[nfb-talk] new list for blind members with other disabilities --was: Re: NFB Pride Text

Fri Nov 24 08:26:39 CST 2006

Hi Laura;
Just came across your message while cleaning up.  Great idea.  I think
Chris from the UK would be interested.  I sure am.  Lets go for it.
Hope you had a nice Holiday.
As they say, better late than never.
Terry Powers

-----Original Message-----
From: Laura Eaves [mailto:leaves1 at carolina.rr.com] 
Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 12:48 PM
To: NFB Talk Mailing List
Subject: [nfb-talk] new list for blind members with other disabilities
--was: Re: NFB Pride Text

Wow, you took the words right out of my mouth -- I also battle
additional 
handicaps and would really love to meet people who deal with some of the

same issues.  I wonder if we could start a mailing list, if nothing else
--  
the problem is that I won't be at the convention this year -- also, 
different combinations of disabilities require different coping
strategies. 
For example, deaf-blind persons have their own sub-culture  built around
the 
way they communicate, but a person in a wheelchair who hears but is
blind 
would probably not find much in the way of coping strategies from that 
culture.
I think it might be good to start a mailing list for physically disabled

(i.e., non-ambulatory or paralyzed persons) who are blind.  I fit in
this 
category, and also have a profound hearing loss, although thank the Lord
I 
have hearing aids that correct most the problem.
Anyway, I would love to moderate such a list if anyone things it worth 
starting.  Please let me know.
rah rah rah rah nfb!!!
--le

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Powers, Terry (NIH/OD/DEAS) [E]" <powerst at dcpcepn.nci.nih.gov>
To: "NFB Talk Mailing List" <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 8:37 AM
Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] NFB Pride Text

Mike;
Most of the groups, such as lawyers are related to the work force or 
training.
I would also like a group for epeleptics or multi handicapped.  No
affence, 
but I sure think this would be more affective.  coping with blindness
and 2 
other handicaps, like me, is not easy.  Many out there could use some 
support.  From NFB talk, I found out that there were others with
blindness 
and epolepsi.  For the longest time, I thought I was the only one out
there, 
in this big world.  I also have a mild hearing loss and some medical 
problems from car accidents.
Look at the lady in charge of Guide dogs.  She is blind and gets around
in a 
wheel chair.  I have used one before, but I had some sight.  Shairing
how we 
cope with problems like I have mentioned, I think is a lot more
benificial 
to the NFB.

Terry Powers

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Bullis [mailto:mabullis at hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2006 4:58 PM
To: 'NFB Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] NFB Pride Text

Very very interesting discussion.  I suspect though that in the same
sense
that our society isn't broadly ready to accept same-sex marriage, nfb
well
may not be able to see this issue as one it ought to embrace.  That's
not a
justification, but more of an explaination.  And I don't think my use of
the
word embrace is Freudian?  No, really!!

Thinking about it another way, we've allowed blind lawyers to form a
division so why not gays?  I mean, is there any more villified and
dishonored group than lawyers?  They're regarded right down there with
politicians, news personalities and well, you know, all those less
reputable
scum in society.  Laugh.

 I am sure there are real issues confronted by homosexuals who are blind
that are unique to their status as blind people.  I mean, referring back
to
the blind lawyers.  Blind lawyers have lots of signifficant issues
related
to lawyering and blindness that naturally fit into the concerns of the
NFB.
Far be it from me to decide that gay people don't or to stand in their
way
if they wish to organize.  I've always favored enlarging the tent in
most
every organization I've been in and this is no exception.

I'm not sure how this is going to be taken because it's hard to tell
jokes
regarding these sensitive issues in person, let alone through email but
please be assurede I mean nobody any disrespect.  Some of my best
friends,
ok, well, acquaintances, alright, people I have met, are lawyers.
Mike Bullis
-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On
Behalf Of Craig Eckhardt
Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2006 3:49 PM
To: nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfb-talk] NFB Pride Text

Appearantly my document didn't show up in the message (the digest
version
anyway), so I'll just paste it here...enjoy!
Blind and Gay in America: A Perspective by Craig Eckhardt The National
Federation of the Blind teaches the philosophy that blindness, when
given
the proper education and opportunity, can be reduced from a catastrophic
life-ending tragedy to a mere inconvenience or, as some state, a
characteristic.  What makes this philosophy difficult to fully grasp for
some is the fact that blindness is usually not the only "characteristic"
needing to be dealt with.
Compounded with the stigmas associated with other "minority" factors,
one
can understand why many blind people might shrug off the NFB ideology
"for
other blind people"; mainly, the affluent, white, Christian, and
heterosexual male blind population.
The need for kinship and integration into society is a part of human
nature.  I, being someone with a "disability" in addition to being gay,
had
a disadvantage in "fitting in" while growing up in a military family.
At
times I often wondered how much more difficult adjusting would be if I
was
also a different race (I'm
white) or religion (my family's Episcopal) or poor (I grew up middle
class)
or a woman.  The greatest advantage I have in coping is the fact that I
live
in the 21st Century where, thanks to many bold pioneers, support
structures
have been developed and the integration of all lifestyles as equals in
modern society is well on its way.
The quest for equality never stops and, despite the amazing efforts
from the past, work will always need to be done to ensure the
enlightened
knowledge and attitudes passes from generation to generation.
Personally, I
was able to learn positive perspectives on my blindness from the
Federation
as well as on homosexuality from various community groups.  While I am
grateful that these resources are available, I often think how nice it
would
be to find a support system that could address both issues.  I've often
discussed the idea of creating such a division within the Federation,
and
have received mainly negative criticisms.  The argument people have
against
forming a "PRIDE" division in the NFB is that sexuality is irrelevant in
regards to the Federation's goals and distracts from its mission of
improving the lives of the blind.  In addition, many believe there isn't
a
substantial amount of support to warrant the creation of such a
division.
My belief is that the seeming lack of support derives from the negative
philosophy which demeans the significance of sexuality in terms of human
relationships.
The main problem in discussing sexuality is that many don't
recognize the importance it has in our lives.  Homophobic people degrade
homosexuality to a mere act of sex and perversion that is "unnatural" to
the
purpose of sex as a means for procreation.  I contest that in most
cases,
the act of sex is not so much a tool for pregnancy as it is an
expression of
love and intimacy.  As mentioned before, humans long for kinship and
their
sexuality, in addition to their religious beliefs or their cultural
values
or other factors, is equally important in being used to alleviate that
longing.  Furthermore, I believe that as blind people, feeling
comfortable
with our sexuality is necessary in combating the stigma which states
that
people with disabilities aren't capable or interested (or the polar
opposite
of being too interested) in sexual issues.  This attitude can be noticed
in
society today; for instance, by observing the lack of consideration in
adapting sex education materials for disabled students.  The lost
opportunity for a formal education on sexuality often leaves the blind
student ignorant of the facts, thus asserting the previously mentioned
stereotype.
To state that incorporating a support group for gay, lesbian (as
well as a myriad of other sects of the "gay community") within the
Federation is irrelevant to the blind cause is an ignorant and
homophobic
argument which denies the recognition that sexuality has in developing
meaningful, loving relationships between two consenting adults.  I
understand that as a consumer organization, other issues such as
establishing economic security and job opportunities should take
precedence;
but at the same time, social issues like this should not be ignored any
longer.
In closing, I believe that the philosophy of the Federation can be
accessible to all people (blind or sighted) in all life situations by
rewording the credo as such: With proper education and opportunities,
all
situations in life can be reduced from catastrophic, life-ending
tragedies
to mere inconveniences or characteristics.
Specific to sexuality: With proper education, all people can understand
the
significance of sexuality in there lives as one of many factors that
contribute to developing loving, intimate relationships (regardless of
gender) which ultimately help to improve the quality of life.
I urge the leadership of the Federation to help improve the lives of the
blind by recognizing this truth about sexuality and implementing its
knowledge with the positive philosophy which has made the National
Federation of the Blind "The Voice" of blind people throughout the
world.

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