[Blindtlk] Fw: [blind-family] More research new

[Graves, Diane]

Laure Eaves?  That may be Bonnie.  I'm really embarrassed that I
mistakenly thought it was Lorraine Rovig.  I don't know where that
confused notion came in.  As I say, I have never met Lorraine, but have
heard a lot about her.  It just seemed like someone had told me that
years ago.

It was really embarrassing when I saw the message from her this morning
and realize she's on the list.  OOPS!  Sorry for the confusion Lorraine.
(smile)


Diane Graves 
Civil Rights Specialist 
Indiana Civil Rights Commission 
Alternative Dispute Resolutions Unit 
317-232-2647 

 

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."--Winston
Churchill  


 

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-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Bonnie M Ainsworth
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2007 10:27 AM
To: NFBnet Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Fw: [blind-family] More research new


Diane,

Is it Laura Eaves maybe?

Bonnie Ainsworth
Lincoln, NE USA


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
To: "NFBnet Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 9:05 AM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Fw: [blind-family] More research new


Diane:

Lorraine is most definitely not in a wheelchair and is sighted -- not 
that it matters. Maurine Pranghofer of Minnesota is in a wheelchair and 
is blind though I haven't seen her at NFB conventions for a while.

Mike

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Graves, Diane" <dgraves at crc.in.gov>
To: "NFBnet Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 6:41 AM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Fw: [blind-family] More research new


Good Morning to All,

Several points I would like to make.

First of all, I definitely understand where Steve is coming from, and I
think he has a very healthy perspective.  He isn't saying the
convenience of sight wouldn't be nice, if he could have it without going
broke or taking anything away from those who are important to him, or
without taking extreme physical risk that might threaten the quality of
his life.  He is already living a quality life, and he is comfortable
and happy with that life.  I see nothing wrong with that or
condescending in that perspective at all.

For instance, I wouldn't mind being rich and never again having to worry
about budgeting to pay bills either.  But I'm simply not willing to
throw the megabucks away that some of my coworkers do on the lottery
tickets, just on the off chance that it might happen.

I am blind due to retinoblastoma, which, for those who may not know,  is
a cancer of the retina.  As a result of this, I had to have some
radiation therapy as a baby which caused some facial deformities.
Technology is much kinder today, but back then, it was a pretty blunt
instrument.  The end result was that my eyes and that part of my face
are not very attractive to look at.  I have had some cosmetic surgery,
but it still hasn't given me a completely "normal" appearance.  As we
know, though physical appearance may not be important to many of us, it
is extremely important to the sighted.  Thus, I wanted to fully correct
the problem.

I bring this up, because, in consulting with a cosmetic surgeon some
years ago, he indicated that there were some additional things that
could conceivably be done, but the reconstruction of the bone involved
going in and moving the brain around and manipulating the brain in that
area, which, of course, carries some sizable risks.

What did I do?  I considered all of this, the pros and the cons, and
elected to forego this risky procedure and wear the dark glasses to aid
with my appearance. Would I like to be able to get rid of the glasses
and not be repulsive to those who look at me?  Yes I would, but I'm not
willing to risk my current capabilities and functionality in order to
achieve this.

Secondly, I do think we need to be careful when chiding others for not
having the same level of confidence and positive perspective as we do.
(Again, I'm not talking about Steve's comments here.  I understand Steve
perfectly.) However, others have been more abrasive.

We have to remember that the majority of us have the perspectives we do
because we have had positive role models, and parents who expected us to
live normal lives an so many other positive tools to work with.

It doesn't sound to me like Jenn has had much family support at all,
and, though she has known other blind people through the NFB, it doesn't
sound like she has known any other successful blind wheelchair bount
people.

I do know that there are some in the NFB, although I don't know them
personally or don't' know who they are, but maybe we can get that
information for you Jen.

I may be wrong on this point, but isn't' Lorraine Rovig in a wheelchair,
or wasn't she at one time?  Does anyone know.  It seems like I have
heard someone talking about her being in a chair and using a cane.

Jenn, is it possible you might be able to get out of Rhode Island where
the services are so "crummy," and maybe go to the Louisiana Center, or
one of our other NFB training centers where they  might be able to help
with the mobility issues?

Anyway, I think everyone's situation is different, and all factors need
to be considered. _______________________________________________
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