By Tom Scanlan

(Editor’s Note:  This is the winner of the 2006 Metro Chapter essay contest.  Tom Scanlan has been a member of the NFB of Minnesota since 1970, treasurer since 1974, and editor of this publication since 1995.)

By Joyce Scanlan, President

Volume 72, Number 4, Fall 2006

Quarterly Publication of the

National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, Inc.

100 East 22nd Street

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404

Voice:  (612) 872-9363

Website:  www.nfbmn.org

Tom Scanlan, Editor

E-mail tom.scanlan@earthlink.net

WE ARE CHANGING

Many people are involved in getting this issue to you. The writers can write and the editor can edit, but until the material is printed, brailled, recorded, and distributed, it is just a computer file. Therefore, we owe great thanks to the following people for the work they do in producing this publication.

The purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is two-fold — to help blind persons achieve self-confidence and self-respect and to act as a vehicle for collective self-expression by the blind.

At Large Chapter — statewide, consisting of those who live outside a chapter area and/or cannot attend a meeting in person; meets at 7:15 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month. The meeting is held via the ZOOM platform. Watch for the monthly e-mail or call Dave Andrews at 612-730-7931 for more information.

Metro Chapter — Twin Cities area; meets at 10:00 a.m. on the third Saturday of every month at NFB of MN Headquarters, 100 East 22nd Street in Minneapolis. Come at 9 a.m. for social hour with coffee.

Resolution A2019-01

Regarding Adjustment-to-Blindness Training

WHEREAS, research data,¹ along with the lived experience of generations of blind people across the nation, have shown that, in the vocational rehabilitation (VR) process, an approach to adjustment-to-blindness training that is concentrated and comprehensive yields better employment outcomes than training that is narrowly-focused and conducted over multiple shorter segments; and

By Natasha Jerde

(Editor’s Note: Natasha Jerde, Director of MN State Services for the Blind, was attending the CSAVR/NCSAB meeting in Florida so was not able to speak at our fall convention. She committed to attending the NFBMN spring convention. David Andrews, Chief Technology Officer at State Services for the Blind, presented the following report on her behalf.)

By Edward Cohen

(Editor’s Note: If you’ve attended state conventions over the past few years as I have, you’ve probably noticed Edward Cohen selling his large print calendars. Recently, I was privileged to hear the story of how these came to be created. I think you will agree that Edward is a great example of the can-do philosophy we applaud in the Federation.)

By Samantha Flax

(Editor’s Note: Samantha Flax grew up in New York, and after college moved to Minnesota to attend BLIND, Inc. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Minnesota pursuing a human rights degree. This is the winning piece Samantha wrote for our annual essay contest sponsored by our metro chapter. This reflection resonated with me and is a good reminder for all of us.)