American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Convention 2018 NOPBC BOARD MEETING
Kids Speak Out
by Jordan Young and Raveena Ali
Introduction by Kim Cunningham: This is always the fun part, hearing from our students! Now we get to hear about their lives and what they're doing. I'm going to introduce you to Mr. Jordan Young, who is eleven, and also Miss Raveena Ali, who also is eleven years old. Jordan, would you like to speak first?
Jordan Young: Hello, my name is Jordan Young. I'm from West Monroe, Louisiana, and I am eleven years old. I am excited to be here with you today to discuss building my hopes and dreams. First off, my greatest hope for myself is to have a beautiful family when I get older. My dream is to work for UPS after I complete college. I also dream to be successful and independent in my years to come. I hope I can serve the Lord and spread His word each and every day. I have great confidence and peace within my soul, knowing that I can achieve my hopes and dreams just as my role models have.
I have grown up in the Federation around successful blind role models such as Jerry Whittle, Eric Guillory, Roland and Pam Allen, Stephanie Morton, and Treva Olivero, to name a few. These individuals have been an inspiration to me, showing me that I can achieve any goal as long as I set my mind to it. The Federation has given me an outlet and support system my entire life. I am humbled and appreciative to be part of this wonderful organization.
I have grown up with high expectations for my success in my academic environment and in my home life. My TVI, Miss Kristen Simms, has been my biggest supporter, encourager, and positive influence throughout my life. She has taught me the importance of becoming successful with Braille, cane travel, Nemeth Code, and of excelling in all areas. I would not be as independent as I am today without her.
My family has always had high expectations for me at home. They always encouraged and supported me so that I could develop into the independent and responsible young man I am today. My true hope and dream is to become a successful adult and to make those who had a hand in helping me very proud. Thank you for this opportunity to be with you today. Live the life you want! Thank you! [Applause]
Raveena Ali: Good afternoon, my NOPBC family and fellow cane travelers. It is my humble honor to be a part of this panel for a wonderful organization such as the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children. I am here to share my simple yet big vision for building hopes and dreams.
My name is Raveena Ali, and I am soon to be twelve this month. I live in Atlanta and wrapped up sixth grade, so this fall I will be entering seventh grade. I was born in Bangalore, India, with a rare condition called congenital bilateral anophthalmia. Wow! I know that's a big mouthful, isn't it! That's what I thought when my parents explained it to me. Basically it means I was born without eyes, and there the journey began!
Blindness does not define who I am and what I can do. I believe that whether you are blind or sighted, people of all abilities can pursue their hopes and dreams with a positive, can-do attitude, an open heart and mind, hard work, and commitment. Doing what you want to do, not what other people want you to do is important, because you're the one who needs to be happy.
I have always attended a mainstream school in a typical classroom. In elementary school I was involved in Girls on the Run and the Jump Rope Club. I enjoy school as well as the challenge of rock climbing, which is my all-time favorite hobby and sport. I have had many people tell me I cannot do an activity as quickly as they can or fully participate in a group activity at school because I cannot see. Just very recently at my last school, another sixth grader told me I could not get to the bathroom on my own because I am blind. That was not true at all! I had to show him that I can do it by getting there, navigating the crazy hallways and doing it independently. I did my best to ignore his negative words. I cannot allow instances such as these to dampen my spirits or to stop me. It simply gives me the encouragement and the perseverance to keep moving and to stay positive.
My dream is to become a Supreme Court judge when I grow up. As long as I put my mind to it and try my best at everything I do and say, and be prepared to continue to work hard and stay committed, I know I can do it. I am sure there will be frustrations, minor and major setbacks along the way, but this does not mean I will give up. I know staying motivated can be difficult. I think it is okay to stop for a moment and regroup.
One thing that has been very important for me and for my school life is advocacy. Advocacy will remain important as I continue into adolescence and growing up. When something is not accessible, I need to speak up. I need to kindly tell my teachers and fellow students what I need and how they can make it accessible. Sometimes they just don't know because they have never interacted with a blind person before. Saying something is really important in order for me to get what I need. I can do anything as long as it is accessible when needed.
Even before kindergarten it is very important to get the right services in place. Mobility, Nemeth Code, and technology are all very important. Services don't come easily all the time at all. You and your children have to advocate for the services you need. Having services in place can help students pursue their dreams.
For me having a strong support system has been really helpful. My parents and family make sure I experience lots of things and try new things. They have me try everything my sighted brother and cousins are doing. That has really helped me to have an open mind and to believe I can do anything.
To conclude, I know I need to stay focused on school, work hard, stay committed, always try to be positive, and practice self-advocacy. I want to do well in college and law school, and I am going to go after my dream to be a Supreme Court judge. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "You need to be the change you wish to see in the world." Thank you so much for your attention and time today! [Applause]
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