[Mt-blind] NFB of Montana

[Edward C Robbins]

Jim & List,
        I too am proud to be a member of the MAB, ergo NFB.
        When I lost my sight in 1979, I knew there had to be some help
"out there" and I was finally put in touch with the MAB.  I attended the
SOP and learned some of the basics.  While at the SOP, I was taught about
the MAB and the other programs of the MAB and became a great promoter of
the MAB because of this.  It provided me with additional confidence  to
do my own thing.  I was farming and doing Accounting work.
        I was encouraged to attend the NFB convention each year, until in
1983 I finally broke down and consented to go.  It was to me the most
exciting activity since the SOP.  There were people in the same situation
as my self and I was able to learn new techniques, see what adaptive
equipment was available and thus was able to see for myself, just what
the NFB was all about .
        I very much enjoy reading the publications provided through the
NFB, namely the Braille Monitor, Voice of the Diabetic, Presidential
addresses, kernle books, etc.   publications.  They are provided in
alternative formates such as electronic text, Braille, cassette tape and
even in print.  The articles are written by folks just like you and I. 
Their experiences help myself to gain confidence, thereby independence to
go about my activities without being afraid or concerned.
        .
        I was told by one of the past MAB leaders, that at one point in
time, the MAB didn't had the funds to pay its staff at the SOP and that
the NFB stepped in and provided the funds to the MAB so the staff would
receive their compensation.  (I believe this has happened on more than
one occasion.)
         
On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 10:46:14 -0700 "Jim Marks" <blind.grizzly at gmail.com>
writes:
> Someone asked me off line why I sometimes refer to the Montana 
> Association
> for the Blind (MAB)( as the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) 
> of
> Montana.  The reason is simple.  The MAB is Montana's chartered 
> affiliate of
> the NFB.  Just like chapters are part of the MAB in that they are 
> chartered
> by the state organization, the state MAB is part of national.  I 
> know that
> some MAB members feel strongly about the NFB.  Some see the NFB as a 
> threat,
> and the feeling is really just that, a feeling without the merit of 
> facts.
> Fact is, the MAB is the NFB.  The charters prove this.  We ought to 
> be proud
> of our state group, and we should feel the same for our national.  
> Also,
> there is a very practical reason for affirming our relationship with 
> the
> NFB.  Blind people need the name recognition in our advocacy to 
> improve our
> lives and the lives of blind persons who follow us.  The NFB makes a 
> huge
> difference in my life and the lives of all blind Montanans.  For 
> example,
> right now the US Congress is considering a law that will provide 
> accessible
> textbooks to blind and visually impaired college students.  Guess 
> where this
> law comes from.  If you say the NFB, you would be right.  There are 
> many
> other examples of how important the NFB is to blind Montanans.  I 
> know that
> the fear of the NFB is based much on the high expectations for the 
> blind.
> Those who do not share the high expectations often bristle at the 
> uppity
> nature of the NFB.  If you look closely at who opposes the NFB, you 
> will see
> people who really do not believe in the abilities of blind people.  
> This is
> my experience, at least.  Let me hasten to say that the NFB is not 
> perfect.
> No organization or institution is.  But the NFB is a solid vehicle 
> for
> change, and goodness knows that we blind Montanans need change.  I 
> am very,
> very proud to be part of all three aspects of our organization, the
> national, state, and chapter parts.  And that's why I like to refer 
> to our
> state organization with the name, the NFB of Montana.
> 
> 
> 
> Jim Marks
> blind.grizzly at GMail.com 
> 
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