Leading By Example

Leading By Example

Leading by Example

From the Editor: Never before in a single

year has one blind person been invited to keynote meetings of the two major international

organizations in the blindness field. But in August of 1996, Dr. Jernigan opened the

quadrennial meeting of the World Blind Union in Toronto, Canada, and in the following

April he keynoted the tenth World Conference of the International Council for Education of

People with Visual Impairment, which took place in Sao Paulo, Brazil. These invitations

were a signal honor, recognizing as they did Dr. Jernigan's contributions to the field;

they also insured that organization delegates would hear a shrewd and inspiring address.

But it was not only Dr. Jernigan's words that moved his audience in Sao Paulo; it was his

example.

Recognizing the importance of walking to the

podium independently at the time of his speech, Dr. Jernigan made a point of going to the

auditorium beforehand to study the route. This technique is used when possible by

experienced cane-users whenever it's important to move efficiently and independently while

an audience watches. Sadly, Dr. Jernigan was the only blind speaker at the conference not

led to the podium and retrieved from it by a sighted guide. The following editorial

demonstrates just how effective a symbol his action was.

The following commentary appeared in the

July-September, 1997, Asia Appraiser, the quarterly newsletter of the International

Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment. Larry Campbell, International

Program Administrator at the Overbrook School for the Blind, called our attention to the

editorial. Here it is:

When Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, Director of the

National Center for the Blind, United States of America, walked independently to the dais

of the State Government Palace of Sao Paulo to deliver the keynote address of the tenth

World Conference of the International Council for Education of People with Visual

Impairment, there was a thunderous applause. He was independent, elegant, and reassured

the confidence that visually impaired persons could come out of the social conditioning

that they are inferior. A delegate sitting at the back row shouted with joy, "That is

beautiful, Kenneth; why don't others emulate you?" Orientation and mobility are vital

aspects of the independent living of any visually impaired person. Research studies

indicate that a visually impaired person is easily accepted in society when his/her

mobility skills are good. Once Kevin Curry said that many teachers make visually impaired

children "Braille Monks" because they consider Braille as the only need and

forget the vital importance of mobility in the life of the individual. The independent

walking of Dr. Jernigan made the thousands of people assembled at the Palace proud. The

striking statement, "Leading by Example," made by Dr. Jernigan during his

keynote address was relevant to what he had demonstrated. His powerful address set the

trend for an excellent conference. After delivering the address, no one was needed to

bring him back to his seat. He did it all by himself. He, through his action, has

demonstrated that he leads others by example. He has also indicated how teachers,

administrators, parents, and professionals in the field of visual impairment should lead

by example in whatever work they do. Marc Maurer, the President of the National Federation

of the Blind, U.S.A., wrote: "Kenneth Jernigan is generally regarded as the most

outstanding blind person in the world today." It is true because Dr. Jernigan

believes in leading by example. We can make our visually impaired children outstanding if

they are led by examples. Let us make them excellent in education, mobility,

rehabilitation, and integration. In doing so, let us emulate Dr. Jernigan and his powerful

statement, "Leading by Example"!

Did you know that you can make a gift to the

National Federation of the Blind and save taxes three ways? Well, you can! With a gift of

appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. For more information, contact the National

Federation of the Blind, Special Gifts, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland

21230-4998, phone (410) 659-9314, fax (410) 685-5653.