American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Convention 2024 NOPBC CONFERENCE AND BOARD MEETING
NOPBC Twig Awards
Presented by Cassie McKinney and Melissa Riccobono
From the Editor: Each year the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) presents one or more awards to persons whose dedication and hard work have enhanced opportunities for blind children and youth. These awards are called the Twig Awards, inspired by Alexander Pope’s wise words, “As the twig is bent, so is the tree inclin’d.”
This year NOPBC President Cassie McKinney presented two Twig Awards at the NOPBC Conference. Later, at the annual meeting of the NOPBC board, Melissa Riccobono presented a third award. Here is how Cassie and Melissa introduced the recipients of this year’s Twig Awards.
Cassie McKinney: Warrior, advocate, leader, and friend; these are all words to describe the person who is deserving of this award. I’d like to share with you how this award recipient demonstrates each of these qualities.
First, warrior. It is not just anyone who can show the strength that it takes, not only to fight for the rights of one’s own child but for the children of strangers, people you have never met. Not just anyone is able to show this strength and bravery and keep their composure, professionalism, and determination. Perhaps it is from this person’s faith that they draw their courage and unwavering devotion, to stand in the face of so much misunderstanding, fear, and outright disrespect for the rights of blind children.
Advocate. This person is willing to spend countless hours counseling parents and children on the rights that they have and helping them fight for those rights. This person is able to understand the law and not to waver when challenged.
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Leader. This person has devoted so much of their time to our movement, to NOPBC and the Federation as a whole. They give even when things in their own life are not easy, and when it might be easier to say “NO.” They do all of this work, many times in the background, with no recognition and not expecting to be patted on the back or have their actions shared with many. They are a true leader in that they practice what they preach and every part of their mission is pure of heart.
Outside of the Federation, this person is a mom and caregiver, which is both a taxing and rewarding job. A wife and a teacher.
Friend. Most people who know this person count them as a friend because that is the spirit that they exude. They have the biggest heart and are always willing to share it with others. When I have a conversation with this person, they are always uplifting and supportive. They offer advice, counsel, and an ear to listen. I am honored, as are many, to call this person a friend.
Today we honor this person by awarding them with this recognition. We know that in the same spirit that it is given it is received. Today I am so honored to be able to award Casey Robertson with this Twig Award, not only as a leader in this movement but as my dear friend.
Casey Robertson: Thank you so very much! This is such an honor! I love this organization and all the work we do together. Thank you!
Cassie McKinney: Now for our second Twig Award.
What is a leader? Some might say that a leader is the person in the room with the best ideas, the most to offer, the loudest opinion, or the traits of a person who is known to many. However, is a leader not also the person who leads quietly, who shares only when ideas are needed, and who gently urges others to follow? Yes, all of these things and more are true of a leader.
At times the leader has a need to have their voice heard by many and to have their opinion shared, yet they are the ones who can be silent, watch what others do, and then guide them in a direction toward the greater good.
As members of the Federation, we have long known that resources come from many places. We have known that our children receive books in Braille, that Braille calendars are printed, and that canes, Braille slates, and other tools are available at no cost through the work of other entities. The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults is one of these groups. At the head of this organization is a leader who is strong yet gentle, a soft-spoken voice for many, and an outstanding guide for those who have come to know her.
When I first met this individual, I knew that they were special. They have been active in the NFB for many years and have gained so much from our movement. This person is a parent and has the true spirit of a mom. She is the kind of person who one can share anything with. She always shares wisdom and guidance, even when she might not know that she is doing so. Through her work and her leadership, countless children and adults have had life-changing experiences.
I am honored to know this person, and to call her a friend. I am honored to give this award today on behalf of NOPBC to Barbara Loos.
Barbara Loos: I’m speechless! I had no idea! Thank you so much! This is indeed an honor!
Melissa Riccobono: We are very proud and excited to present one more Twig Award for 2024. These awards are given to people the NOPBC believes have made a lasting contribution for blind children. We gave this award to two wonderful leaders, each of them in their way a quiet leader. This next person also is quiet, and she is constant. She’s sort of like a heartbeat—she’s always there, cheerfully doing the work that needs to be done. She is a cheerleader for the parents of blind children and for the children themselves. She has been a mentor for me in a lot of ways.
She came to her first convention in the 1960s, so she has been around this organization for a very, very long time. Her children both are sighted, but she herself was once a blind child. She knows firsthand about the barriers placed in front of blind children that prevent them from getting a proper education and living the lives they want. She has dedicated her life to helping in any way she can, helping blind children and blind adults get what they need.
This person volunteered every day at the National Federation of the Blind for over thirty years. During that time she answered thousands of calls that came in on our information line, and she can tell you stories about these calls. Many of those calls were from parents of blind children. This person was always ready to answer their questions, connect them to resources, and get them going on the right track.
She also worked for years on choosing the free Braille books given away by the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults. If you enjoyed the Thirty-nine Clues, the Fluffy books, and My Weirder School, those choices were made by this person.
As I said, this person has mentored me in many, many ways. That is because she held the position that I now hold. She was the First Lady of the National Federation of the Blind when her husband, Dr. Marc Maurer, was the president. When I became First Lady I appreciated, and still appreciate, her guidance, her steadiness, her quiet advice about what to do and what not to do. She entrusted me with some of the jobs she used to do, such as picking out those free Braille books for blind kids. That is such a wonderful job!
So you all now know, if you didn’t know before, that this final Twig Award for 2024 goes to Mrs. Patricia Maurer. Please come up and receive your medal.
Patricia Maurer: I’m already crying. I appreciate this very much! That job was the joy of my heart! Thank you so much!
I didn’t learn Braille until I was sixteen. I couldn’t read print, and I couldn’t read Braille. I’ve spent a lot of time, I still spend a lot of time figuring out ways for blind kids to get Braille. I think this parents’ organization is one of the most important things for your kids, and I’m so glad that you’re here! I hope I can continue to help. I really, really believe in the NFB, and I believe in you! Thank you!