Louisville, Colorado, Jena
Griswold.</p> <p>(“Colorado Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver
plays before her remarks).</p> <p><strong>Jena Griswold:</strong> Good afternoon.
Thank you for having me here. I'm Jena Griswold, Colorado's secretary of state,
and the song you just played is right on point. We're actually in the Rocky
Mountains now, breathing the fresh air, and just so happy to join you.</p> <p>Thank
you, President Riccobono and everyone at the National Federation of the Blind for
having me. In Colorado, we're so fortunate to work with Scott LaBarre and his
team, including Dan Burke and Curtis Chong. It's an honor to be speaking with you
at your eighty-first annual convention.</p> <p>As Colorado's secretary of state,
my office oversees all statewide elections, making sure all of our sixty-four
county clerks are working in concert to make sure Colorado's elections are secure
and smoothly run.</p> <p>Colorado is continually among the nation's leaders in
voter registration and turnout. In last November's general election in the midst
of the pandemic, over 3.2 million Coloradans cast a ballot, more than in any
election ever before in state history. Our turnout rate among active, registered
voters was an impressive 86.5 percent. While 2020 was a continuation of excellent
voter turnout in the state, it's not by coincidence. The fact of the matter is
that we work hard to make sure voting is as easy as it can be. I'm proud that
Colorado's election model is the nation's gold standard. We utilize vote-by-mail
for all, in which every registered voter is mailed a ballot which they can return
by mail or in any of our nearly four hundred drop boxes throughout the state, and
94 percent of voters choose to vote through mail ballot. We have early voting,
where most voting centers open two weeks before an election. We have automatic
voter registration and same day registration, enabling eligible voters to register
and vote even on Election Day.</p> <p>This hybrid of voting by mail and early
in-person voting really comes down to one key simple tenet: Access. Colorado's
elections are the nation's gold standards because we're able to provide voters
with various methods by which to cast their ballots while maintaining security,
and when voters know that casting a ballot is secure and easy, they will
enthusiastically participate.</p> <p>But access means a lot of different things
to a lot of different people, and in Colorado we work hard to make sure that every
eligible voter has an equal opportunity to participate in our democracy. I'm proud
that, by working closely with the National Federation of the Blind, Colorado
continues to set the standard in voting for Americans with no to low eyesight.
Just this past legislative session, the state legislature passed the Ballot Access
to Voters with Disabilities bill, a collaborative effort with the NFB chapter in
Colorado and State Senator Jessie Danielson that uses technology to revolutionize
voting for Americans with low to no eyesight.</p> <p>Starting back in 2019, blind,
visually impaired, and voters with a qualified disability were able to receive a
ballot electronically. The problem was, after receiving their ballot, voters had
to print it out, vote, sign it, and physically return it to the county clerk. This
latest legislation removes that additional hurdle of physically returning the
ballot by allowing those specific voters who are blind, visually impaired, or
otherwise unable to manipulate their ballot to vote and return their ballot using
similar methods that our military overseas currently uses.</p> <p>While we
steadfastly protect election access, we're equally protective of election security.
We're unquestionably committed to security. Thanks to the measures that we have
in place, Colorado has been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security and
the <em>Washington Post</em> as the safest state in which to cast a ballot today.
Colorado overwhelmingly uses a voter-verified paper ballot. None of our voting
equipment is connected to the internet, and after every election, we conduct a
risk-limiting audit which proves to a high statistical degree of certainty that
the results of the election are correct. What increases the security of electronic
ballots is the fact that we use a secure transfer portal which is encrypted. This
is similar technology that allows military voters stationed overseas and American
voters living in other countries to have their voices heard, and now it's another
way that blind voters can have their voices heard as well.</p> <p>Our commitment
to access also extends to the technology we've developed to make voting easier,
and once again, the NFB has been an essential partner. This last fall, we implemented
ballot-tracking capability statewide, which informs voters via text or email of
the status of their ballot from when they're mailed to when they're received by
the county clerk. The results after one election were extraordinary, with over
1.7 million voters using the system to track their ballot. That's 53.8 percent of
all ballots returned. We're currently working with the NFB Colorado chapter to
make the system work even better by optimizing mobile accessibility features.
Tracking ballots is an invaluable way to add transparency to elections by removing
all doubt that a voter's ballot has been received.</p> <p>Colorado has also
implemented a mechanism by which voters can address signature discrepancies via
their cell phone called TextSecure. In a vote-by-mail system, a voter's signature
is what the clerks and election judges tend to use to prove that a ballot belongs
to the right person. If a signature on a ballot doesn't match a signature on file
for that voter, the voter is given a chance to fix the discrepancy before the vote
is not counted. TextSecure gives voters the opportunity to easily and conveniently
fix those signature issues by making sure our voices are heard. In the last
election, 11,085 ballots that otherwise would not have been counted were cured or
fixed by voters using this new technology. We consulted with the NFB in Colorado
in developing this feature and continue to work to improve it to suit the needs
of blind voters.</p> <p>The NFB plays an important role in how we conduct in-person
voting as well. Colorado has solicited and received important feedback on accessible
voting devices, feedback that has in turn been forwarded to our voting-system
developers and implemented in elections. These voting-system developers can take
what they learn from Colorado and implement changes nationwide, improving
accessibility for blind voters from coast to coast. What we achieve together in
Colorado truly has an impact that makes tangible improvements for voters
nationwide.</p> <p>Colorado also has a voter accessibility independence and privacy
task force comprised of local and national disability advocates that keeps us
improving and making sure we have elections that work for everyone. The National
Federation of the Blind is a leader on this task force, and their input into our
elections is a key reason that we can call ourselves the nation's gold standard.</p>
<p>Benjamin Franklin once said without continuous growth and progress, such words
as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. Any success we've enjoyed
up to this very day is stagnant if we refuse to build on it, and if there's one
thing we've learned during the past year, it's that one of the greatest risks to
democracy is complacency.</p> <p>As Colorado's chief election official, I'm
committed to creating an election model for all the people, but to make sure that
we are reaching for that more perfect union, we need every state to ensure that
all eligible people, regardless of zip code, color of skin, or ability have access
to free and fair elections. That is where you all come in. I urge you to reach
out to your state's election officials, and if they aren't already in place, urge
them to adopt vote-by-mail for all, early voting, accessible drop boxes in voting
centers, same day and automatic voter registration, and accessible elections for
all Americans. Democracy is only as strong as our ability to participate in it,
and together we can build a democracy that works for all Americans.</p> <p>Thank
you for your work and continued partnership, and thank you again for having me
today.</p> <p>----------</p> <p><strong>[PHOTO CAPTION: Pete Buttigieg]</strong></p>
<h2
id="transformative-innovations-in-transportation-a-commitment-to-a-future-informed-by-the-blind">Transformative
Innovations in Transportation: A Commitment to a Future Informed by the Blind</h2>
<p><strong>by The Honorable Pete Buttigieg</strong></p> <p><strong>From the Editor:
Pete Buttigieg is the Secretary of Transportation in the Biden Administration and
therefore is instrumental in setting the tone for policies and programs run by
the United States Department of Transportation. Here are remarks introducing him
by President Riccobono:</strong></p> <p><strong>President Riccobono:</strong>
There's a lot of things we could say about him. He serves currently as the nineteenth
Secretary of Transportation for the United States. He has a long history of public
service and a commitment to listening and enacting strong and progressive policies
that are grounded in the experience of real people. That's why I'm particularly
excited to welcome him to our stage this afternoon for the organized blind movement.
He is someone who stays grounded in local communities, which we value in the
National Federation of the Blind. As an organization, we have long had a relationship
with the career staff at the Department of Transportation, and we're pleased that
in a short time, just since February, the secretary has shown a commitment already
to being part of that partnership with the organized blind movement. Here to talk
about transformative innovations in transportation is Secretary Pete Buttigieg!</p>
<p>(“Life is a Highway” playing).</p> <p>Life is a highway, I wanna
ride it all night long!</p> <p>If you're going my way, I want to drive it all
night long...</p> <p><strong>Secretary Buttigieg:</strong> Thank you very much,
President Riccobono. Thanks for having me. Thanks for the introduction, and thanks,
everyone at the National Federation of the Blind. I'm so thrilled for the chance
to speak with you today. I regret that we can't be together in New Orleans, but
I am, all the same, so grateful for the chance to be together for an important
convening conversation like this. As the oldest and largest organization of blind
Americans, as you know, you are a powerful and important voice on behalf of this
community and helping all of America living up to its promises for all of its
people.</p> <p>Transportation policy can be an enormous engine of opportunity for
Americans with disabilities, but, as you know, it can also be a major source of
inequity. Since the passage of the ADA in 1990, the United States has made many
important changes to improve accessibility in transportation, but we all know that
there's a lot more to do. Too often when a new innovation emerges, there's not
enough thought given to how it will impact or how it could be used by people with
disabilities.</p> <p>First, I don't want to miss this chance to thank you for the
vital work that you've done on the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act, which finally
went into effect earlier this year after more than a decade. When it comes to
cars, silence can be deadly for blind and low-vision people, and, for that matter,
for sighted people. This law helps to ensure that electric vehicles that are so
important to achieving our climate goals don't put pedestrians at risk by running
without any recognizable sound. I'm grateful for your advocacy and partnership
with our National Highway Safety Administration to make sure these vehicles are
safe for all pedestrians so that we can all benefit from climate-friendly
technology.</p> <p>Legislative victories like this are especially important today
because our policies badly need to catch up to our technologies and our way of
life. Here at the Department of Transportation, we have been working to apply the
lens of equity to every project that we support or are involved with. We're striving
to identify gaps in benefits and services for people with disabilities and supporting
innovation in accessible transportation.</p> <p>Take automated vehicles (AVs) as
an example. AVs have the potential to help blind and low-vision riders get around
more easily than ever. But if we've learned anything from the experience with
electric cars, it's that we've got to design new technology with the needs of
blind and low-vision riders and other users with disabilities in mind from the
very beginning. That's why we're asking researchers and innovators to work with
disability advocates and people with disabilities to advance accessibility in AV
for the blind, for wheelchair users, and more. We're supporting that work through
our inclusive design challenge, our automated driving system demonstration grants,
and our partnerships with university transportation design centers. We also know
accessible public transit is critically important for people with disabilities,
and that's why the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) prioritizes grant applications
that demonstrate a commitment to improving accessibility and ones that include
local disability advocates in the plan. FTA and the Federal Highway Administration
also fund the accessible transportation technologies research initiative, which
helps to advance new mobility options for riders with disabilities while eliminating
barriers and making transportation more accessible.</p> <p>I'm pleased to let you
know that we are strengthening our departmental office of civil rights, which
frankly was hollowed out by inaction and vacancies during the previous administration.
We're expanding our capacity to handle ADA and Section 504 oversight. We're also
hiring a disability program manager to support that effort and working with Irene
Marin who leads our civil rights office. So please, let your members and advocates
and partners know that we are eager to engage and eager to partner with you all.</p>
<p>Accessibility for us isn't just checking a box. It's not just a buzzword. It's
a commitment to ensuring that everyone has the resources and the accommodations
they need to access opportunity. And accessibility isn't just about the technology
of the future; it's also about dealing with the infrastructure of the past that
we have inherited. We are relying on roads, bridges, ports, and other resources
built decades if not a century or more ago, and some of it is literally falling
apart, which has significant safety implications for all Americans but especially
people with disabilities and other underserved and overburdened communities in
this country. That's why we need a generational investment in jobs and infrastructure,
and it's why we're so excited about the opportunity represented by the president's
American Jobs Plan, the core of which is reflected in the historic bipartisan
infrastructure framework that was announced recently. This is a deal that's going
to create a generation of good paying union jobs, most of which will be available
to Americans whether they have a college degree or not. It's got the largest
investment in roads and bridges since the creation of the interstate highway
system, the largest investment in passenger rails since the creation of Amtrak
itself, and the largest investment in public transit ever, including funding to
improve accessibility so more Americans can connect to jobs, education, and
opportunity. It's also got the largest investments in clean energy transmission
and in clean water in American history. And it contains eleven billion dollars to
improve safety and a new Safe Streets for All program that would focus on safety
for all pedestrians including those with disabilities.</p> <p>Because the
administration is looking at every program and policy through that lens of equity,
we're seeing too that across the board, 40 percent of the climate and clean energy
investments in this plan go to underserved communities including blind and low-vision
Americans. Of course, there's much more we can do when it comes to promoting
accessibility across our transportation system, from paratransit to guide dogs on
aircraft to the Randolph-Sheppard Program. So you have my word that as long as
I'm in this job, you will have an ally and an ear for your voices and your concerns
here in the Department of Transportation.</p> <p>According to the CDC, one in four
Americans has a disability. While the nature of those challenges range for different
Americans, what we know is that America misses out whenever somebody doesn't get
to contribute to the economy, society, and culture of our country as they might.
We also know that every American may age into a disability, especially those that
impact the interface with the transportation systems across our country.</p> <p>We
know with a country full of Americans ready to do so much more, that no country
will succeed if a quarter of its population isn't able to fully participate.
Disability is also something that cuts equally across race, gender identity,
income, language, and more. This means it's one of the most diverse communities
of advocates and activists, internally diverse in such rich and important ways.
Many young Americans are stepping up to respond to the call that you have put out
to become involved and engaged.</p> <p>We know also that the innovations that
often begin as an accommodation for Americans with disabilities wind up benefiting
everyone in ways that hadn't been fully appreciated at the beginning— curb
cuts first made for wheelchair users that also now make life easier for people
with strollers or roll aboard bags. Closed captioning that was designed for the
deaf community today is used by many hearing people as well. Again, the Pedestrian
Safety Enhancement Act that you played such an important role in shaping is
protecting everyone in this country. All of this is to say that investments that
we're making right now are so important to every American, whether they realize
it or not. While transportation can be a barrier to accessibility, it can also
help break down barriers. That's the spirit we're bringing to this department
during this administration with your help.</p> <p>I'm grateful for your leadership,
I'm grateful for your partnership, and I'm looking forward to continuing to work
together to make sure our transportation system is safer, cleaner, and more
accessible to everybody in the years ahead. Again, I thank you for the chance to
be with you today. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the years to
come.</p> <p><strong>President Riccobono:</strong> Thank you, Mr. Secretary. I
know you have a tight schedule; do you have time for any questions?</p>
<p><strong>Secretary Buttigieg:</strong> Yeah, let's at least sneak in time for
one.</p> <p><strong>President Riccobono:</strong> Okay, we're going to Raul for
a question, but while Raul is getting unmuted, let me just say that we appreciate
you being here, taking the time, and we know that you're just at the beginning of
your journey at the Department of Transportation. We look forward to many years
of being able to work collaboratively. Raul, are you out there?</p>
<p><strong>Raul:</strong> I'm here, sir.</p> <p><strong>President Riccobono:</strong>
Go ahead and introduce yourself and ask your question.</p> <p><strong>Raul:</strong>
Thank you for this time. I'm Raul Gallegos from Houston, Texas, and I serve as
the president of the National Association of Guide Dog Users, one of several
divisions of the National Federation of the Blind. I travel quite a bit, and that
travel happens on buses, Uber cars, Lyft cars, etc., and also on airplanes. Earlier
this year, on January 11th, as you know, the Air Carrier Access Act was amended,
so it went through quite a few changes in an effort to make it so that people stop
bringing their counterfeit service dogs on planes. Unfortunately, this has had a
weird and burdensome side effect on guide dog users who have legitimate service
dogs that have been trained to guide us around, because that is our preferred
mobility tool. Some of these provisions involve filling out forms that the airlines
may require us to fill out to attest that these dogs that are traveling with us
are legitimate service animals. These forms are not accessible. Sometimes they
have to be filled out twice: Once might be the PDF itself, and another time to
the airline itself, and they're not consistent.</p> <p>Furthermore, my dog is
right around eighty pounds, and there's language in the Air Carrier Access Act
that says that if the airline staff determines that your dog may not fit or doesn't
fit within that foot space, the blind traveler either has to allow the dog to be
put underneath or has to reschedule their plans until there's more room available.
While I have every confidence in the flight staff to be able to handle the things
on the plane, I don't know that I have that same confidence that a flight person
can determine whether my dog can fit there or not when I'm the one who has the
training to be able to make that determination. I can guarantee that my eighty-pound
dog, with my size twelve shoe, can fit very comfortably in that seat underneath.</p>
<p>My question for you is to ask, would you consider having the Air Carrier Access
Act amended so that these types of provisions just go away? We would like them
not to be there.</p> <p><strong>Secretary Buttigieg:</strong> Well, I appreciate
your raising this, and I do want to take a close look at how this situation can
be improved. I know this is an area of concern, and obviously there were some
public policy goals that rule was intended to achieve, but as you're describing,
clearly there are consequences that may not have been fully understood as it was
brought together. It's a good example of how we're really relying on your advocacy
and voice and ability to educate us on lived experiences of travel to make sure
that we're getting this right in understanding the needs of blind and low-vision
travelers in our aviation system.</p> <p>I know that there are ongoing discussions
about this, and I will make sure that my team will be in touch with the Federation
and other advocates to provide updates. I'll tell you, it's very helpful to hear
you describing in a more direct and specific way how this can create that kind of
challenge. I'll be sure that in those conversations I carry that story with me,
and again I appreciate your shining a light on that challenge.</p> <p><strong>Raul:</strong>
Thank you very much.</p> <p><strong>President Riccobono:</strong> Mr. Secretary,
thank you for being here. We're looking forward to following up. I do want you to
know that we were going to have Mr. Ron Brown, president of the National Federation
of the Blind of Indiana ask you a question, bring a little home feel to it.</p>
<p>(Laughter.) But we know you have a busy schedule, so we'll be following up with
you and your team, and we appreciate your partnership with the organized blind
movement.</p> <p><strong>Secretary Buttigieg:</strong> Thank you, Ron, happy to
be in the company of a fellow Hoosier, and this is our first conversation, not
our last. We look forward to the continued partnership.</p> <p>----------</p>
<p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Dr. LaShawna Fant]</p> <p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Dr. Carolyn Peters]</p>
<p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Mr. Kane Brolin]</p> <p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Mr. Lee Martin Sr.]</p>
<blockquote> <p><strong>Reframing the Fight for Civil Rights: Understanding the
Discourse on Equality Verses Equity from a Social Justice Perspective</strong></p>
</blockquote> <p><strong>by Dr. Evette Simmons-Reed, Dr. LaShawna Fant, Dr. Carolyn
Peters, Mr. Kane Brolin and Mr. Lee Martin, Sr. </strong></p> <p> </p>
<p><strong>From the Editor: There are lots of things to like about editing the
<em>Braille Monitor</em>, but I think my favorite is when I get articles that
cause people to sit up and think about issues they thought otherwise resolved.
This article asks us to look at two words: equality and equity. Though I
could’ve easily used both in sentences, when it came to really analyzing
them, I went to my dictionary and then to some of the contemporary discussion
about them.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>This article is not envisioned
by its authors as being the final statement on the words we should use but a
suggestion that we strongly consider when each word best addresses what we want
to say and those things for which we are willing to work. Here is what this fine
list of authors has to say:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Social justice is a
phrase that seemingly few Americans view with impartiality. To some, it is a
rallying cry for empowerment; to others, a threatening symbol of sanctimonious
wokeness. It seems that social justice has become loaded with so much political
ammunition that it is often hard to imagine that the principle behind it could be
beneficial to everybody. But social justice is really about allyship, and it can
benefit people with all different kinds of lived experience. </p> <p> </p>
<p>Writing in <em>Forbes</em>, multi award-winning Global Diversity, Equity &
Inclusion Leader Sheree Atcheson defines an ally as “any person that actively
promotes and aspires to advance the culture of inclusion through intentional,
positive, and conscious efforts that benefit people as a whole.”<sup>1</sup>
Everyone has the ability to become an ally. Everyone sometimes needs to have an
ally. Beneath all the loaded connotations ascribed to it, social justice refers
to the practice of allyship and coalition-building work. Its goal is to promote
equality, equity, mutual respect, and the assurance of rights between and within
communities and social groups. Fair wages, the #MeToo movements, the pointed
criticism of policing tactics, and Black Lives Matter have all focused attention
on various social justice issues in our society. Although this term previously
applied mainly to how economic resources were allocated, more recently it has come
to apply holistically to the treatment of different individuals and people groups,
access to services and opportunities, and access to political representation. </p>
<p> </p> <p>Difficult dialogues regarding these social justice issues have
been raging in our homes, workplaces, schools, and more recently, within our own
organization. Specifically, calls that the blind be recognized as being made up
of a complex kaleidoscope of cultural identities, rather than as a composite mass,
have been at the forefront of many difficult discussions. Issues such as access,
equity, participation, diversity, and human rights are basic social justice
principles and are aligned with the principles we historically have fought for as
the oldest and largest civil rights organization of blind people. Yet, at national
and state conventions, in chapter meetings, in blogs, and on social media, it is
evident that, just as in the rest of our country, we in the organized blind movement
have been struggling to arrive at consensus, given the different perspectives
expressed by Federationists who come from all sorts of backgrounds. Not surprisingly,
we have been pondering some challenging differences of opinion when it comes to
the approach we should take to all this: </p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><p>Equality
proponents ask “Should we in the Federation have differences in our approach
as we attract and provide mentorship to blind people of different ethnicities,
religious backgrounds, family structures, sexual preferences, and gender
identities?” Equity proponents ask “how can we in the Federation
recognize, respect, and benefit from the multiple identities and experiences of
blind people from different races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, ability
levels, sexual orientations, gender identities, geographic areas, and family
structures?” </p></li> <li><p>On one side, we may ask “What is
unique about the intersectionality of one’s blindness and one’s
identity as, say, a White American, Black American, Asian American, or one of the
Latinx groups of people? Should we celebrate such points of difference overtly in
the organized blind movement?” On the other side, who benefits if we
perpetuate a color-blind attitude and an approach that treats the blind community
as a monolith? Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia said, “To get beyond
racism we must first take account of race. There is no other way.”<sup>2</sup>
Consider Scalia’s statement and people who claim to be “color-blind,”
does this position advance our advocacy towards achieving equal rights as blind
American citizens? </p></li> <li><p>How should we address the uniqueness of
those who live with multiple disabilities such as the deaf-blind? Given NFB’s
continuous fight against oppression as it touches the blind, what policies and
practices need to be implemented to promote fairness, create a sense of belonging,
and facilitate addressing the unique needs of all members, especially those living
with multiple impairments? </p></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Despite legislation
inspired by the Disability Rights Movement, institutional policies and practices
have long created unfair advantages for sighted people, perpetuating a substantial
wealth gap between sighted and blind people. This can be described as institutional
oppression: the systematic mistreatment and dehumanization of any person based
solely on a social identity group to which they identify that is supported and
enforced by society and its institutions. Whether consciously or not, people who
make and enforce policy base their practice of institutional oppression on a belief
that people in a given social identity group are inherently inferior. But this
practice is sometimes not obvious on the surface. Typically, organizational diversity
initiatives create an illusion of inclusion and fall far short of anything beyond
compliance with the letter of the law. Uncorrected institutional oppression results
in much of the same thing as before: The group that already had dominant power
continues to benefit disproportionately at the expense of other groups that continue
to be oppressed in spite of legislative safeguards that should have evened the
playing field. </p> <p> </p> <p>Keeping this in mind, there is one other
huge question that demands an answer: </p> <ul> <li><p>Do we want equality
or equity as an outcome of our civil rights struggle? </p></li> </ul>
<blockquote> <p> </p> <p>The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), codified
as federal law in 1990, meant to guarantee blind people equal protections under
the law in all aspects of our lives including employment, education, and housing.
Despite much progress, NFB’s advocacy agenda, articulated by the President
at the national convention, is an indication that there is still much to do. In
reflecting over the mission before us, are we seeking to transform, or are we
wanting to conform in our struggle for civil rights? How does an emphasis on
equality verses an emphasis on equity change our strategies, tactics, or the
outcomes in the battle for full inclusion? </p> </blockquote> <p> </p>
<p>For eighty-one years the National Federation of the Blind has been empowering
blind people to advocate for our needs in working toward abolishing barriers
impeding our pursuit of the “American Dream.” Taking direction from
various presidents who have led the National Federation of the Blind over these
eight decades, we continuously expand the scope of our vision. Many blind Americans
within and apart from the Federation have tasted the sweet nectar of progress
resulting from the extraordinary fortitude demonstrated by our members. As an
organization we provide a network of support for one another as we seek to raise
our voices, increase our visibility, and share our views all over the world. </p>
<p> </p> <p>In the spirit of advancing our mission, we here discuss the
nuances between the term’s equality and equity. We offer this article as
food for thought and as an open invitation to keep these critical dialogues
going.</p> <p>Some may view equality and equity as just different rallying cries
or buzzwords meaning essentially the same thing; but we caution that words matter.
In his banquet speech at the 2020 NFB National Convention, President Riccobono
wisely pointed out: “Language reflects belief, and we will not sell out
our beliefs. We, the blind, follow our words with the action of living the lives
we want.” So, let us start by adding definition to this discussion and then
go on to examine how the choice of the term equality or equity aligns with the
policies and practices aimed at improving outcomes for different blind Americans.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equality">the
dictionary by Merriam-Webster</a>, equality is the “quality or state of
being equal, where equal is defined as having the same measurement in quality,
nature, or status.” Equality aims to ensure that everyone gets the same
things in order to enjoy full, healthy lives. Equality<strong> </strong>aims
to promote fairness and justice. But, as we have learned from the outcomes of the
civil rights movement, it is achieved only when everyone starts from the same
place or needs the same things. Equality presumes sameness and takes for
granted that we all have the same experiences and privileges. </p> <p>This
same dictionary defines equity as “something that is equitable,”
where equitable is defined as, “dealing fairly and equally with all
concerned.” Equity, from a social justice perspective, involves trying to
understand and give people what they need to enjoy full, healthy lives.</p> <p>A
deeper dive into what these terms imply makes it plain that the kind of justice
and the types of success that any society seeks to attain depends on whether the
first principle that society employs has its roots in equality or in equity.</p>
<p>Equality basically means providing everyone with the same amount of resources
regardless of whether everyone needs them. In other words, each person receives
an equal share of money, food, health benefits, employment resources, and social
services despite what they already started with or lacked from the beginning.
Equity, though, is a subtler notion that is harder to attain in practice. Equity
is when resources are shared based on what each person needs in order to adequately
level the playing field for all who contribute to a society and all who have need
of something from that society. Different people—and, by extension, different
subgroupings of people within a larger social framework like the United
States—have different levels of need for support and assistance. In
recognition of this, the equity model creates systems with a mandate to support
individuals and groupings of individuals based on their specific needs. The goal
of equity is to help achieve fairness in treatment, leading to better outcomes
for all even if all don’t get there in exactly the same ways or by receiving
exactly the same things in the same proportion. If done properly, equality can be
an outcome of an effective and just process; but it is the principle of equity
that creates and drives that process. </p> <p> </p> <p>So, can equality
and equity live in the same room? Which of these two is more valid? Which is more
important? In our work to advance the opportunity and security of blind Americans,
are we striving to make things equal or to make them equitable? Are we arguing
that one of these noble-sounding concepts is superior and the other inferior?
Should we keep just one of these concepts and throw out the other? </p>
<p> </p> <p>We argue that even though they have two entirely different
meanings, equity and equality are not competitive ideas, but on the contrary
they are complementary. They work hand in hand. One cannot be achieved without
the other. Understanding what equity means and how to apply it actually brings us
one step closer to achieving equality as the final outcome. Put another way, in
order for the world to reach a place in which everything is fair, just, and equal,
we need to start with a goal of equity: distributing resources based on who needs
them most and who can draw the most long-term benefit from a specific type of
approach. We propose that if we are to reach equality as an outcome, we have to
tackle the causes of inequity first. Without equity, inequality will persist, and
those who are most vulnerable will remain or become even more vulnerable, while
those who already enjoy inherent advantage will just keep gaining more
advantage. </p> <p> </p> <p>There is still another definition of equity:
lesser used in civil rights literature, but a definition that is very important
to those who spend their professional lives in stewardship of economic resources.
In the business world, equity refers to ownership. When Investopedia looks at
equity, it refers to "shareholders' equity ... [representing] the amount of money
that would be returned to a company’s shareholders if all of the assets
were liquidated and all of the company's debt [were] paid off .... It also represents
the pro-rata ownership of a company's shares."</p> <p> </p> <p>You certainly
could argue that most of us in the blind community, except for those in the Business
Enterprise Program, have struggled to imagine that we could ever own anything
substantial. In this country, it could be argued that most of us who are blind
have passed through seasons of life when the most consistent income we received
came from Supplemental Security Income or SSDI. A lot of us are employed only
part-time outside the home or are underemployed in workshops. These outcomes are
persistent across the blind community irrespective of the degree of visual
impairment, education, or ability that any particular blind adult started with.
But we are underestimating ourselves when we say we have no equity. As free citizens
of a constitutional republic, with the right to express ourselves, vote, and choose
whether to buy or not to buy something, we need to think and act as though we have
an ownership stake—an equity stake—in the community, state, and
country we live in. We need to ensure that society recognizes we have this ownership
stake, because we do have it. Advocating for equity does not just refer to pleading
with someone who occupies a seat of power to even the playing field for us and
hoping they do it. We who are blind must not wait around for someone else to
do this for us. Transforming equity from a dream into a real, impactful process
and workable procedure means voting, but it also means showing up at school board
and town council meetings. It means getting involved in community organizations
that go beyond just the organized blind movement. It means expressing our voice
not only on Election Day, but it includes actively getting involved as voting
districts are redrawn in the wake of the census every ten years. This is critical
for the blind in general; it is especially critical for blind men and women who
are African-American. Of course, it is important too for blind men and women who
are Latinx or who are members of an East Asian or Pacific Island ethnic community
or who are members of a Middle Eastern/North African or Native American ethnic
community or who self-identify as multiple disabled or LGBTQ+. </p> <p> </p>
<p>So, what is an example of how we can apply the principle of equity to the good
in our everyday struggle? As we decide what to ask for and where to set our
boundaries of acceptance as blind Americans, perhaps we should all ponder the
difference between inclusion and access. In a brilliantly written piece published
in the March 2020 edition of the <em>Braille Monitor</em>, Peter Slatin unpacks
this. In part, he says: "Exclusion and inclusion are passive states assigned to
those designated to be either kept out or brought in. The active agent is not the
newly welcomed but instead the welcoming committee, which sets the terms of
inclusion and will assign and enable a bouncer should one be deemed necessary.
Even when those terms are beneficial, the person newly included will retain that
sense of being an outsider who has been invited to a party and only allowed to
join by the grace of the host. Is it nice to finally be allowed in? Of course—but
we have been here all along. ... It is not inclusion that I want—it’s
access. And access is something I can actively seek to create or acquire. I may
need assistance doing so. I may need to change laws and minds, not necessarily in
that order. I may need to fight. In the end though, I will be part of designing
what access looks like and how it works."<sup>3 </sup></p> <p> </p>
<p>The importance of gaining full equity and belonging, as opposed to just accepting
inclusion whenever sighted powerbrokers and gatekeepers permit it, is true for
not just the technology we use but for every aspect of the society we operate in.
According to John A. Powell, director of the othering and belonging institute, at
UC Berkeley, states that “belonging is based on the recognition of our full
humanity without having to become something different or pretend that we’re
all the same”. We are constantly renegotiating who we are as human beings
(January 14, 2020).   From a social justice perspective, we must go further
than asking to be included and hoping those with the power are nice enough to
accommodate. We must commit to be a part of the ownership, design, and implementation
process. It means not just asking our legislators for help every February at NFB
Washington Seminar. Sooner or later, some of us in the organized blind movement
who live with other intersecting characteristics need to get elected so we can
change unjust laws and oversee the implementation of what we need from the
insider’s position.</p> <p> </p> <p>In what areas do inequity and
inequality show up most? There are evident inequalities globally in race, gender,
sexual orientation, disabilities, education, economic status, and so much more.
It is inequity—the lack of an ownership stake—that lies at the core
of so much inequality and human suffering in this country and around the globe.
Understanding the implications of inequity and tackling it head-on will be important
to achieving overall equality as an outcome. We shouldn’t be aiming to
treat people as if there were no differences among us or aiming to distribute
resources equally to everybody.  It is highly recommended that our movement
recognize that it is only by means of equitable processes that we will have the
means to get to the outcome of equality. </p> <p> </p> <p>To this end,
we argue that the Federation should alter the NFB Pledge so that the word equity
is used instead of equality: </p> <p> </p> <ol style="list-style-type:
lower-alpha"> <li><p>Equity highlights the organization’s aim to be more
informed concerning the history, background, and context of the Federation and,
more importantly, its members. </p></li> <li><p>Equity helps us to understand
where we are concerning metrics. A broader assessment, collection, and analysis
of demographics and data allows for benchmarks and metrics to be established for
organizational goals. </p></li> <li><p>Equity provides the space to network
and locate talents, skills, and strategies we may have ignored or possibly did
not notice previously. </p></li> <li><p>Equity brings diverse experiences
and backgrounds to the table and opens progressive paths for cultural
contributions. </p></li> <li><p>Equity institutes intentional and extensive
onboarding programs that build ongoing support for new member success. </p></li>
<li><p>Equity helps to ensure policies are executed, and diverse/typically
misrepresented individuals have representation. </p></li> <li><p>Equity aligns
resources which foster conversations and means to improve the environment, knowledge,
involvement, and trust of members. </p></li> <li><p>Equity aids in providing
a more active, inclusive organization and promotes dialogue in tackling issues
and concerns. </p></li> <li><p>Equity generally increases satisfaction,
decreases member disengagement, and develops stronger, more consistent
interaction. </p></li> <li><p>Equity encourages unique talent to flourish
and display different worldviews and skills to combine and produce newness and
creativity. </p></li> <li><p>Equity promotes global understanding and enables
a wider, more innovative impact. </p></li> <li><p>Equity illuminates the
importance of our brand and reputation. </p></li> <li><p>Equity benefits our
organization’s business case and, when properly applied, will help our
organization to meet or even exceed financial targets.</p></li> </ol> <p> </p>
<p>As pointed out in a concise article published in the October 2017 edition of
the <em>Braille Monitor</em>,<sup>4</sup> the statement we recite that is currently
known as the NFB Pledge has been in use for nearly five decades. What’s
more, it was composed and distributed at the behest of Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, the
longest-serving leader who has graced the organized blind movement. While the
mission of the Federation must remain intact and the rich legacy of our past must
never be forgotten, changing times in the society at large calls for a change in
the strategies and tactics used to achieve our mission. In July of 2021, the
<em>Monitor’s</em> long-time editor Gary Wunder penned these words:
“When we pledge ourselves to go build the Federation, it is not organizational
momentum or preservation of some legacy that we are talking about. It is talking
about having a mechanism to bring about effective change, a structure that lets
blind people talk among ourselves, venture to risk new ideas leading to opportunities,
and knowing that we have the support of one another as we attempt the traditional
or untraditional.” We ask that you strongly consider our suggestion, that
you view it through a forward-looking lens, and that you comment on our proposal
with the same spirit of fellowship and positive goodwill that has led us to present
it in these pages. </p> <h3 id="footnotes"><strong>Footnotes:</strong></h3>
<p>1. Taken from “Allyship - The Key To Unlocking The Power Of Diversity.”
<a
href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/shereeatcheson/2018/11/30/allyship-the-key-to-unlocking-the-power-of-diversity/">https://www.forbes.com/sites/shereeatcheson/2018/11/30/allyship-the-key-to-unlocking-the-power-of-diversity/</a></p>
<p>2. Antonin Scalia, <em>The Disease As Cure.</em> “In order to get beyond
racism, we must first take account of race,” 1979 Washington University
Law Quarterly 147 (1979). Reprinted by University of Chicago Law School, Journal
Unbound Journal Articles Faculty Scholarship.
https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/journal_articles/</p> <p>3. For more on this
subtopic, check out the article entitled <a
href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm20/bm2003/bm200313.htm">The
Trouble With Inclusion</a>: <a
href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm20/bm2003/bm200313.htm">https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm20/bm2003/bm200313.htm</a></p>
<p>4. “Origins Of The NFB Pledge” <a
href="https://nfb.org/sites/default/files/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm17/bm1709/bm170914.htm">https://nfb.org/sites/default/files/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm17/bm1709/bm170914.htm</a></p>
<p>---------</p> <p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Maurice Peret]</p> <h2
id="personal-reflections-on-freedom">Personal Reflections on Freedom</h2>
<p><strong>by Maurice Peret</strong></p> <p><strong>From the Editor: Maurice Peret
is a talented, conscientious Federationist. He is what I would consider a deep
thinker. He and people like him have caused me a lot of difficulty in my life.
When I left home as a senior in high school, I knew there was a lot I needed to
learn academically, but I thought myself very experienced in the ways of the world.
I knew who the good people were and to stick with them. I knew who the bad people
were, and I prayed for the wisdom and good sense to stay away from them. My values
were strong, but too often the things I thought I believed depended on categorizing
people I did not know and making judgments about circumstances in which I’d
never found myself. I made judgments about people of different religions, races,
sexual orientation, and cultures, seldom to their advantage. I didn’t really
understand why black people marched, the words of my father echoing through my
head: if they really are so poor that they need all of this help, why aren’t
they out working? I listened without outrage when the commentator Paul Harvey
suggested that the nuclear weapon had been given to the United States, for without
it how could we hope to combat the hordes of Asia? When I heard about a prison
riot, it never once crossed my mind that any imprisoned person should have a single
right in the world, for hadn’t he or she already forfeited any rights by
whatever they did that got them there?</strong></p> <p><strong>So then people much
like Maurice came along and introduced me to subjects such as sociology and honors
history. It isn’t so much what they said in their lectures but in the books
they demanded I read. Suddenly Malcolm X was transformed in my mind from a senseless,
militant radical to someone who had something to say. Did I have to agree with
all of it? I didn’t. Did I have to agree that he made compelling arguments
and that they could not be dismissed as irrational or products of a lesser mind?
I most certainly did. And who was this Martin Luther King, disrupting traffic and
blocking bridges? Well, when studied in his own words and the words of his
contemporaries, it was almost unbelievable to me that he was actually criticized
for his demands that the activities in which he would be involved must be peaceful
and that the human race must be convinced by persuasion, not force. These were
not the interpretations of King that came from my home or its location in the
world, and taking in this new information was both an intellectual and a moral
struggle. What was it that I didn’t understand, and would I ever?</strong></p>
<p><strong>I thought that perhaps leaving college and entering into a professional
career might make the world a little easier to understand. Years alive and wisdom
seemed to be closely associated, so certainly easier times were to come. But to
tell you the truth, they haven’t, and I am still challenged by what it
means to be someone other than me, to judge without judging those who have grown
up in different environments and have had significantly different opportunities
from my own. I will never know firsthand the experience of trying to incorporate
blindness and blackness, blindness and being a Muslim, blindness and having a
significant disability that is both visible and changes the need I have for
meaningful service and meaningfully respectful treatment in our country. The
Federation constantly challenges me in trying to establish a bar that is high
enough to cause people to jump but not so high that it causes them to fatally trip
or, less dramatically, to conclude they will never jump again.</strong></p>
<p><strong>I hope that you will give serious consideration to what Maurice has
written, and perhaps, unlike me, you will not be surprised by the burden that
falls upon us as adults to actively work at thinking, understanding, and opening
our hearts to people and to situations we would’ve easily dismissed. Here
is what Maurice has to say:</strong></p> <p>I intend to examine the weighty, at
times elusive, and fluid concept of freedom in general socio-political as well as
on personal terms and to show the way in which it applies directly to us as an
organization. Often, following one of our annual National Federation of the Blind
conventions, it takes me a while to fully digest and absorb the impact. Ever since
this most recently held event, however, I have been considering some of the lessons
from the 2021 convention in the context of the broader discussion about freedom.
In his banquet address entitled <a
href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2108/bm210808.htm"><em>Reflection,
Revolution, and Race: A Growing Understanding within the Organized Blind
Movement</em></a>, President Mark Riccobono quoted the young Black poet, Amanda
Gorman:</p> <blockquote> <p>"When day comes, we ask ourselves where can we find
light in this never-ending shade?<br /> The loss we carry, a sea we must wade.<br
/> We’ve braved the belly of the beast.<br /> We’ve learned that
quiet isn’t always peace,<br /> and the norms and notions of what
“just” is isn’t always justice.<br /> And yet, the dawn is
ours before we knew it.<br /> Somehow we do it.<br /> Somehow we’ve weathered
and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken,<br /> but simply unfinished."</p>
</blockquote> <p>To the extent that our “nation” refers to the people
collectively, I wholeheartedly concur. However, we often view “nation”
as a self-contained entity, with defined boundaries as in a box or as a set of
institutions. Institutions that have outlived their usefulness or moral justification
are broken and cast aside and replaced with institutions that are more progressive.
The example comes to mind of the period known as radical reconstruction in the
Southern United States that triumphantly followed the war that ended institutionalized
chattel slavery.</p> <p>President Riccobono revealed the sometimes-complicated
history of the organized blind movement in the context of contentious matters
confronted in our nation, particularly as they related to race. I was filled with
a sense of pride at the determined and conscious efforts of blind African Americans
in the South who initiated and defended their bid to become integrated into the
National Federation of the Blind as full and equal members. As our President
pointed out, this took many years of determined hard work and advocacy.</p> <p>In
recent years we have also learned from others of our sisters and brothers who
bring their intersectional traits to the broader discussion in our movement, and
we are consciously richer because of it. We have become even more acutely aware
of our socially defined group identities and the characteristics assigned to them,
unfortunately sometimes by those who do not share a particular identity and even
sometimes by those who do. These assigned characteristics can be harmful and evolve
instead into caricatures laden with misconceptions and societal misunderstandings
about a group who shares that identity. The “conversation,” as it
is sometimes referred to therefore, comes neither easily nor comfortably. We take
our cues from the broader discussion in society led by recognized or self-appointed
spokespersons who represent various schools of thought. When something emerges
from the depths, it is observed as if for the first time. For the rising sentient
being, the process of “emerging” has been long and painstaking.</p>
<p>As much as freedom seems to be a universally coveted value, there is wide
disparity about how freedom is defined. The question comes to mind as to where
freedom fits into what has been dubbed the social contract. Strict libertarians
and conservatives decry the limitations on constitutionally protected liberties
on a spectrum that ranges from government intrusion into our personal lives to
contemporary issues regarding mandated masking and vaccination requirements amidst
a pandemic. The thinking goes something like this: “I should be unencumbered
in my 2<sup>nd</sup> amendment right to own and carry whatever firearm I choose,
practice my 1<sup>st</sup> amendment religious expression in whatever fashion and
in whatever public or private space I want, and engage in or refuse whatever
medical or recreational intervention that affects my body, so long as it does not
infringe upon the rights of others.”</p> <p>Civil libertarians, on the
other hand, balance the common good against personal freedoms and can sometimes
bring judgmental language to the table that further fuels misguided conversation
that fails to lead us to a reasoned and productive conversation.</p> <p>Of course,
there are any number of rules that regulate our individual and social existence.
We all, for the most part, agree that it is prudent to stop at a red light or stop
sign. Western Judeo-Christian society generally accepts essential elements of the
Biblical commandments:</p> <p>10 “But the seventh day is the Sabbath…”
“In it thou shalt not do any work,”<br /> 12 “Honour thy
father and thy mother…”<br /> 13 “Thou shalt not
kill…”</p> <p>15 “Thou shalt not steal…”</p>
<p>16 Thou shalt not bear false witness…”</p> <p>17 “Thou
shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house…”</p> <p><em>Deuteronomy
4:13</em></p> <p>Upon these principles was constructed a common law legal system
to enforce these western societal values.</p> <p>Our democratic republic has
eternally struggled with minority rights in the context of majority rule, and our
Federation was no exception as eloquently illustrated in President Riccobono’s
memorable banquet address. Glaring disparities in our society perniciously restrict
individual freedoms of movement, shelter, and employment largely based upon
demographic factors such as race, age, nationality, citizenship or resident status,
gender identity, and visible or invisible disabilities.</p> <p>These competing
philosophies were poignantly displayed during the rigorous debate over resolution
2021-02 sponsored by Lou Ann Blake, director of research programs for the NFB and
passed by the convention <strong>regarding Suppression of the Rights of Voters.
The contention seemed to focus around barriers imposed upon voters that include
requirements of state-issued voter identification and additional medical verification
documentation for voters with disabilities. In her address to the convention,</strong>
Eve Hill, partner at Brown, Goldstein & Levy, said, <strong>“</strong>Blind
people are at the heart of the civil rights struggle for voting equality. Blind
people have faced and continue to face massive barriers to voting. Blind people
face inaccessible or burdensome registration requirements, and they face inaccessible
election websites that prevent them from getting information on elections and
candidates. Blind people face transportation and other barriers to even getting
to the polls. So the lack of convenient polling places keeps blind people from
voting.”  </p> <p>Terms like voter suppression, voter ID, voter fraud,
and ballot equity appear to be highly volatile political triggers. As members of
society as a whole, those of us in the NFB also carry deeply held views on issues
such as these. Fifty-six years after passage of the historic Voting Rights Act of
1965, we as blind people continue to struggle for fairness and equality at the
polls.</p> <p>The 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) mandated a Federal minimum
wage for all workers, with notable exceptions. Created as an incentive for nonprofit
agencies ostensibly to provide training and employment opportunities for employees
with severe disabilities, a 14-C voucher system was established to exempt certain
of these agencies from compensating their workers equal to otherwise able-bodied
workers, sometimes even within the same work setting. The concept of freedom is
still invoked today to defend this archaic and grossly unfair system of
super-exploitation. Ironically, it is argued that without (14-C) provided
opportunities, workers with disabilities would have nowhere else to go to exercise
their individual freedom to fulfill their need to be productive and find personal
satisfaction in performing an honest day’s work with a paycheck, however
meager that may be. <a href="https://youtu.be/KVnUWfsH07o?t=2598">Anil Lewis, NFB
executive director of blindness initiatives, testified in a joint hearing</a> of
the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections and the House Subcommittee on
Civil Rights and Human Services. [<a
href="https://edlabor.house.gov/imo/media/doc/LewisAnilTestimony072121.pdf">https://edlabor.house.gov/imo/media/doc/LewisAnilTestimony072121.pdf</a>]
One of the purposes of this hearing was to discuss the Transformation to Competitive
Integrated Employment Act (H.R. 2373), which would phase out subminimum wages over
a five-year period. Seventy-three years and counting, and 14C remains the law of
the land.</p> <p>In 1979, Milton Friedman claimed that we should remove
“restrictions on our freedom” by government to fully realize the
ideal of freedom (Friedman, 1979, 61). Karl Marx, by contrast, asserted that the
concept of freedom couldn’t be achieved through isolated man’s
calculation of his interests, but gained through the community where everyone has
the means of cultivating his gifts in all directions. In comparison with classical
economists’ concept of freedom, consisting in the maximal absence of
restraints on the individuals’ choices for increase of their interests
(well summarized by Friedman’s concept of freedom), Marx’s concept
of freedom lies in individuals’ collective use of rationality or reason
that can develop their concrete social relations as a proper sphere of realization
of human freedom. [<a
href="https://www.cpsa-acsp.ca/papers-2004/Kim.pdf">https://www.cpsa-acsp.ca/papers-2004/Kim.pdf</a>]
In other words, while we are all unique and separate individuals, we do not exist
on our own islands but must adhere to levels of social regulation and enforcement.</p>
<p>A class-conscious view of our history reveals the power of the people to effect
and even enforce societal change. The last century bore witness to two tectonic
people’s movements that shook the world, the Russian revolution of 1917,
and the opening of Socialism in the Americas with the 1959 Cuban revolution. Our
Federation was born in the context of massive and often tumultuous labor battles
in the United States that established the Counsel of Industrial Organizations,
which fueled the women’s rights, anti-war, and the civil rights movement
that crushed Jim Crow segregation and other restrictions on individual liberty.
These powerful examples endure as evidence of what is possible when we consciously
commit our collective energy, time, and resources to effect the change we want to
see.</p> <p>I have oft of late seen the noun “adult” used as a verb
as in “adulting,” I imagine this to mean engaging in practices
leading up to or otherwise reserved for mature adults. Growing up was like a
corridor with rooms that spiraled upward, opening to new and exciting freedoms:
a first venture away from home, an independent walk to the school bus stop, the
first monetary allowance, getting one’s driver’s license, securing
a first job, etc. With each of these newly discovered liberties came another set
of rules and restrictions that could even lead to the freedom being taken away.
Also with these freedoms came choices, each with their own layers of consequences,
positive, negative, or neutral.</p> <p>We all place value on the decisions we
make, often on a hierarchy that can lead to rationalizations. Ah, what the heck?
It is just one cookie, after all. As we learn to live in the world, we also
recognize the impact of the choices we make upon others around us and our friends,
family, loved ones, peers, colleagues, and community. We are uniquely equipped as
a species with voices that can be used to express our needs or our indignity when
those needs are not met or when our freedoms are treaded upon. A functional element
of “adulting,” therefore, seems to involve strengthening one’s
ability to make decisions and live with the results of them.</p> <p>Our organization
is also amidst refining what it truly means to be a member of the NFB. Increasingly
we urge that newcomers to our movement learn to internalize who and what we are
and that our individual conduct and behavior matters greatly and affects the very
function of our organization. We learn that blindness is not the characteristic
that defines us or our future and that every day we raise the expectations of
blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and
our dreams. We come to believe that we can live the life we want; blindness is
not what holds us back. We also learn to recognize our privilege and responsibility
to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to
achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind, to support the programs
and policies of the Federation, and to abide by its constitution. Federation
leaders developed and continue to refine a code of conduct designed to protect
the rights and freedoms of every member, regardless of identity or intersectionality.</p>
<p>Since our inception in 1940, the NFB has tried to integrate blind people into
all aspects of society and to change public perceptions that our participation
and contributions are somehow of less value or worth. Through the power of collective
action, we learn what freedoms are afforded us as members in good standing to
influence the policies and decisions that affect the nation’s blind. To
the uninitiated, this can seem like a very daunting weight to carry. All of us
came to the Federation at varying stages of our blindness journey. I, like many
others who joined the Federation, became involved and motivated by what I could
gain from the organization. I grew in the Federation based upon what was asked of
me and which transformed my sense of self-worth and value as a blind person. This
was, of course, at odds with the message that rang loud and clear through a thousand
points of well-intentioned backhanded acts of kindness that set a lower standard
for me because of my blindness.</p> <p>As a member of the National Federation of
the Blind, I have come to understand and take seriously the responsibilities I
feel for building the organization through mentoring and helping others when I
can. This, to me, is what it practically means to be part of a powerful vehicle
for collective action. By learning together and developing our leadership
capabilities, we come to understand the fullness of our power and worth in our
society. We learn that anything is possible and that we are not expected to
accomplish great things entirely on our own. Our Federation stands uniquely strong
and decisive in the world in our demonstrated ability to improve the lives of
blind people everywhere. We can scarcely afford a pause to consider our accomplishments
lest it distract us from the ongoing challenges we continue to confront in an
ever-evolving economy and culture.</p> <p>---------</p> <p><strong>[PHOTO CAPTION:
Charlie Brown,</strong> December 10, 1944 - August 1, 2021<strong>]</strong></p>
<h2 id="a-life-well-lived-by-our-colleague-friend-and-federation-family-member-charlie-brown">A
Life Well Lived by our Colleague, Friend, and Federation Family Member, Charlie
Brown</h2> <p><strong>by Alan Schlank</strong></p> <p><strong>From the Editor: I
had the pleasure of serving for more than a decade with Charlie Brown on the
National Federation of the Blind National Board of Directors. I was always impressed
by his intellect and commitment, and how pleasantly surprised I was when my boss
called me into his office and said, “I have a whole new respect for this
National Federation of the Blind you are involved in. I thought that if you cared
about it, it must be an organization of some significance, but another man I
greatly respect also serves in your group. He and I served together on our senior
council of church elders, and his words represent experience, wisdom, and a true
love of God. You are lucky to have him in your organization, and so are we.”
Charlie’s reputation took on a greater shine, and I felt even more blessed
to know him and call him one of my friends.</strong></p> <p><strong>Here is a
tribute to Charlie written by Alan Schlank. He is eighty-one years old and is
still a computer programmer and demonstrated for me the first Braille terminal I
ever saw and eventually had purchased for myself. Alan was a former affiliate
president before Charlie, and he continues to be an active member of the Federation.
Here is Alan’s tribute:</strong></p> <p>Charlie Brown died on August 1,
2021, after a long and harrowing battle with esophageal cancer. It hurts us to
write these words, for we will miss his guidance, council, and friendship in
Virginia and throughout the National Federation of the Blind.</p> <p>Charlie
received his early education at the Perkins School for the Blind. Although partially
sighted, he learned Braille and used it along with print throughout his life.
After Perkins he went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Harvard and
his law degree from Northwestern University.</p> <p>Charlie came to Virginia nearly
fifty years ago and quickly settled with his wife Jackie in Arlington. He joined
the Potomac Chapter of the Federation and remained an active member until a
retirement move to Winchester, Virginia.</p> <p>Charlie Brown was truly a man for
all seasons. He quickly became active in the Federation, becoming our state
president in 1977. He served in this capacity for over twenty-five years, helping
to develop the Federation in Virginia into a strong, vibrant state affiliate. He
also was active on the national level, serving on the National Board of Directors
and for many years as NFB National Treasurer. In this position he helped bring
stability and growth to the NFB. He also carried out projects given him by the
Federation leadership while at the same time providing his wise counsel to President
Jernigan, President Maurer, and President Riccobono. After his retirement from
government service, he worked with the Federation, concentrating on the right of
blind people to vote independently and cast secret ballots.</p> <p>Although the
NFB was Charlie’s true passion, this was only one part of a very full life.
He worked as a lawyer for the Department of Labor and then for the National Science
Foundation. It was for the latter agency that he handled ethical issues arising
from those receiving Federal grants of money to work on scientific research
projects. After his government retirement, he became active in the American Bar
Association, where he served on a number of committees.</p> <p>Charlie was also
active in his local community. He and Jackie raised two sons in Arlington. He was
an active church member, a member and leader in the Arlington Kiwanis Club, and
a participant on numerous boards and committees.</p> <p>Charlie loved sports. One
of his sons played football for VMI, the Virginia Military Institute, and Charlie
faithfully attended most home and away games. A granddaughter is a competitive
swimmer, and Charlie was always in the stands at her meets.</p> <p>Our dear friend
had an eclectic mind and a prodigious memory. He could—and would—talk
to anybody about anything. Once you met Charlie, he quickly came to know you.</p>
<p>At the Virginia state legislature, our beloved friend and colleague knew
everyone, and everyone knew him. He lived a full and rich life, giving strength,
guidance, and council to all those who knew him. His legacy will live on within
Virginia and throughout the National Federation of the Blind.</p> <p>----------</p>
<p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Congressman Kweisi Mfume]</p> <h2
id="leadership-and-common-bonds-transformative-change-and-civil-rights-grounding-from-marylands-seventh-congressional-district">Leadership
and Common Bonds: Transformative Change and Civil Rights Grounding from
Maryland’s Seventh Congressional District</h2> <p><strong>A presentation
made to the Eighty-first Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind,
Thursday, July 8, 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>From the Editor: This presentation
was recorded prior to the convention with President Riccobono interviewing
Congressman Kweisi Mfume. I think this is a most dynamic discussion about leadership
and believe you will enjoy it as much as I have:</strong></p> <p><strong>President
Riccobono:</strong> I recently had an opportunity to sit down to talk about
leadership and the work of the National Federation of the Blind and the common
bonds that we share with the transformational change that happens in civil rights.
I had the opportunity to sit down with our local representative here in Maryland,
Representative Kweisi Mfume, who has known the Federation now for a long time. He
wasn't able to be with us in person, but we did film this interview just a few
days ago. So, let's roll the interview with Congressman Mfume.</p> <p><strong>President
Riccobono starts the interview:</strong> It's my pleasure to close the opening
ceremonies of this 2021 virtual convention hosted by our Maryland affiliate by
introducing a man who has represented the people of Baltimore City in one capacity
or another going back to 1978 when the Federation first made Baltimore its home
for our national headquarters. In 1978 Mr. Mfume was elected to the Baltimore City
Council, where he began fighting against policies that left out one or another
significant segment of the city's citizens. In 1986 he was elected to represent
Maryland's Seventh Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.
He was reelected four times until he decided to take on another challenge.</p>
<p>In February 1996, Congressman Mfume left his seat in the House to accept the
presidency of the NAACP, stating at that time he believed that he could do more
to impact American civil rights from his seat at the NAACP than he could in
Congress, and he served that organization for eight years.</p> <p>On November 4,
2019, Mr. Mfume announced his candidacy for the special election for his previous
seat in Congress, which became vacant after the untimely death of Congressman
Elijah Cummings. Federation members will remember that Congressman Cummings was
a strong supporter of the Federation as well and appeared at our convention in
1986.</p> <p>Congressman Mfume has the distinction of having been elected twice
in 2020, winning the special election, electing him to Congress in the spring,
and then winning reelection in the fall. In Congress he serves on a number of
important committees, including the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
the Committee on Small Business, where he is the vice chair, and the United States
House Committee on Education and Labor. We are proud that he represents Baltimore
and equally as important, the values that we share in our movement regarding equal
treatment under the law and within society. Congressman, thank you very much for
being with us today.</p> <p><strong>Congressman Mfume:</strong> Well, Mark, thank
you very much for that very kind and overly gracious introduction. I do appreciate
it. I appreciate even more the fact that I can be joining the convention talking
with so many people about issues that I like to believe that we all share the same
outlooks on and the same beliefs about. My tenure in office really goes back, so
when you said 1979, I remembered that election and I remembered my introduction
to people who were part of the Federation, and I got a different perspective then
that has never left me. I've tried to always think of it as the perspective of
blind people and the challenges that affect blind people.</p> <p>I know that the
Federation believes strongly that blindness does not define you, nor should it
ever define anybody at all. I know that you work to raise the expectations of
blind people across America to believe, rightly so, that they can achieve
anything—absolutely anything—if they have the determination. The
National Federation of the Blind provides the capacity for that. I really, really
appreciate it. I am not here to sing any songs about myself but to talk to you as
someone who for many, many years in public office and in other offices has worked
to advocate on behalf of blind people in our country. By the way, the second bill
that I introduced when I got here was the national technology act [Assistive
Technology Affordability Act or ATAA] that would provide a way for blind people
to be able to access the changing technology, and to be able to deduct that so
that it would be a writeoff. I don't think there ought to be any impairment or
any impediments that prevents people, in this case blind people, from achieving
their dream.</p> <p>It is difficult sometimes for government and for government
officials to see every aspect of the people that are part of this nation. I've
tried to be just a steady voice on behalf of my blind brothers and sisters, because
I have an opportunity serving in a body where I can be that voice and where somebody
ultimately will listen. So, it's really great to be here. I tell you, here in
Baltimore, every day that I go down I-95 through the Francis Scott Key Tunnel and
look over at Wells Street and see the National Federation of the Blind sign there,
it's just like looking at an old friend from a distance. Sometimes people ask me,
"Why are you staring over there?"</p> <p>And I just say, "I want to make sure it's
still there."</p> <p>They say, "Keep your hands on the wheel," so I try to keep
my hands on the wheel. Thank you for having me. I'll try to respond to any questions
you may have. Congratulations to everybody who is participating and over the years
have supported each other by supporting this very important organization. Thank
you, Mark.</p> <p><strong>President Riccobono:</strong> Yeah, absolutely. Thank
you for being here. We're very proud to be in Baltimore, as I know you are to
represent Baltimore. The connection between our organization and you runs way
back, as you've indicated, and you had the opportunity to encounter one of our
great civil rights leaders, Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, who helped to found our headquarters
here in Baltimore. I wonder if you have any reflections on any experiences that
you had with Kenneth Jernigan, another fellow civil rights leader.</p>
<p><strong>Congressman Mfume:</strong> Well, Ken was a great storyteller. I kind
of sat at his feet when we were having meetings, literally just to listen to the
perspectives that he would offer. They'd always be different perspectives, things
that people had not talked about. I particularly liked hearing him talk about his
own struggles, but more importantly, his own victories. He was a true and dedicated
leader in every sense of the word, and I think about him periodically. I know that
his sense, his spirit, his essence is still deeply woven in the organization and
its beliefs. If I might go so far as to say that even his spirit continues to be
a part of the Federation. So, thanks for bringing his name up. That goes back a
way, but that was just another way that I became further aware of the issues that
oftentimes people don't think about, because you've got to talk to a blind person
to hear those issues. If you're not talking to blind people, you won't know what's
on their mind. I don't profess to be the only one that does it, but I do know
that's the best way to find out the issues that are affecting so many people.</p>
<p><strong>President Riccobono:</strong> Yeah, it's always great to encounter
folks that did spend time with Dr. Jernigan. I did not have that opportunity. I
was only around in the organization a very short time before he passed away, so
I always love hearing from folks who had that firsthand experience.</p> <p>Before
we talk about Congress, which is an interesting topic, I do want to talk about
the time when you left Congress to join the NAACP. You know, the National Federation
of the Blind is working on addressing the intersection of blindness and other
marginalized characteristics. Given your lifelong commitment to civil rights, I'm
wondering if you can comment on how our movement specifically can get the capacities
of blind people discussed more within other civil rights movements, and then
similarly, what might we do to address issues of intersectionality within the
organized blind movement?</p> <p><strong>Congressman Mfume:</strong> Well, it's
a very good question, and I'll do my best to try to answer it. Just a little bit
of background: after having served nine years in the Congress, I felt that I could
do more outside of the Congress because of the way it had shifted and had become
much different from when I entered it. So in those last two years I felt that I
needed to find a way to do more, and perhaps the best way to do that would be to
leave the Congress, go back into let's say the streets, but go back into, in many
respects, a world that is different from the United States Congress. When I was
asked to take over the leadership of the NAACP, I saw it as an opportunity to do
that. We work on behalf of marginalized groups and people throughout our country
by using the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization as a way to do
that. By pushing the envelope, if you will, the organization instead of contracting
would expand in terms of the number of groups that it fought for and the number
of civil rights and civil liberties that had to be included. Of course, the issues
and the rights of blind people were right at the top of that list.</p> <p>Once
you get past the obvious, that people think the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People is only concerned about Black people, I have had to
say to them that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
ought to teach us that colored people come in all colors. When you think that way,
you automatically start expanding your outreach. That intersectionality you talked
about earlier becomes a natural part of what you do. You keep realizing that there
are so many different organizations and groups that have to be included under the
umbrella of civil rights that if you don't get that, then that intersection will
be one that you'll drive right by, and you won't even know that you've driven by
it. But when you do get it, it's important that you share it.</p> <p>I spent an
additional nine years there at the NAACP trying to make sure that we did what we
had to do for core constituencies, but I wanted to see that we were smart enough
to know that we didn't know that there were constituent groups out there that
needed to be a part of this, that needed the same sort of opportunities and
protections, and, quite frankly, were civil rights organizations, even though they
weren't in that respect. That's how I always saw the Federation: as a major civil
rights organization.</p> <p>I can't really speak about the NAACP now that I've
been away from there, except that I continue to say on every platform that I have
and with every chance that I have: civil rights does not belong to any one group
or any one organization. The rights of individuals have to be looked at as a whole
bucket of different rights and a bucket that must include every group and everybody
who can clearly make the case that they must have certain protections under the
law, and they have to have certain opportunities under the law. So, this notion
of expanding opportunities for blind people for me has just been part and parcel
of what I've done. I admire the work of the Federation, which does much more than
I do. But I also know that expanding opportunities and increasing accessibility
and understanding that civil rights does not belong to any one group will build
a broader coalition. It's through those coalitions, quite obviously, that we make
change. We always have to stop at the intersection of civil rights, human rights,
and decency. When we stop on that corner, we realize, like a lot of people do,
that you cannot overlook blind people in that process and that those same rights
and protections that you are fighting for have to be afforded to all people.</p>
<p><strong>President Riccobono:</strong> I appreciate your comments on that. We
in the last couple of years were very honored to lead a case against the United
States Department of Education for its real failure to adequately process civil
rights complaints, and although we brought the case, we were pleased to have the
NAACP join us with its intersecting interests in the case. We got a positive
outcome in that matter, and it just shows the power of our working together. So
we appreciate your comments.</p> <p>Let's come back to Congress and get your
notions on a few things. Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor,
Bobby Scott, has introduced the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment
Act. This bill would eliminate the payment of subminimum wages to people with
disabilities. Would you spend a minute talking to us about the dignity of work
for all marginalized groups but also your own feeling about the persistent use of
government certificates to pay people with disabilities less than the guaranteed
minimum wage?</p> <p><strong>Congressman Mfume:</strong> Isn't that an absolute
affront? I mean, you wonder how this could be in 2021 in the United States of
America? How could this be looked at as a regular way of doing business? It is an
affront to blind people, and it is an affront to persons like myself who are not
blind who recognize that you cannot marginalize and minimize people and expect to
maximize the kind of output that they have. You can't maximize their potential by
minimizing them in other ways. Bobby Scott is a dear friend. He is my chairman of
the committee, and I'm glad that he has decided to do this. I'm almost a little
sad, though, that a member of Congress or Congress itself has got to initiate
something that clearly says that you're treating one group unfairly. I feel strongly
about that. This subminimum wage and these certificates and these other things
are things we wouldn't do with anybody else. I mean, let's face it: if we did this
to other groups, we'd be afraid that there's going to be a backlash. Quite frankly,
the government ought to be afraid there's going to be a backlash about this now
that it's coming to light as a result of this bill and discussions like this and
organizations around the country that are saying, oh, no, I didn't know that. It
can't be true, and it can't be happening, but it is, unfortunately, the way that
sort of business is being done. I support Chairman Scott on that, and I'm hoping
that we get not only a swift hearing but a good hearing. I hope that we can bring
in representatives from organizations like the Federation and others who have done
the work and toiled in the field for many, many years to give credibility to why
it ought to be passed. I'm hoping that once those hearings start—I'll be
there, of course—but I hope that the Federation is there making the kinds
of statements and points that people need to hear that, quite frankly, will open
the eyes of many members of Congress who have not focused on this at all.</p>
<p><strong>President Riccobono:</strong> We'll be pushing all the way. We appreciate
your support. We look forward to the day that the President of the United States
signs the bill eliminating this practice from the laws of the United States. I
know we're running short on time, so I think I'm going to jump to asking you about
voting. I know that in the special election, you were particularly vocal about
making sure that there was enough in-person voting locations in your district to
support people who wanted to vote in person. Can you talk to us a little bit about
the importance from your point of view of making sure that all Americans can
participate in the voting process and especially accessibility in that process
for blind people?</p> <p><strong>Congressman Mfume:</strong> I'd be redundant if
I said, as I will, that voting is such a right in this country that we should
always do whatever we can to protect it and to expand it so that everybody can
take part in that right. Unfortunately, that's not always been the way our government
has operated. We do things that we think are important, but we don't do them for
all people or all groups. I know that people who don't vote have no line of credit
with the people who are elected. Therefore, they pose no threat against those who
operate against them. I don't want blind Americans in that position at all—where
you can't vote or it's difficult to vote—and then you don't have a line of
credit with the people like myself who are elected. Sometimes people get elected,
and they assume that they got elected without the support of the blind community,
which is the strangest thing in the world, but some people actually believe that.
So it's important for persons like myself to keep raising issues. By the way, I
had four elections in ten months last year, Mark. I wouldn't wish that on anybody
at all. But I just became outraged at the first election when I walked into a
couple of polling places and noticed that there were blind citizens there, one
living not that far from me, trying to talk to the election judges about being
able to vote. The judges, good people with good hearts I assume, just were unprepared
because the Board of Elections was unprepared. We ought never have had that
situation. As many times as we have elections in this country, that should be one
of the first things that we think about. I think what happens is that we think of
accessibility, and we think of people who can't walk. But we don't always think
of accessibility as applying to people who cannot see, and we've got to continue
to be redundant about that. So, yeah, I raised a little "you know what" during
the election on election day and thereafter, because I didn't think it was fair.
They changed their practice for blind people in the seventh district so that they
are now able to vote just like anyone else and to be able to do that in a way that
they don't have to beg election judges or point out to election officials that
they are who they say they are or demonstrate that they know how to vote. Some of
the machines have been changed, at least in the second, third, and fourth elections
last year, to be able to accommodate blind voters in our district. Unless we talk
about that, I don't think it's going to change. It ticks me off when I see that
inaccessibility. It's an inherent reaction from me every time because I've worked
so long, and I can see Ken on my shoulders now saying "We can't have this; we
can't have this." So as long as his spirit is with me, I'm going to make sure I
continue to raise those points.</p> <p><strong>President Riccobono:</strong> Yeah,
I love it. Two more quick questions. One relates to voting. That is: There are
blind people out there who are thinking, wow, it would be great to be able to
serve in the United States Congress, but I'm a blind person. There aren't any
blind people in Congress. What would you say to an aspiring blind person who is
really interested in public service, but, of course, doesn't see anybody like them
in the Congress today? What would you say to encourage them to get in the mix of
public service and running for office?</p> <p><strong>Congressman Mfume:</strong>
The first thing I'd say is there are many glass ceilings out there, and this is
one of them. It's about time that it gets broken. There have been instances of
blind people running for office. We don't have any elected to the United States
Congress, but that shouldn't thwart anybody's efforts. I just believe that whether
you're running for the city council or the school board or the mayor or a state
delegate or representative from the state or from the Federal Government, the
first thing to do is to take that first step forward. Then others will follow, or
believe at least that nothing should limit them or their capacity. I always said
it's not how you start in life that counts; it's how you finish. In this case it
doesn't matter that you are blind. What matters is that you make the effort and
that you make the case and finish the race. As sure as I'm talking to you, Mark,
somebody will come back and look at these words—hopefully not many years
from now but soon—and say that was right because we've elected a blind
person to this office or one to that office. All you have to do is do it the first
time. It's like any other kind of wall; it will come tumbling down. And it's one
of the last walls in this society that I think we're burdened with. I'd love for
that wall to come down and that glass ceiling to be cracked, but we need good
candidates. If you feel like you are believing so deeply in issues and if it's in
your heart to do it, it's not easy, and it probably is harder for a blind person,
but I would encourage everybody that feels that way to make the case. Otherwise
we'll continue to have people in office who really don't care or sometimes who
have so much money that they practically buy the office. That idea of electing a
blind person will be something that they never even conceive of. So, we've just
got to try, just got to make sure that candidates are from every state and that
you challenge not just the issues but challenge the people, challenge the constituents
to look at you as they would look at themselves so that they do not see a disability,
challenge them so that they're listening to what you say, that they're listening
to your heart and your passion, and you'll gather votes. Eventually, again, that
wall will crumble, and that glass ceiling will come down, but I would strongly
encourage anyone who's considering running to by all means do it.</p> <p><strong>President
Riccobono:</strong> Well, Congressman, I think that's a great place to leave it,
to close out the opening evening of our 2021 virtual convention hosted here from
Baltimore but really happening everywhere. I want to give you the last word as a
friend and supporter of the National Federation of the Blind in the United States
Congress. Is there anything that you would like to leave the blind of America with
this evening?</p> <p><strong>Congressman Mfume:</strong> Well, I believe that
sometimes our biggest burdens are the ones that we refuse to let go of. I think
that it is important for all of us to recognize not just our capabilities but our
purpose. I would dare say, not being a blind person that the purpose of anyone
who happens to be blind is to make life better for the rest of us. Perhaps
particularly is it your goal to make life easier for other blind people who are
coming behind you, some of whom have yet to be born? I suggest it is to make sure
that when people—sighted people—look back through the telescope of
time, they see all the great efforts that the blind community has put forward and
all the great changes that have been made because of the impact of a coalition of
people all across the country who believe that their purpose in life is to really
change things and to make it better, particularly for blind people, but also for
our nation. That's what we really need. It's a noble purpose, and it's one that
you just can't make up. It's got to be in your heart, and I know it's in the heart
of so many! I know it's in the heart of the Federation because I've watched your
work since day one, and I'm just happy to be counted among those you consider to
be an ally, particularly now in the United States Congress. I will pledge, as I
did in 1979 when I met Ken, that I will do all that I can, and when I can't do
something, I will let you know, and then I will ask you to push me harder to make
sure that we find a way to get it done by bringing people together around causes
and issues that speak to civil rights, civil liberty, and human dignity for
everybody in this country. Thank you, Mark.</p> <p><strong>President Riccobono:</strong>
Thank you, Congressman. Thank you for being here. Any time you're coming through
the tunnel and feel compelled to hit the exit and pull up to Wells Street, come
on in. We'll give you a cup of coffee, and we'll share some stories. Thank you
for your leadership, and thank you for your time. It's a pleasure.</p>
<p><strong>Congressman Mfume:</strong> Thank you, sir. My best to all of you.</p>
<p>----------</p> <p><strong>[PHOTO CAPTION: Jonathan Franks]</strong></p> <h2
id="how-speaking-out-can-help-prepare-for-cloudy-days-and-save-lives">How Speaking
Out Can Help Prepare for Cloudy Days and Save Lives</h2> <p><strong>by Jonathan
Franks</strong></p> <p><strong>From the Editor: Making accessible emergency warnings
on radio and television have long been a concern of the National Federation of
the Blind, so it is no surprise that the same concern would be expressed as newer
forms of technology seek to provide these alerts. Jonathan Franks is a board member
of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas, and he demonstrates what happens
when an advocate is both articulate and persistent. Here is what he says:</strong></p>
<p>Throughout the past couple of years, I have noticed that when severe weather
is going to impact the Austin, Texas, area, the local NBC affiliate KXAN has been
using its Twitter account in an inaccessible manner. Its Twitter account would
send out tweets stating “The following counties are possibly going to be
impacted by severe weather.” However, the Twitter account would post images
with no ALT text or any type of text-based description stating as to which counties
will be affected by inclement weather. This clearly is an accessibility barrier
for those who use text-to-speech software and who use Twitter. I have used my own
Twitter account in conjunction with the Austin Chapter of the National Federation
of the Blind of Texas’ Twitter account to voice that this is an accessibility
barrier and a potentially dangerous issue for people who are blind.</p> <p>After
several attempts, I had received no response from their account. However, after
continued perseverance in which I continuously tweeted them from both accounts,
thankfully the KXAN Twitter account responded stating that it was not their
intention to put any barriers in place for blind people and that they would be
working with the necessary team to remedy this issue. The Twitter account responded
by saying: “KXAN News Verified account @KXAN_News Mar 17 replying to
@nfbaustin Good morning, we hear you loud and clear. It was not our intent to
create unnecessary barriers for our visually impaired readers. We will do better.
We will make sure our web/weather teams both see your message to us so that our
future tweets are more thoughtful to this. That includes working with our developers
to try to improve these automatic posts as soon as possible.” Since that
interaction, I have noticed that the KXAN weather accounts have sent out tweets
that have a text component within them that states which counties and areas will
be affected by severe weather. My time with the National Federation of the Blind
and experience working with the Housing, Transportation and Disaster Team with
Disability Rights Texas have definitely increased not only my ability to strongly
advocate for people who are blind, but also my skills in being cognizant of the
needs for people with disabilities. I want to commend KXAN for their efforts to
recognize their unintentional accessibility barrier and also their willingness to
remedy the issue.</p> <p>----------</p> <h2 id="you-can-make-a-difference">You
Can Make a Difference</h2> <p>For more than seventy-five years the National
Federation of the Blind has worked to transform the dreams of hundreds of thousands
of blind people into reality, and with your support we will continue to do so for
decades to come. We sincerely hope you will plan to be a part of our enduring
movement by adding the National Federation of the Blind as a partial beneficiary
in your will. A gift to the National Federation of the Blind in your will is more
than just a charitable, tax-deductible donation. It is a way to join in the work
to help blind people live the lives they want that leaves a lasting imprint on
the lives of thousands of blind children and adults.</p> <p>With your help, the
NFB will continue to:</p> <ul> <li><p>Give blind children the gift of literacy
through Braille;</p></li> <li><p>Promote the independent travel of the blind by
providing free, long white canes to blind people in need;</p></li> <li><p>Develop
dynamic educational projects and programs that show blind youth that science and
math are within their reach;</p></li> <li><p>Deliver hundreds of accessible
newspapers and magazines to provide blind people the essential information necessary
to be actively involved in their communities;</p></li> <li><p>Offer aids and
appliances that help seniors losing vision maintain their independence; and</p></li>
<li><p>Fund scholarship programs so that blind people can achieve their dreams.</p></li>
</ul> <h3 id="plan-to-leave-a-legacy"><strong>Plan to Leave a Legacy</strong></h3>
<p>Creating a will gives you the final say in what happens to your possessions
and is the only way to be sure that your remaining assets are distributed according
to your passions and beliefs. Many people fear creating a will or believe it’s
not necessary until they are much older. Others think that it’s expensive
and confusing. However, it is one of the most important things you will do, and
with new online legal programs it is easier and cheaper than ever before. If you
do decide to create or revise your will, consider the National Federation of the
Blind as a partial beneficiary. Visit <a
href="http://www.nfb.org/planned-giving">www.nfb.org/planned-giving</a> or call
410-659-9314, extension 2422, for more information. Together with love, hope,
determination, and your support, we will continue to transform dreams into
reality.</p> <h3 id="invest-in-opportunity"><strong>Invest in Opportunity</strong></h3>
<p>The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic
that defines you or your future. You can live the life you want; blindness is not
what holds you back. A donation to the National Federation of the Blind allows
you to invest in a movement that removes the fear from blindness. Your investment
is your vote of confidence in the value and capacity of blind people and reflects
the high expectations we have for all blind Americans, combating the low expectations
that create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.</p> <p>In 2020 the
NFB:</p> <ul> <li><p>Distributed over seven thousand canes to blind people across
the United States, empowering them to travel safely and independently throughout
their communities.</p></li> <li><p>Hosted forty-eight NFB BELL Academy programs,
which served more than three hundred and fifty blind students throughout the United
States.</p></li> <li><p>Provided over one hundred thousand dollars in scholarships
to blind students, making a post-secondary education affordable and attainable.</p></li>
<li><p>Delivered audio newspaper and magazine services to 118,900 subscribers,
providing free access to over four hundred local, national, and international
publications.</p></li> <li><p>In the third year of the program, over three hundred
fifty Braille-writing slates and styluses were given free of charge to blind
users.</p></li> </ul> <p>Just imagine what we’ll do next year, and, with
your help, what can be accomplished for years to come. Below are just a few of
the many diverse, tax-deductible ways you can lend your support to the National
Federation of the Blind.</p> <h3 id="vehicle-donation-program"><strong>Vehicle
Donation Program</strong></h3> <p>The NFB now accepts donated vehicles, including
cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles. Just call 855-659-9314
toll-free, and a representative can make arrangements to pick up your donation—it
doesn’t have to be working. We can also answer any questions you have.</p>
<h3 id="general-donation"><strong>General Donation</strong></h3> <p>General
donations help support the ongoing programs of the NFB and the work to help blind
people live the lives they want. Donate online with a credit card or through the
mail with check or money order. Visit <a
href="http://www.nfb.org/make-gift">www.nfb.org/make-gift</a> for more information.</p>
<h3 id="bequests"><strong>Bequests</strong></h3> <p>Even if you can’t afford
a gift right now, including the National Federation of the Blind in your will
enables you to contribute by expressing your commitment to the organization and
promises support for future generations of blind people across the country. Visit
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/planned-giving">www.nfb.org/planned-giving</a> or call
410-659-9314, extension 2422, for more information.</p> <h3
id="pre-authorized-contribution"><strong>Pre-Authorized Contribution</strong></h3>
<p>Through the Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) program, supporters sustain the
efforts of the National Federation of the Blind by making recurring monthly
donations by direct withdraw of funds from a checking account or a charge to a
credit card. To enroll, visit <a href="http://www.nfb.org/make-gift">www.nfb.org/make-gift</a><span
class="underline">,</span> and complete the Pre-Authorized Contribution form, and
return it to the address listed on the form.</p> <p>----------</p> <p><strong>[PHOTO
CAPTION: Peggy Chong]</strong></p> <h2
id="living-loving-and-providing-for-ones-family-isnt-new-to-this-generation">Living,
Loving, and Providing for One’s Family Isn’t New to This Generation</h2>
<p><strong>by Peggy Chong</strong></p> <p><strong>From the Editor: Peggy Chong is
addicted to history and loves to share her addiction. What she makes clear is that
not only have there been big personalities in history who were blind, but many a
man and woman made comfortable places for themselves and others through doing the
average job in the average place of business, though it may be with some very
different techniques. Blind business owners did not start with the creation of
the Randolph-Sheppard program, though it has helped many to become successful
entrepreneurs. Here’s what Peggy has to say about Allen, a man who provided
not only for himself but took on the role of the manly provider for his mother,
wife, and nieces.</strong></p> <p>Allen J. Hurlburt was born in 1852, in Clarion
County, Pennsylvania. He had limited vision from a young age. His family thought
little about it, not having finances to see a doctor. Little Allen behaved the
same as his twin and older siblings by completing chores, climbing trees, and
getting into trouble. His family expected Allen to behave as a normal child, and
he did.</p> <p>As a small boy, when he heard a mechanical sound, he had to touch
it and know how it worked. He was inquisitive and encouraged to do so by family
and friends. When an adult was repairing a piece of equipment, little Allen was
there to “help.”</p> <p>In his teens he found a discarded mouse-infested
clock. Allen took it home, cleaned it up, and took it apart. He studied how the
insides worked. He adjusted, repaired, replaced parts, and also repaired the
exterior woodwork. When he got the clock back together, it ran perfectly for
decades.</p> <p>At nineteen Allen was sent to the Pennsylvania Institution for
the Blind in Pittsburgh to learn a trade as a blind man. Already skilled in the
mechanical arts, he needed to concentrate on the musical parts of piano tuning
and his blindness skills. He learned to type on a print typewriter and to read
and write in Braille. These skills were important for correspondence with customers
and to keep his own financial records.</p> <p>In two years, Allen was sent out
into the city of Philadelphia to tune pianos at first under the school’s
tutelage. When he built up a reputation and his own client base, he went out on
his own.</p> <p>His repair shop, where he fixed clocks, sewing machines and anything
else mechanical a customer brought to him, was the headquarters for his piano
tuning business. Soon tuning became the lesser of his income as the area was
flooded with blind and sighted piano tuners.</p> <p>In 1880, his father passed
away in Muscatine, Iowa, where the majority of his family had moved years before.
Allen moved to Muscatine to care for his mother. When he arrived, he found a niece
also in need of a home. Quickly, Allen set out to establish a new business in
Muscatine. Much of his days were spent traveling the town and meeting potential
businessmen. Many said Allen was the first young blind person seeking to do business
there. The first several months were difficult for him. Everyone was nice but did
not give him any work because they had no faith in the blind man. He tried the
music stores, offering to tune and repair their musical instruments. His offers
of services as a carpenter and clock repairman were gently refused.</p> <p>Then
one day things began to change, and Allen tells how he began to build his reputation
in these words: “A dealer, who had refused to give me his work before, sent
word that he wished to see me at his store, and of course, I lost no time in making
the trip. When I entered, he said, “I just must have some tuning done; what
price will you make me?” I said, “Let me tune a piano first, and we
will talk price afterward.” To this, he readily agreed, but said “If
agreeable to you, I would like to watch the job.” I said that nothing would
suit me better. So, he watched for a time but soon went forward to his work. When
I was through and he had tried the instrument out, he asked what kind of a bargain
we could agree upon. He knew everyone in the city who had a piano, so it was
finally agreed that he should get the work, and I would do it on a fifty-fifty
basis.”</p> <p>News spread quickly of Allen’s ability. The owner of
the second music store approached Allen and asked if he would work for him as
well. There were only two music stores in town that sold and repaired pianos.
Having no exclusivity agreement with the first man, Allen agreed. For the next
twenty-two years, Allen worked for the second man at a much better percentage.</p>
<p>Being a carpenter, a mechanic, and a tuner, he offered the full range of tuning
services. He outlined in a letter his skills and abilities as a tuner thus:</p>
<p>“Having gone into the business to win, I made my repair department to
include the complete re-stringing, pinning, hammering, and felting of both square
and upright pianos including all sorts of case, bridge, and sound board repairs
and the remodeling of old actions. In one instance, I replaced an entire set of
ivories and sharps. This, by the way, was on a Steinway piano, and all have given
excellent satisfaction. I have mentioned this chiefly for the benefit of my tuner
friends who I trust will at least find it interesting reading.”</p> <p>Allen
did not travel with a cane or a dog guide. He walked to his jobs, to church, and
ran his errands by himself. Before there were many automobiles in Muscatine, Allen
was seen riding a bicycle around the town. He used sound cues and the ruts in the
streets to guide him and his bike.</p> <p>On April 8, 1885, Allen married Ellen
M. Fintel. They had five children. Allen bought a small home at 312 East Eighth
Street for his wife and growing family. His mother and nieces lived with them,
sometimes for years. In 1900 he built a 1,600+ square foot home on the same lot.
Still standing in 2010, it was a large two-story home that accommodated Allen’s
family, mother, and other relatives who came to live with them.</p> <p>The corner
lot and the space in the back to have a home workshop made it ideal. His workshop
included many tools and machines. Some he bought, but many he made for himself,
adapting them to best suit his needs as a blind woodworker. Allen adapted a skill
saw that he felt held as much practical service to the sighted as the blind. He
shopped this and many of his inventions around to the factories in the area. Each
said the inventions were very good and maybe even better than what they had, but
they did not purchase any or offer to make and assist him in selling them.</p>
<p>Other inventions included a sustaining pedal that he replaced on some of the
piano’s he repaired. He put a backspace key on his typewriter. Around the
house were examples of the many improvements made by Allen. His only regret was
that he did not have the time and money to put into his inventions to make them
pay off.</p> <p>In his seventies he worked less as a piano tuner. He spent more
and more time in his workshop at home. The couple had taken on the raising of two
of their grandchildren after their mother Edna, his youngest daughter, had passed
away. So retirement was not an option. Repairs of small mechanical equipment
brought in money, but his tinkering and invention on a steady basis in his home
workshop took away much of the profits.</p> <p>Looking back at his life, he credits
his self-confidence that helped him to build his own business. He thanked his
parents for allowing him to explore, take chances, and fail. On his death in March
of 1928, Allen had twenty-five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His son,
Paul and grandson Allen L. became woodworkers/carpenters, influenced by Allen.
Thus concluded a normal and perhaps an extraordinary life, one in which blindness
played a part but definitely was not the characteristic that defined Allen or
those who depended upon him.</p> <p><strong>Editor’s Note: Peggy writes:
If you would like to schedule a presentation contact me at <a
href="mailto:theblindhistorylady@gmail.com">theblindhistorylady@gmail.com</a>.</strong></p>
<p><strong>You can read more of my books at <a
href="https://www.smashwords.com">https://www.smashwords.com</a>.</strong></p>
<p>----------</p> <h2
id="constitution-of-the-national-federation-of-the-blind-as-amended-2014">Constitution
of the National Federation of the Blind as Amended 2014</h2> <h3 id="article-i.-name">ARTICLE
I. NAME </h3> <p>The name of this organization is the National Federation of the
Blind.</p> <h3 id="article-ii.-purpose">ARTICLE II. PURPOSE </h3> <p>The purpose
of the National Federation of the Blind is to serve as a vehicle for collective
action by the blind of the nation; to function as a mechanism through which the
blind and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state, and national
meetings to plan and carry out programs to improve the quality of life for the
blind; to provide a means of collective action for parents of blind children; to
promote the vocational, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to achieve
the integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality with the sighted;
and to take any other action which will improve the overall condition and standard
of living of the blind.</p> <h3 id="article-iii.-membership">ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
</h3> <p><strong>Section A.</strong> The membership of the National Federation of
the Blind shall consist of the members of the state affiliates, the members of
divisions, and members at large. Members of divisions and members at large shall
have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities in the National Federation
of the Blind as members of state affiliates.</p> <p>The board of directors shall
establish procedures for admission of divisions and shall determine the structure
of divisions. The divisions shall, with the approval of the board, adopt constitutions
and determine their membership policies. Membership in divisions shall not be
conditioned upon membership in state affiliates.</p> <p>The board of directors
shall establish procedures for admission of members at large, determine how many
classes of such members shall be established, and determine the annual dues to be
paid by members of each class.</p> <p><strong>Section B.</strong> Each state or
territorial possession of the United States, including the District of Columbia,
having an affiliate shall have one vote at the National Convention. These
organizations shall be referred to as state affiliates.</p> <p><strong>Section
C.</strong> State affiliates shall be organizations of the blind controlled by
the blind. No organization shall be recognized as an "organization of the blind
controlled by the blind" unless at least a majority of its voting members and a
majority of the voting members of each of its local chapters are blind.</p>
<p><strong>Section D.</strong> The board of directors shall establish procedures
for the admission of state affiliates. There shall be only one state affiliate in
each state.</p> <p><strong>Section E.</strong> Any member, local chapter, state
affiliate, or division of this organization may be suspended, expelled, or otherwise
disciplined for misconduct or for activity unbecoming to a member or affiliate of
this organization by a two‑thirds vote of the board of directors or by a
simple majority of the states present and voting at a National Convention. If the
action is to be taken by the board, there must be good cause, and a good faith
effort must have been made to try to resolve the problem by discussion and
negotiation. If the action is to be taken by the Convention, notice must be given
on the preceding day at an open board meeting or a session of the Convention. If
a dispute arises as to whether there was "good cause," or whether the board made
a "good faith effort," the National Convention (acting in its capacity as the
supreme authority of the Federation) shall have the power to make final disposition
of the matter; but until or unless the board's action is reversed by the National
Convention, the ruling of the board shall continue in effect.</p> <h3
id="article-iv.-officers-board-of-directors-and-national-advisory-board">ARTICLE
IV. OFFICERS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD</h3> <p><strong>Section
A.</strong> The officers of the National Federation of the Blind shall be: (1)
president, (2) first vice president, (3) second vice president, (4) secretary,
and (5) treasurer. They shall be elected biennially.</p> <p><strong>Section
B.</strong> The officers shall be elected by majority vote of the state affiliates
present and voting at a National Convention.</p> <p><strong>Section C.</strong>
The National Federation of the Blind shall have a board of directors, which shall
be composed of the five officers and twelve additional members, six of whom shall
be elected at the Annual Convention during even-numbered years and six of whom
shall be elected at the Annual Convention during odd-numbered years. The members
of the board of directors shall serve for two‑year terms. Biennially, during
even numbered years, at the first meeting of the Board of Directors following the
convention at which officers and Board Members are elected, the Board of Directors
shall select a Chairperson from among its members who shall not be the same person
as the President and who shall serve without compensation.</p> <p><strong>Section
D.</strong> The board of directors may, in its discretion, create a national
advisory board and determine the duties and qualifications of the members of the
national advisory board.</p> <h3
id="article-v.-powers-and-duties-of-the-convention-the-board-of-directors-and-the-president">ARTICLE
V. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CONVENTION, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND THE PRESIDENT</h3>
<p><strong>Section A. Powers and Duties of the Convention.</strong> The Convention
is the supreme authority of the Federation. It is the legislature of the Federation.
As such, it has final authority with respect to all issues of policy. Its decisions
shall be made after opportunity has been afforded for full and fair discussion.
Delegates and members in attendance may participate in all Convention discussions
as a matter of right. Any member of the Federation may make or second motions,
propose nominations, serve on committees, and is eligible for election to office,
except that only blind members may be elected to the national board. Voting and
making motions by proxy are prohibited. Consistent with the democratic character
of the Federation, Convention meetings shall be so conducted as to prevent
parliamentary maneuvers which would have the effect of interfering with the
expression of the will of the majority on any question, or with the rights of the
minority to full and fair presentation of their views. The Convention is not merely
a gathering of representatives of separate state organizations. It is a meeting
of the Federation at the national level in its character as a national organization.
Committees of the Federation are committees of the national organization. The
nominating committee shall consist of one member from each state affiliate
represented at the Convention, and each state affiliate shall appoint its member
to the committee. From among the members of the committee, the president shall
appoint a chairperson.</p> <p><strong>Section B. Powers and Duties of the Board
of Directors.</strong> The function of the board of directors as the governing
body of the Federation between Conventions is to make policies when necessary and
not in conflict with the policies adopted by the Convention. Policy decisions
which can reasonably be postponed until the next meeting of the National Convention
shall not be made by the board of directors. The board of directors shall serve
as a credentials committee. It shall have the power to deal with organizational
problems presented to it by any member, local chapter, state affiliate, or division;
shall decide appeals regarding the validity of elections in local chapters, state
affiliates, or divisions; and shall certify the credentials of delegates when
questions regarding the validity of such credentials arise. By a two‑thirds
vote the board may suspend one of its members for violation of a policy of the
organization or for other action unbecoming to a member of the Federation. By a
two‑thirds vote the board may reorganize any local chapter, state affiliate,
or division. The board may not suspend one of its own members or reorganize a
local chapter, state affiliate, or division except for good cause and after a
good-faith effort has been made to try to resolve the problem by discussion and
negotiation. If a dispute arises as to whether there was "good cause" or whether
the board made a "good-faith effort," the National Convention (acting in its
capacity as the supreme authority of the Federation) shall have the power to make
final disposition of the matter; but until or unless the board's action is reversed
by the National Convention, the ruling of the board shall continue in effect.
There shall be a standing subcommittee of the board of directors which shall
consist of three members. The committee shall be known as the subcommittee on
budget and finance. It shall, whenever it deems necessary, recommend to the board
of directors principles of budgeting, accounting procedures, and methods of
financing the Federation program; and shall consult with the president on major
expenditures.</p> <p>The board of directors shall meet at the time of each National
Convention. It shall hold other meetings on the call of the president or on the
written request of any five members.</p> <p><strong>Section C. Powers and Duties
of the President.</strong> The president is the principal administrative officer
of the Federation. In this capacity his or her duties consist of carrying out the
policies adopted by the Convention; conducting the day‑to‑day
management of the affairs of the Federation; authorizing expenditures from the
Federation treasury in accordance with and in implementation of the policies
established by the Convention; appointing all committees of the Federation except
the nominating committee; coordinating all activities of the Federation, including
the work of other officers and of committees; hiring, supervising, and dismissing
staff members and other employees of the Federation, and determining their numbers
and compensation; taking all administrative actions necessary and proper to put
into effect the programs and accomplish the purposes of the Federation. The
implementation and administration of the interim policies adopted by the board of
directors are the responsibility of the president as principal administrative
officer of the Federation.</p> <h3 id="article-vi.-state-affiliates">ARTICLE VI.
STATE AFFILIATES </h3> <p>Any organized group desiring to become a state affiliate
of the National Federation of the Blind shall apply for affiliation by submitting
to the president of the National Federation of the Blind a copy of its constitution
and a list of the names and addresses of its elected officers. Under procedures
to be established by the board of directors, action shall be taken on the application.
If the action is affirmative, the National Federation of the Blind shall issue to
the organization a charter of affiliation. Upon request of the national president
the state affiliate shall provide to the national president the names and addresses
of its members. Copies of all amendments to the constitution and/or bylaws of an
affiliate shall be sent without delay to the national president. No organization
shall be accepted as an affiliate and no organization shall remain an affiliate
unless at least a majority of its voting members are blind. The president, vice
president (or vice presidents), and at least a majority of the executive committee
or board of directors of the state affiliate and of all of its local chapters must
be blind. Affiliates must not merely be social organizations but must formulate
programs and actively work to promote the economic and social betterment of the
blind. Affiliates and their local chapters must comply with the provisions of the
constitution of the Federation.</p> <p>Policy decisions of the Federation are
binding upon all affiliates and local chapters, and the affiliate and its local
chapters must participate affirmatively in carrying out such policy decisions.
The name <em>National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind</em>, or
any variant thereof is the property of the National Federation of the Blind; and
any affiliate or local chapter of an affiliate which ceases to be part of the
National Federation of the Blind (for whatever reason) shall forthwith forfeit
the right to use the name <em>National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the
Blind,</em> or any variant thereof.</p> <p>A general convention of the membership
of an affiliate or of the elected delegates of the membership must be held and
its principal executive officers must be elected at least once every two years.
There can be no closed membership. Proxy voting is prohibited in state affiliates
and local chapters. Each affiliate must have a written constitution or bylaws
setting forth its structure, the authority of its officers, and the basic procedures
which it will follow. No publicly contributed funds may be divided among the
membership of an affiliate or local chapter on the basis of membership, and (upon
request from the national office) an affiliate or local chapter must present an
accounting of all of its receipts and expenditures. An affiliate or local chapter
must not indulge in attacks upon the officers, board members, leaders, or members
of the Federation or upon the organization itself outside of the organization,
and must not allow its officers or members to indulge in such attacks. This
requirement shall not be interpreted to interfere with the right of an affiliate
or local chapter, or its officers or members, to carry on a political campaign
inside the Federation for election to office or to achieve policy changes. However,
the organization will not sanction or permit deliberate, sustained campaigns of
internal organizational destruction by state affiliates, local chapters, or members.
No affiliate or local chapter may join or support, or allow its officers or members
to join or support, any temporary or permanent organization inside the Federation
which has not received the sanction and approval of the Federation.</p> <h3
id="article-vii.-dissolution">ARTICLE VII. DISSOLUTION </h3> <p>In the event of
dissolution, all assets of the organization shall be given to an organization with
similar purposes which has received a 501(c)(3) certification by the Internal
Revenue Service.</p> <h3 id="article-viii.-amendments">ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS
</h3> <p>This constitution may be amended at any regular Annual Convention of the
Federation by an affirmative vote of two‑thirds of the state affiliates
registered, present, and voting; provided that the proposed amendment shall have
been signed by five state affiliates in good standing and that it shall have been
presented to the president the day before final action by the Convention.</p>
<p>----------</p> <h2 id="monitor-miniatures"><em>Monitor</em> Miniatures </h2>
<h3 id="news-from-the-federation-family"><strong>News from the Federation
Family</strong></h3> <p><strong>A Report from our Communications Committee:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Liz Wisecarver writes:</strong> The Communications Committee discussed
several timely topics, including how to support survivors, news about the ongoing
affiliate website updates, communication platforms and publications that can be
used to reach out to members, and tips for hosting successful virtual conferences.
I think discussing how communications can be used to support survivors was a
particularly important issue. I also enjoyed hearing about hosting both state
affiliate and national level virtual conferences. Thank you to all who attended
and participated.</p> <h3 id="in-brief"><strong>In Brief</strong></h3> <p><strong>Notices
and information in this section may be of interest to <em>Monitor</em> readers.
We are not responsible for the accuracy of the information; we have edited only
for space and clarity.</strong></p> <p><strong>En-Vision America Celebrates
Twenty-five Years:</strong></p> <p>From a beginning in the basement of a home in
Normal, Illinois, En-Vision America has grown into a multi-national company helping
thousands of patients throughout the United States, Canada, and overseas safely
and independently access their prescription labels. From Talking Prescription
Labels to Large Print, Dual-Language/Translation, Braille and even Controlled
Substance Safety Labels, En-Vision America continues to expand and evolve to meet
a growing need.</p> <p>Thank you for the love and support you have shown us these
past twenty-five years. We are glad to be of service. You can reach us with
questions at 1-800-890-1180 or email us at: <a
href="mailto:customerservice@envisionamerica.com">customerservice@envisionamerica.com</a>.</p>
<h3 id="monitor-mart"><strong><em>Monitor</em> Mart</strong></h3> <p><strong>The
notices in this section have been edited for clarity, but we can pass along only
the information we were given. We are not responsible for the accuracy of the
statements made or the quality of the products for sale.</strong></p> <p><strong>Braille
Computer for Sale:</strong></p> <p>I’m needing to sell my Actilino Braille
computer. It has sixteen cells and weighs one pound. It is about the size of a
small billfold and fits easily into a purse or backpack. This is essentially a
Braille display with no speech or connection to the internet. The unit is a year
old. I paid $2,900 but am willing to sell it for $1,000. If interested, please
email Gail at <a href="mailto:gail@SoaringIntoGreatness.com">gail@SoaringIntoGreatness.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong>For Sale:</strong></p> <p>I have a Braille notetaker device with adapter,
manual (word document) and case called Actilino. I’d be glad to send it to
anyone who can pay $200, and I believe it can be shipped free. If interested,
please contact Gail Hamilton at 720-984-8082 or address inquiries to <a
href="mailto:gail@SoaringIntoGreatness.com">gail@SoaringIntoGreatness.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Magnifier for Sale:</strong></p> <p>I have the Patriot Dazzle 22 HD to
sell. It is a desktop video magnifier that incorporates an integrated light, high
definition camera, expert optics, and a widescreen LED twenty-two inch high
resolution monitor. This is a great unit for reading, writing, viewing photos,
and so much more. It is a versatile video magnifier with a twenty-two inch
widescreen, and pivot, rotate, and swivel camera for near viewing and far viewing
and self-viewing too! I am asking $750 for the unit and this includes shipping.
If interested, please contact Paula Kelsey at 540-431-1147 or write me at <a
href="mailto:kelseypaula99@gmail.com">kelseypaula99@gmail.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>Items
for Sale:</strong></p> <p>I am selling the following items:</p> <p>1. A PenFriend
2 voice recorder for $120.</p> <p>2. A Romeo RB40 Braille Embosser. Asking $150.
Does not include Duxbury program floppy disks.</p> <p>3. Pictures in a Flash
machine for $800.</p> <p>Please contact Jenny Kate Lyon at <a
href="mailto:spiderweb1@sbcglobal.net">spiderweb1@sbcglobal.net</a> if you are
interested.</p> <p><strong>ZoomText for Sale:</strong></p> <p>A friend of mine is
selling his zoom text 10.2 and is asking $500 or best offer. Please call Jane
Lansaw at 918-852-1397, and she will connect you with the seller.</p> <p>----------</p>
<h2 id="nfb-pledge">NFB Pledge</h2> <p>I pledge to participate actively in the
efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity,
and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation;
and to abide by its constitution.</p> </body> </html>