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The Pathfinder |
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By Norma Crosby When 2006 began many of our members were still getting over the shock of loss they experienced as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Our affiliate was still providing help to many blind Louisianans who had been devastated by the storms. Nonetheless, we moved forward as Federationists always do In January more than twenty of our members participated in the Washington Seminar. This allowed us to discuss issues that affect blind people in our state and throughout the nation with our congressional delegation. As is usually the case, our senators and representatives were most responsive to the problems we presented, and they were especially interested in the plight of our state rehabilitation agency following the hurricanes. As a result of our efforts on behalf of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services Rep. Rodney Alexander, and others, worked hard to insure that funds for this important program were protected. This allowed service to continue uninterrupted for disabled people, and it allowed the agency to assist many who were displaced by the storms. In February, we kicked off a new program in Louisiana . The Louisiana Bridges Program pairs blind youth with blind mentors who work with the young person to achieve goals relating to education, employment, and much more. Our first year began with eighteen enthusiastic pairs, and they spent lots of time getting to know one another at the kickoff event. As the year progressed, so did their relationships, and they have now begun their second year together. The Louisiana Bridges Program had barely begun when our North Central Chapter hosted the NFB of Louisiana convention. This convention was a special one because it celebrated the twentieth anniversary of our affiliate's Louisiana Center for the Blind. Special convention activities included: a wonderful play by Jerry Whittle, visits from state agency heads and other dignitaries, and special presentations to Neita Ghrigsby and Jerry & Merilynn Whittle for their years of service to the center. The banquet was the highlight of the convention. Scholarships were presented to three outstanding students. They were Bandi Bryant, Alisha Thompson, and Jessica Kostiw. A special convention scholarship was given to Amanda Gaffney. The banquet also included an address by Joanne Wilson who was serving as our national representative. As most people know, Joanne is the founder of LCB, and she served as its first executive director. As if it weren't special enough to have Joanne and her husband, Harold, with us, we were also joined by Marc and Patricia Maurer. Dr. Maurer serves as president of the National Federation of the Blind, and having him and Mrs. Maurer present added immensely to the special tone of the evening. Rep. Rodney Alexander and his wife, Nancy, also joined us for the banquet. Rep. Alexander has been a friend of the NFB of Louisiana for a long time, and it was fitting that he participated in the celebration of our accomplishments at the center and within our affiliate as a whole. The evening was full of surprises, and both Pam Allen, the center's current director, and Joanne Wilson were completely caught off guard when they were each presented with original paintings of the center. The evening was capped off with a really terrific skit that paid homage to the character of each staff member at LCB. Once our State Convention was over everyone began making plans to attend our National Convention, in Dallas. More than 180 Louisianans attended workshops, special interest group meetings, and general convention sessions. Quite a number of our members were asked to speak on panels and serve on committees designed to find ways of improving the quality of life for all blind people. National elections were held during the summer convention, and our own Pam Allen became treasurer of our national organization. Chris Booher, a former student at LCB took home the Kenneth Jernigan Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $12,000.00. As the winner of the largest scholarship awarded, Chris was afforded the opportunity to address the convention. He said:
Our members returned from Dallas with a renewed sense of purpose, and we all began to plan activities for Meet the Blind Month, in October. The purpose of these activities was to go out into the public and educate them about the fact that blind people are just like everyone else. Some of the events raised funds for local chapters or the state affiliate, but most just gave us a chance to get to know our sighted peers and to allow them to know us. It was a busy year, full of hard work, but our members are dedicated to changing what it means to be blind. 2007 has started out the same way. Federationists from around Louisiana are educating the public, advocating for the blind, providing first-rate rehabilitation services, and offering support and encouragement to blind people and their families. That is our mission, and we will continue to work toward achieving that mission. National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana, Inc. |
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