Addicted to Acronyms

As a parent of two visually impaired children, it's near impossible to know, let alone remember that we hear... ISFP, IEP, DSBVI, UFBVI, NFB, UCB, NOAH, and now UPOBC?? At a later time, I will discuss each acronym, but for now I will introduce the UPBC.

The Utah Parents of Blind Children (UPBC) is a state wide group of parents dedicated to the education and advancement of children with visual impairments - whether blind, partially sighted or having multiple disabilities including visual impairment. We are a division of the National Federation of the Blind which is the largest organization of the blind in the country. See: www.nfb.org

The purpose of the organization is to create a climate of opportunity for blind children in home, school and society, to provide information and support to parents of blind children; to facilitate the sharing of experiences and concerns among parents of blind children; to develop and expand resources available to parents and their blind children; to help parents of blind children gain understanding and perspective through partnership and contact with blind adults; and to function as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind and the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children in their ongoing efforts to eliminate discrimination and prejudice against the blind and to achieve for the blind security, equality and opportunity.

The membership is open to parents of blind children, educators of blind children and others interested in promoting the purposes of this organization.

For More Information or How Do I Join?

Contact Marla Palmer
1062 East Fairway Drive
North Salt Lake, Utah 84057
palmermommy@q.com
801-797-9760

Marla's Personal Note

I have had many friends and teachers inquire as to why we are involved with the UPOBC and the NFB.

The first question, "Why are you involved in an organization for the blind when you children are "only" visually impaired. I feel this is a fair question. In this blog I have used both the words "blind" and "visually impaired" so it doesn't deter parents, teacher, individual away from this site.

Carol Castelleno, a well known author and leader of the National Parents of Blind Organization explained, "The National Federation of the Blind tends to use the word "blind" to include those who are visually impaired. Others--and the field in general--prefer terms like"visually impaired" or "low vision" and make a strict distinction between people who are blind and those who have some residual vision. The problem is that when this strict distinction is made, the next step is to say that "blind people need braille while visually impaired people can use print; blind people must use a canewhile visually impaired people can use their eyesight to travel."

We in the Federation feel that this strict distinction in terminology and then in tools and techniques does a real disservice to those who are not totally blind because it keeps them from learning and using the nonvisual skills that would truly make their lives easier. So I guess you could say that we don't exactly focus more on blind people as opposed to people who are visually impaired; it's that we focus on getting people who are either blind or VI to use the skills that will make them more efficient, graceful, and independent in the tasks of daily life. And these tend to be the nonvisual or blindness skills."

Let's face it, there are low expectations for blind children and even adults. We as teachers and parents can be guilty of "coddling" our children and letting them "just get by". What happens when reality hits and they are suddenly 18? Then what? Do we allow them to be like the other 70% of unemployed blind Americans?

What do I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE? There are many successful, intelligent, employed, socially appropriate, blind adults mentors in the NFB. They are here in Utah and all over the United States! Since my oldest was an infant, we have invited these friends to our homes, to our children's IEPs, to their school to educate students, teachers and staff. We attend meetings, seminars, social events, dinners, and recreation activities so my children can know first hand what is expected, independence.

Mentoring is a powerful tool that's available, but is not being utilized to it's capacity. My children are learning Braille because they have met adults (with low vision) who wished they would've been taught this amazing literacy tool when they were younger. Braille could have been a choice when helping ease neck or eye strain; when labeling their personal files; or helped when giving a speech so they could give eye contact to their audience without worrying about an ink spot on their nose.

The second question I have heard is, "Isn't the NFB militant?" When asked this question, I ask for clarification on what they mean by militant. I don't think that question has ever gone beyond that. No one seems to know.

Is the NFB proactive? Yes. Is the NFB outspoken? Yes. Will the NFB take action if inequality, inaccessibility, or educational laws are not being met? Yes. This is why I am involved, I like an organization that is proactive. Is it perfect? No. There is always room for improvement in any organization. There are members of the NFB that may express their personal opinion about any issue. I try to always remember that personal opinions are just that..their own.

The UPBC and NFB are not the only support/consumer groups that are available. If it's not your "cup of tea", I strongly encourage parents look at everything that is available to network, mentor, and feel supportive. We do not have to do this alone. If you decide to venture elsewhere, please keep me in mind and let's network together!