Future Reflections Summer 2006
Editor�s Note: For several years, I�ve only known Miss Inam Shalati as a voice on the phone calling to compliment me on the latest issue of Future Reflections or calling to make sure she was one of the first to get her cassette copy of the latest NFB convention parents seminar. Pleasant, but persistent, she never gave up until she got what she wanted; and she clearly wanted to learn all that she could about blindness, the Federation, and blind children. It was only gradually that I learned that Inam is just as passionate about sharing knowledge as she is about gaining it. Inam has a true Federation spirit; whatever the obstacles, she finds a way to give back to others. Here�s a short piece from the Summer 2005 issue of the Cerebral Palsy K.I.D.S. Center, Louisville, Kentucky, about Inam and her volunteer work with children:
Miss Inam
When
little Katy, a seven-year-old blind student, met her new volunteer, she was
not talking much to her teacher, or her aids in school. Her volunteer vision
assistant, Miss Inam, was told to expect a difficult time with Katy, who teachers
felt might be also somewhat autistic. But what the teachers couldn�t have known
was the impact that this special volunteer would have for Katy.
To begin with, Miss Inam Shalati is no ordinary volunteer. She has won several volunteer recognitions, including a prestigious Bell Award given by WLKY in 1999. In fact, Inam is the lead Volunteer Vision Assistant within the Jefferson County Public School system. In this role she teaches Braille and tutors children who are visually impaired. And she knows a thing or two about overcoming obstacles herself, since Miss Inam was born blind and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six months of age.
Growing up as a child with disabilities who also moved around with her family, Inam learned the value of doing things on her own. �I am a believer in doing anything you can to promote independence,� she explained. �My parents were great about letting me do things, even though it was scary letting your blind child go out into the world.� She also learned early on the value of physical and occupational therapy. �I have been to many centers and was always impressed with the caring of the staff.� In fact it was the therapists and aids that helped as she grew up that motivated Inam to become a volunteer. �I know what it�s like to need some help as a kid. And it gives me great joy to help others.�
Inam�s work with little Katy has opened new doors for this youngster. Once quiet, Katy is now talking to teachers, learning Braille, and more. Miss Inam also goes beyond school work to teach Katy manners, days of the year, months, and how to talk on the telephone in a proper telephone voice. She�s even reported to be more confident and social with other children during playtime.
�I love to hear her talk,� added Inam. �Two of her favorite sayings are �That�s a good idea� and �You�re doing great.�� This May, Inam was awarded a Certificate for Outstanding Service to the Jefferson County Public school system. After a recent tour of the K.I.D.S. Center, she signed up to help and could be seen selling bracelets in May at the Walk, Rock �N� Roll. She�s already agreed to be back next year.
Today at age twenty-nine, the obstacles presented by Inam�s
disabilities are not over. Her eating, speech, and mobility are all affected
and the severity is worsening as she gets older. But one thing that is not lacking
is her positive attitude and her belief in helping others.