Parents of Blind Children Hold Annual Meeting in Dallas

Parents of Blind Children Hold Annual Meeting in Dallas

Future Reflections Convention 1990, Vol. 9 No. 4
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PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN
HOLD ANNUAL MEETING
IN DALLAS
1990 Annual Meeting Parents of Blind Children Division
National Federation of the Blind
by Stephanie Martin and Denise Mackenstadt
[PICTURE] 1990-91 POBC officers: FRONT ROW (left to right):
RubyRyles, first vice president; Barbara Cheadle, president;
Charlotte Verduin, second vice president. BACK
ROW (left to right): Debra Smith, treasurer; Tom Balek,
secretary; Martin Greiser, board member; Stephanie
Martin, board member.
On July 1990, the Parents Division of the NFB
met in Dallas, Texas for the annual meeting. Each
affiliate of the Parents Division was represented. It
is very gratifying to see parents effecting change
through the National Federation of the Blind.
Seville Allen, an Equal Opportunity Specialist
with the federal government, presented an outline
of how section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
can be used by parents to improve educational
programs for their children. This statute is underutilized
and parents may find it beneficial to become
familiar with it. If parents are in need of more
information about Section 504 they can contact their
local U.S. Education Department Office of Civil
Rights.
Nadine Jacobson reported on our 1990 "Braille
Readers are Leaders" contest. This program
resulted in 225 entries this past year. Several past
winners were present at the meeting with their
parents. This contest has been a positive force in
promoting Braille reading among school children.
The highlight of our meeting was a presentation
on the education of blind children by Doris Willoughby.
Mrs. Willoughby is an itinerant teacher of
the blind in Iowa and co-authored, with Sharon
Duffy, The Handbook for Itinerant and Resource
Teachers of Blind and Visually Impaired Students. Mrs. Willoughby is this year's recipent of the NFB
Distinguished Educator of Blind Children; a much
deserved honor for many years of hard work and
dedication to the cause of appropriate education for
blind children. The recipient of this award is asked
to make a presentation to the Annual Meeting of the
Parents Division. Mrs. Willoughby spoke of her
philosophy of education and how this philosophy
applies to the education of blind children.
Marty Greiser led a discussion on how families
with blind children can get financial assistance to
attend the NFB's National Convention. Some
resources mentioned were local civic clubs and
community organizations. As a result of this discussion
Marty Greiser, Debra Smith, and Ruby
Ryles were appointed by President Cheadle to explore
possible avenues of financial assistance for
families.
Each POBC affiliate gave a brief overview of
the last year. Seminars, social function, and
children's camps were just a sampling of the many
varied activities going on in local chapters. The
continued goal of all affiliates is to provide assistance
and support to families of blind children.
Elections were held and the following officers
elected:
President: Barbara Cheadle-Maryland
1st Vice President: Ruby Ryles-Washington
2nd Vice President: Charlotte Verduin--Illinois
Secretary: Tom Balek-Kansas
Treasurer: Debra Smith-Iowa
Director: Marty Greiser-Montana
Director: Stephanie Martin-Washington
1990-1991 committees were appointed. A
complete list of committees and chairs is available
upon request. Members interested in a particular
committee should contact President Barbara
Cheadle at: 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore,
Maryland 21230; (301) 659-9314.
The Parents of Blind Children played an important
role in the 50th Convention of the National
Federation of the Blind. Each year our membership
grows and shows ever more enthusiasm. As we left
our business meeting each of us began to make plans
to be in New Orleans in 1991.

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