Cheryl Ruth

Cheryl Ruth

(back) (contents) (next)
Cheryl Ruth
Elyria, Ohio
August 27, 2009
Dear President Obama:
In 1990 at the age of thirty-five, I became totally blind due to diabetes. At the time I was a full-time employee in a small accounting office, a job I enjoyed very much. I had to quit because I could no longer do the job without sight. Fortunately my state's rehabilitation services sent me a rehabilitation counselor who taught me to read and write Braille. Because of this ability, I am able to use and enjoy reading my daily devotional guide, select the music CD I want to listen to, and find the correct button to push on an elevator. As treasurer of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, I was able to read my financial reports to attendees at our conventions. This is the first time in our fifty-year history that a treasurer has personally read financial reports at our conventions. This was and continues to be a wonderful privilege each year, but it comes in second to being able to read with my grandchildren. Without the ability to read and write Braille, I would feel as if I were truly in the dark.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Ruth