After the Convention and Some Other Stuff

Hello and welcome to the blog. Anita here with you this week, talking about independence, the WV NFB convention, some technology and anything else that pops out of my head. LOL Read on; we’re going to have fun.

I’m tired. But that's a good thing, because it helped me realize, taking a toddler bed to my basement by myself might not be a wise decision. Fortunately, I know when to forge on with endless determination and when to wait for someone to help me. I haven't always known that, and even now, I will still unwisely do things I really shouldn't. For example, while waiting at High Street, I take a chance and cross before I confirm a standstill has occurred. I'm not intentionally walking out in front of a moving vehicle, but at the same time, I'm taking a risk. I know when it is and isn't safe to cross a street, but when I'm in a hurry, the Lord continues to protect me, for which I'm thankful. But what I'm trying to say to you is that many times it is when we get in a hurry or tired of waiting for someone else that we tend to make errors. Still, my motto is: I am glad to accept assistance with this activity, but since no one is offering or available, I will conquer it on my own. I hate waiting on other people to do things for me, and I try not to rely on others for activities I can safely do on my own, if I can avoid it. I do ask for help when I need it and accept assistance on occasion in order to respect someone who is only trying to be kind. I will also accept it to open a door that will allow me to develop a relationship that will give me the opportunity to teach a lesson on blindness.

That might sound radical, but I just did return from the West Virginia State National Federation of the Blind convention after all. :) My favorite parts of the convention were seeing my friend, Shannon, meeting Peggy Hoy who is editing and assisting with putting “Ducking into UEB” on Create Space, and exploring the technology exhibits. I also enjoyed the reception and saying hello to acquaintances and friends.

I enjoy learning new skills, and I especially love playing with new technology. The newest version of the BrailleNote was on display, and I was given the chance to sit and play with it for a while. Because I heard it was an Android-based device, I arrived with the notion I didn't want it personally or professionally. But I have an open mind, which is a great thing. It feels like a BrailleNote Apex, but the keyboard lifts up to reveal a touch screen, which provides a visual display for instructors, and a fabulous touch keyboard for its blind users, like me. Surprisingly, this keyboard is quite accurate and I could braille fast with it. Don't worry; it still contains physical keys for those of us who still prefer that method, but the touch keyboard is quieter, and thus, means the romance  novel you are writing during a boring history class is less likely to disturb the other students. :) That reminds me of my Kutztown University teacher from many years ago saying, "Geography lives, amen." I don't remember his name, but I did think he was friendly. While he lectured, I wrote a story about two guys in Southern WV who were trying to solve a crime. He never noticed, or he never said so if he did. But I received a d in the class, and not a dime for that never-published story. To get back on topic, I loved the BrailleNote Touch, and I plan to share information about it with the school where I teach.

The goal of blindness organizations is to advocate for and conduct legislative work to benefit its members and also nonmembers who are blind. My least favorite part of the NFB convention was sitting in the general sessions. This is partly because the speakers are ones who are regular presenters and because I am not the right audience for the remaining presenters as they were geared toward people interested in attending blindness training centers. I am a strong advocate of these centers, but information in these speeches were not relevant to me. Some of the speakers also talked about the legislative process, and I am not as interested in that process as some, even though I know and value the work done by our organization since it has provided me with many freedoms I would otherwise not have. If you want more information about the National Federation of the Blind, visit their website, nfb.org.

I bring up this convention because I just attended it. Also, the American Council of the Blind convention is coming up soon. And, after reading about the activities, I am not sure I will attend. It will have a technology time also, but I will be at work during that time. I might join them for dinner that evening, but as I am about to foster a little girl, that decision to attend is not as likely as it would have been a couple of weeks ago. Still, I would like to go since it is right here in my hometown. I want to know more about how NFB and ACB are alike and different, and this would give me that opportunity. Both organizations benefit the blind, but they have some different views on things. I like to learn and to be informed, and so I may just stop in and see how the ACB impacts me.

If you are interested to learn more about the ACB Convention in WV, some info is provided below.

Sept. 29-Oct. 1: Mountain State Council of the Blind’s annual convention at the South Branch Inn, 64 Heritage Circle, Romney, WV 26757; phone (304) 822-2444

For questions about the convention or MSCB, please call (304) 933-9540, or email Donna Brown at dandmbrown@atlanticbb.net or president Kevin Maynus at president@mscbwv.org

Did you know Adkins and Wells is on Facebook? Yep, and we would love for you to come over and “like” our page. It can be found at facebook.com/adkinsandwells/

Thanks for being with us today. Drop us a comment or question below. We would love to hear from you. Until next time, have a blessed weekend.