American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Convention Issue 2023 AWARDS
From the Heart of a Teacher
by Krystal Guillory
2023 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students
From the Editor: At the annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind on July 3, Carla McQuillan presented the 2023 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award. Here is her announcement of this year's award recipient.
Carla McQuillan: Every year the National Federation of the Blind honors and recognizes a teacher of blind students for going above and beyond expectations and upholding the philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind.
We started this award in 1988, so this is the thirty-fifth Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award that we will be giving. There are some impressive names on that list. Ruby Ryles, for example. So when I read this person's nomination, I could not believe that this individual had not previously won this award. But sure enough, she had not.
In typical years we notify the teacher that they are going to be receiving the award to make sure they're here at convention, because they don't always attend. We did not have to do that this year. In fact, this year, President Riccobono said, "What are the odds we could make it a total surprise?" How do we get this person at the board meeting to receive the award without knowing why? And how do we get her to speak for the Parents of Blind Children without knowing why?
Carol Castellano and Beth Braun [President Riccobono's secretary] were part of this scheme. And sitting to my right is the recipient of this year's award, Krystal Guillory!
I have to tell you, Beth Braun—I did not know how sneaky she was! Beth Braun created a false agenda that she gave to Krystal so she would think she was here to talk about the Braille Book Fair! Now, she can talk to you about that if she wants to. But, for those of you who do not know Krystal, she is one of our greatest members from the great state of Louisiana. She is not only a full-time teacher, but she is the coordinator of our Louisiana NFB BELL® Academies. She was written up in the Ruston Leader newspaper for all of her efforts in the BELL Academy. She also runs a Braille Saturday program. And she's very active in the Louisiana Association of Parents of Blind Children.
Here's what it says on the plaque: “The National Federation of the Blind honors Krystal Guillory, Distinguished Educator of Blind Students, for your skills in teaching Braille and other techniques of blindness, for graciously devoting extra time to meet the needs of your students, and for empowering your students to perform beyond their expectations. You champion our movement, you strengthen our hopes, you share our dreams. July 3rd, 2023."
At the board meeting of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC), Krystal Guillory gave the following address:
I think any of my parents can attest to the fact that their kids are my kids. I am your child's teacher, but I'm a mom at heart, too. Everything I want for my own children I want for your children as well.
I could talk forever, but I came up with a few ideas about what blind children can do. I always want to emphasize to parents that your child is a child first. In the Federation, we know that blindness is not what defines them. We use the term blind because we're not afraid of blindness.
So, your children are children first. Play with them, love them, and don't worry about what they can and can't see. Build those cherished life memories. Try to get away from the track of, "How are we going to do that?" Just be a parent!
The next thing I want to say is, believe in your child. Many people, including some of you in this room, probably never knew a blind person before your child was born. Your child is probably the first blind person you ever met. Despite all the work we do, we know that all the stereotypes in the media are still out there—stereotypes like the blind person begging on the street corner. We're doing our best to get rid of those stereotypes!
Your child can indeed live a rich, fulfilling, purposeful, and productive life. They're going to use techniques that you may or may not know about, and often your child will turn into your teacher. They'll just have a different way of getting things done.
Next, I want to say that we have to have high, but reasonable, expectations. Your child does not have to be the best at everything! No one is the best at everything! Whether blind or sighted, we're all interdependent, constantly learning from each other. No one person can know everything. I'm never going to be a world class track star, but if you ask people around Ruston, they'll tell you I make a pretty darn good gumbo—just so you know!
I'm not going to be a track star, but I do make an impact in others' lives. Your child will have an impact in others' lives as well.
Finally, I want to say that you need to surround yourself with people who will support and empower your child. You know it's said that it takes a village to raise a child. That's very true, whether the child is sighted or blind. The beauty of what we have in the NFB is that supportive community, with all its variations and perspectives. Everyone truly cares about your child. It's crucial for your child, and it's crucial for you, too.
As parents we can't do everything ourselves. But these people in the Federation are saying, "I've got you. I have your child. Let's do this!"
The connections you make in the National Federation of the Blind and the NOPBC are priceless and enduring. I can't tell you how many times I've reached out to someone in the Federation and said, "I don't know how to do this," realizing that I don't need to know, because I'm going to find a person who can help me. I'm going to find blind mentors, parents of other blind children, and teachers who will help me.
For instance, I wasn't exactly sure how my student was going to participate in a marching band. Starting young, I realized that she would need to learn Braille music. I don't even read print music! I am not blessed with musical talent. But, I connected with some people, and I figured out how to get started. I have to say that my student looks pretty darn good in marching band! She did all the arrangements by herself! She pulled it off, and all I can say is, "Go, girl!"
I reach out to blind mentors around technology all the time. As you know, technology is constantly changing. If you're not a user of that technology, it's very hard to keep up, even as a teacher. But, I don't have to know all of it. I have to get the student started, and then we can reach out to some blind mentors who use the technology. More importantly, I can empower my students to resolve their own problems.
So as a parent, I say, know your child and love them! Believe in them. Have high but reasonable expectations, and surround yourself with people who will empower you and your child. Thank you!