Local group supports area-blind

The Nebraska Panhandle Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind raised $620 Saturday with their
“Walk for Independence” event.

The annual event, “Walk for Independence,” is the chapter’s primary fund raiser, local President Karen Lemmon said.

The money raised will be used for scholarships to assist visually-impaired individuals attend Nebraska colleges.

The Panhandle chapter of the NFB has 23 members from a multi-state area. About 160 visually-impaired individuals reside in Dawes County, Lemmon said, adding that one of the chapter’s main goals is to expand its membership.

The Panhandle chapter was founded in October 2009, filling a void left by an earlier organization that formed in 1996, but disbanded in 1999.

Two other goals said by Lemmon included “educating the public about blindness,” and “getting the school’s to recognize the importance of Braille.”

Lemmon is involved with the NFB on the regional and national levels, and wants to use her influence to start a community Braille class.

In addition to the Braille class, Lemmon is collaborating with fellow group member, Kim Richards, a Chadron State College student studying social work, to propose launching of the two-credit course “Edu. 270” (See article, p. 15).

The class titled “Resources for Teaching Blind Individuals,” is aimed primarily at education students, said Dr. Mary Jo Carnot, associate professor of Counseling, Psychology, and Social Work.

Carnot said that schools and educators are expanding their teaching styles to provide greater accessibility for the blind, especially in online courses.

“I think it would be very beneficial for any education students to take the class,” Carnot said.

Chad Bell of Alliance, vice president of the chapter, who has been blind for 15 years, strongly believes the visually-imparied can do almost everything a sighted person can.

“I can do anything a sighted person can, except legally drive and read print,” Bell said.

According to Bell, he went blind when he was 19, following an accident.

He attended the Commission for the Visually Impaired in Lincoln for 5 months where he was taught Braille and to use a walking cane.

Bell remains optimistic considering his lack of sight.

“It’s not like I wake up every day and say ‘Oh man, I’m blind,’” he said, “I just go ahead and do my business.”

Bell’s business includes his craft as a custom woodworker, and being a stay-at-home dad who also does household chores.

“It’s just a matter of what you’re dealt and how you deal with it.”

More information about the chapter or about the planned “Edu. 270” course can be obtained by contacting Lemmon at (308) 667-2054.