By Jennifer Dunnam and Judy Sanders

One of the main objectives of the National Federation of the Blind is to dispel the many misconceptions that the general public has about blindness.  It is toward this end that the NFB began promoting “Meet the Blind Month” several years ago.  Here’s how we celebrated it in October of 2006.

Proclamations

For many years, mayors and governors proclaimed October 15th as White Cane Safety Day; however, we have now expanded it to be “Meet the Blind Month”.  Here is the state proclamation from Governor Tim Pawlenty.  We thank the many mayors who also issued similar proclamations.

STATE of MINNESOTA

Proclamation

WHEREAS: The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) was founded in 1940 to serve as the voice of the nation’s blind, to end discrimination against the blind, and to secure first-class citizenship for all blind persons; and

WHEREAS: The National Federation of the Blind represents more than fifty thousand members across the country and continues to work to secure equal rights and opportunities for the blind; and

WHEREAS: To change attitudes about blindness, the National Federation of the Blind provides information about blindness to parents, teachers, school administrators, and business, political, social, and civic leaders; and

WHEREAS: Since blind people and blindness are still frequently misunderstood, the National Federation of the Blind has developed a public education campaign, Meet the Blind Month, to create opportunities for the people of Minnesota to learn firsthand that blind people are basically like everyone else; and

WHEREAS: The Minnesota affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, now in its eighty-sixth year, invites neighbors, coworkers, and classmates to join them at various Meet the Blind events throughout the month of October to learn how blind people lead full and active lives.

Now, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2006 as:

MEET THE BLIND MONTH

in the State of Minnesota.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 16th day of September in the year of our the Lord two thousand and six, and of the State the one hundred forty-eighth.

[Signatures of Governor and of Secretary of State]

Contact with the public 

Several chapters set up tables in public places to distribute NFB literature and demonstrate Braille and assistive technology.  We answered many questions and met folks whose family members were blind.  Children loved receiving a Braille alphabet card and a card with their name written in Braille.  They were able to check our work to see if we wrote it correctly.  Visits to schools enabled us to answer many direct questions about blindness.

Media coverage 

We involved radio, television and newspapers in helping us spread the message.  Television coverage came from Rochester when they filmed our tabling at the Hy-Vee supermarket.  Our radio interviews aired on Clear Channel stations in the metro area, and we received newspaper coverage of the Great Blind Race.

The Great Blind Race

On the chilly morning of October 14, 2006, more than 35 enthusiastic Federationists converged on the Crystal Court in the IDS Center in Minneapolis for the first annual Great Blind Race.

The racers were divided into twelve teams, and each team was provided a list of ten locations around downtown Minneapolis - well-known landmarks like the Basilica of St. Mary’s, the new Guthrie Theater, the Public Library, and the Target Center.  The object was to get to as many locations as possible within a two-hour time frame, using only buses, light rail, or walking, and to arrive back at the Crystal Court before noon.  A Metro Chapter member waited at each of the locations handing out NFB brochures and Meet the Blind Month Proclamations to passers-by, and giving the teams a Braille card proving they had reached the destination.   Some of the twelve teams included parents and children, and several of the teams made it to all ten landmarks. 

When the race was done, the happy group descended on the 8th Street grill for lunch and presentations to the winners. The winning teams received medals: first place, Zach Ellingson and Greg Stilson; second place, Jeff Thompson and Sheila Koenig; and third place, Emily Zitek and Gene Riebe.

A photographer from the Star Tribune rushed around downtown with one of the teams for the entire two hours.  The October 15 Sunday paper contained a visibly-placed feature that was widely seen even outside the Metro Area.  It included a blurb about the event and two large photographs of the team, white canes clearly visible.  The description of the event was upbeat and matter-of-fact, no talk of amazing feats or overcoming great hardships — simply information about a fun and competitive event. 

Minnesota Federationists can be proud of our Meet the Blind Month activities that certainly had a positive effect on public perceptions of blindness and are an excellent way to highlight the work we do all year long to change what it means to be blind.