The Courtesy Rules of Blindness
When you meet me, don't be ill at ease. It will help both of us if you remember these simple points of courtesy:
I'm an ordinary person, just blind. You don't need to raise your voice or address me as if I were a child.
Don't ask my spouse what I want -- "Cream in the coffee??"-- ask me.
I may use a long white cane or a guide dog to walk independently; or I may ask to take your arm. Let me decide, and please don't grab my arm; let me take yours. I'll keep a half-step behind to anticipate curbs and steps.
I want to know who's in the room with me. Speak when you enter. Introduce me to the others. Include children and tell me if there's a cat or dog.
The door to a room or cabinet or to a car left partially open is a hazard to me.
I will not have trouble with ordinary table skills.
Don't avoid words like "see". I use them, too. I'm always glad to see you.
I don't want pity. Don't talk about the "wonderful compensations" of blindness. My sense of smell, touch, or hearing did not improve when I became blind. I rely on them more and, therefore, may get more information through those senses than you do.
If I'm your houseguest, show me the bathroom, closet, dresser, window--the light switch, too. I like to know whether the lights are on.
I'll discuss blindness with you if you're curious, but it's an old story to me. I have just as many other interests as you do.
Don't think of me as just a blind person. I'm just a person who happens to be blind.
In all 50 states, the law requires drivers to yield the right of way when they see my extended white cane. Only the blind may carry white canes. You see more blind persons today walking alone, not because there are more of us, but because we have learned to make our own way.
HOW TO CONTACT US: to learn more about blindness and services available in the state or to find out how you may support the work of the National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia, You can find us on the internet by visiting www.nfbwv.org or contact us at (304) 982-6256.
SUPPORT: Contributions to the National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia are tax exempt under terms of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All elected officers serve as unpaid volunteers, and the organization has no full-time salaried staff. It receives occasional grants for the support of specific projects, but it receives no government funds for ongoing administrative operations. It depends largely upon support from individual members and local chapters, ongoing fund-raising projects, and from other interested individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations.
The printed copy shows Chapter Locations on a map of West Virginia
The print copy also shows a picture of WHOZIT and NFBWV of West Virginia Along with the motto (Voice of the Nation's Blind in West Virginia"
The newly blinded person faces difficult adjustments. One of the best ways to cope with these adjustments is to meet other blind people and learn of the techniques and skills they use in their daily lives. Membership in the NFBWV provides this common meeting ground and a sense of participation and restoration of confidence.
THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF WEST VIRGINIA is the Organized Blind of the Mountain State. It is West Virginia's state affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest organization of the Blind in America. Interested sighted persons are also welcome to join.
Founded in 1940, the Federation has grown to include over 50,000 members.
The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia (NFBWV) began in
1954 and has local chapters in Charleston, Clarksburg, Huntington, and Wheeling. Persons who do not live near these locations may join as members at large.
PURPOSE: The ultimate purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is the complete integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality.
This objective involves the removal of legal, economic, and social discriminations; the education of the public to new concepts concerning blindness; and the achievement by all blind people of the right to exercise to the fullest their individual talents and capacities. That means the right of the blind to work along with their sighted neighbors in the professions, common callings, skilled trades, and regular occupations.
Federationists understand that "The real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight. The real problem is the misunderstanding and lack of information which exist. If a blind person has proper training and opportunity, blindness is only a physical nuisance."
CHANGING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BLIND: It is estimated that over one million persons in the U.S. are blind and 4,500 of them live in West Virginia.
Each year, more than 50,000 people nationwide will become blind. Studies show that only AIDS and cancer are feared more than blindness. However, blindness need not be the tragedy which it is generally thought to be. The
National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia is a consumer organization of blind people working together to improve opportunities for blind West Virginians and to improve the understanding of blindness by the general public. It serves as a vehicle for collective self-expression by the blind of West Virginia.
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Members of the National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia are involved in many programs and activities aimed at changing what it means to be blind.
PUBLIC EDUCATION: Through a variety of outreach efforts, the organization is committed to changing public attitudes and understandings about blindness. These efforts include presentations to schools, civic organizations, and other groups; distribution of literature and videos; a presence on the Worldwide Web; and relevant stories in the news media.
LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES: West Virginia Federationists work actively and successfully to support legislation in both the U.S. Congress and the State Legislature. Such legislative initiatives are intended to promote educational, social, and economic opportunities for blind persons as well as to remove barriers of discrimination.
AGENCY RELATIONS: A committee of the NFBWV meets regularly with representatives of state agencies that provide services to blind West
Virginians in such areas as education, rehabilitation, library services, advocacy, and human rights. These meetings give blind persons an opportunity for effective consumer input into the quality and delivery of services which affect their lives most directly.
ANNUAL CONVENTION: The NFBWV's annual state convention brings together Federationists from throughout West Virginia and beyond for a weekend of learning and decision making, fun and fellowship. The annual convention is where much of the organization's official business gets done, including the election of officers and the adoption of resolutions.
SCHOLARSHIPS: Each year the NFBWV offers a $1,000 scholarship to a worthy blind student enrolled in a full-time program of higher education. Each recipient is also the organization's invited guest for the Annual Convention during which the scholarship is presented.
NATIONAL PROGRAMS: As an integral part of the nationwide Federation Family, the NFBWV can connect blind West Virginians with a wide range of valuable programs available through the Federation's National Center for the Blind in
Baltimore, MD. Such programs include information and referral services; scholarships; literature and publications about blindness; aids and appliances and other adaptive equipment; advocacy services and protection of civil rights; employment assistance and support services; development and evaluation of technology; and support for blind persons and their families including the parents of blind children.
NFB NEWSLINE: One of the Federation's national programs, NFB Newsline, provides registered blind individuals with free access to more than 200 daily newspapers--including three West Virginia dailies--through the use of a touchtone telephone. This service is available to persons within the state by contacting the WV Library Commission at 1-800-642-8674.
NFB LINK: Another national initiative, NFB-LINK, provides mentoring relationships for individuals who would like resources and guidance on a variety of blindness topics. NFB-LINK can help you get the information you need to live life to the fullest! It is an opportunity to take control of your life. Learn more about blindness, find a mentor! Program Services Include: online and in-person mentoring; advice for family and friends; how to continue with your hobbies and interests such as gardening, grilling, cooking, etc.; career development and opportunities; introduction to local and statewide blindness support groups and services; scholarship opportunities and advocacy training for blind students; information for parents of blind children; resources for blindness professionals e.g. ophthalmologists, teachers, rehabilitation counselors, etc.; and tips for seniors experiencing vision loss. These comprehensive resources are based on the collective experiences of thousands of blind persons who have succeeded in various arenas. Join our growing network and meet others like yourself. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. Visit www.nfblink.org
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