Future Reflections
Volume 35 Number 4 Convention 2016
A magazine for parents and teachers of blind children published by
the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults in partnership
with the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children.
Deborah Kent Stein, Editor
ISSN-0883-3419
Copyright © 2016 American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
For more information
about blindness and children contact:
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, MD 21230 • (410) 659-9314
www.nfb.org/nopbc • [email protected] • [email protected]
Contents
FEATURE
The Understanding of Fear and the Power of Progress
by Mark Riccobono
NOPBC CONFERENCE
Kid Talk
by Mark Riccobono
Common Sense and a Lot of Heart
by Judy Lehman
Transitions: Where You Are and Where You Want to Go
by Kim Cunningham
Advocating for Myself
by Kayleigh Joiner
The Quest for Normal Independence
by Chris Nusbaum
Building a Bridge
by Sheila Koenig
GENERAL SESSIONS
Slam That! Living the Life She Wants Begins with the Federation
by Jordyn Castor
Equal Opportunity and Discovering Talent: From Discrimination to Particle Astrophysics
by Jamie Principato
Putting News First: Overcoming Stereotypes as a Blind Journalist
by Gary O'Donoghue
A Community of Practice: The National Federation of the Blind in Science, Technology,
Engineering, Art, and Mathematics
by Natalie Shaheen, Joseph Heimlich, Arianna Benally, Frances Hammond, Cricket Bidleman, and Salvador Villa
PROGRAMS
What Happened? Highlights from the 2016 Youth Slam
by Eric Guillory and Shannon Kemlo
The Parent Leadership Program
by Carol Castellano
VIEWPOINTS
More Important Than Fear, Or, How to Dance Like No One Is Watching
by Jameyanne Fuller
AWARDS
Skills, Not Sympathy: The 2016 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award
Presented by Carla McQuillan
The 2016 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards
Presented by James Gashel
The 2016 NFB National Scholarship Awards
Presented by Patti Gregory-Chang
REVIEW
Painting in the Dark: Esref Armagan, Blind Artist, by Rachelle Burk
Reviewed by Ann Cunningham
Complete Future Reflections Audio File (Zipped MP3 Version) Coming Soon!
Complete DAISY Audio File (Zipped MP3 Version) Coming Soon!
Why Join the NOPBC?
Are you the parent of a blind or visually impaired child? Don’t know where to turn?
Founded in 1983, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) is a membership organization of parents, educators, and friends of blind children reaching out to give each other vital support, encouragement, and information. We have thousands of members in all fifty states plus Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.
The NOPBC offers hope, encouragement, information, and resources for parents of blind or visually impaired children. NOPBC provides emotional support and a network of other families dealing with the same challenges you are facing. We also provide information, training, and resources to empower you to take an active role in guiding your child’s development and education. We can provide information on your child’s rights and on the laws and legislative issues that will enable you and your child to become strong and effective advocates.
Have you ever wondered what your blind or visually impaired child will be capable of when he or she grows up? The answer to that question is that blindness/visual impairment does not have to stop your child from doing anything he or she wants to do. We can connect you with other families and blind adults who can serve as positive mentors and role models. They can teach you the attitudes and techniques that will enable your child to become independent and to succeed in life.
What is different about the NOPBC?
Our status as a division of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the largest and most influential organization of blind people in the world, provides many benefits. Our members are well informed about the societal, legislative, and technological issues that affect blind people. We also enjoy the resources, support, and expertise of fifty thousand blind people who can serve as mentors and role models for us and our children. Finally, as our children grow up, they have the Federation to belong to.
No other organization for parents of blind/visually impaired children offers more programs, activities, and training to families, children, and youth. One of our most exciting activities is our annual conference. Every year since it was established, the NOPBC has conducted an annual conference for parents and teachers of blind children as part of the national convention of the NFB. The program has grown to include five exciting days of workshops, training sessions, activities for all family members, including sighted siblings, and countless opportunities to meet blind adults and other families and children from around the country.
What is the mission of the NOPBC?
The purpose of the NOPBC is to:
- create a climate of opportunity for blind children in home and society.
- provide information and support to parents of blind children.
- facilitate the sharing of experience and concerns among parents of blind children.
- develop and expand resources available to parents and their children.
- help parents of blind children gain understanding and perspective through partnership and contact with blind adults.
- function as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its ongoing effort to achieve equality and opportunity for all blind persons.
Most states have an NOPBC affiliate chapter. You can find your state chapter at <http://www.nopbc.org>. If your state does not have a chapter and you would like to start one, please contact us. We may be able to offer training and other assistance to start a state NOPBC chapter.
What are the programs, activities, publications, and resources of the NOPBC?
- National and State Parent Seminars and Conferences
- Future Reflections Magazine
- NOPBC Website
- Books and Videos
- Blindkid & Other Listservs
- Early Childhood Conferences
- Pop-Up IEP Website
- Slate Pals Pen Pal Program
- AAF Free Braille Books Program
- Share Braille Book Exchange
- Writing Contests
- Junior Science Academy
- Youth Slam High School Science Academy
- National Center for Blind Youth in Science Website
- NFB-NEWSLINE® Newspaper Service
- Where the Blind Work Website
- Free White Cane Program
- Blindness 411 Facebook Group for Teens
- NFB-LINK Mentoring Program
- Scholarship Program
- Straight Talk about Blindness Video Series
- Parent Leadership Program (PLP)
Contact Us:
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
[email protected]
<www.nopbc.org>