This will be a bit of a long post, so I apologise for that. I have been totally blind since I was two months old and am now forty-two. I didn't grow up around blind people. I made my first blind friend when I was sixteen, thanks to a vocational counselor. Only in my late twenties did I begin making blind friends online. I never agreed with the attitude and philosophy of the NFB (National Federation of the Blind). They always seemed too preachy to me, and too unrealistic. They believe that the blind shouldn't ask for help or be given modifications in many instances, and they can be confrontational at times. They also treat everyone the same, which doesn't work with a group of people who have different needs, life experiences, etc. Plus, I heard that some chapters can be quite religious, and I'm an atheist. From what I heard of the ACB (American Council of the Blind), they are much more relaxed. They have no problems asking for help when needed, and are willing to work with other groups and organisations. They understand that all blind people are not the same, and they treat their members accordingly, not pushing them to do one thing or another, or to follow this or that belief. At least, that's how these two groups seem to me, particularly from the short interactions I've had with the NFB over the years. This doesn't make the NFB bad. It's just not for me. Please, if I'm wrong in my explanations, do correct me. It is not my intent to spread misinformation. These are things I've heard and experienced over the years, but I have never been a member of either group.
Having said all of that, I am very interested in joining the ACB. I am not an activist or advocate, but I do hope to make some friends. I also heard that there are many seniors there, so maybe, I can even find a partner! They have two chapters in New Jersey, but none is near me, so I will probably join the NJCB as a member at large, which will also make me a member of the ACB. I joined several of their lists, but the ACB-L one seems no longer to exist, and I never received the generic welcome e-mail from the ACB Conversations list. Maybe, they have to review my request or some such. The others are fine, though. This is just for e-mail. I will join officially next month. I am actually excited about the New Jersey convention next month. My parents are willing to take me, so we can all enjoy it! Are any of you ACB members? I would love to hear your stories.
#ACB #blind #NFB #NJCB
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