National Federation of the Blind of Georgia
An organization of and for the Blind
“Everyday People, Living Life Every day”
The National Federation of the Blind of Georgia
is committed to the provision of instruction in the alternative skills of
blindness, training in the use of assistive technology, and promoting positive
personal and public attitudes about blindness so that we, the blind, can live,
work, and play as independent contributing members of our communities.
Live: We wish to live independently in the
community of our choice, not to be segregated and dependent on others.
In order to achieve true independence, we
require specialized services to acquire specialized skills. Blind people can live independently when
taught the alternative skills of blindness, i.e. reading Braille, traveling
independently with the long white cane or a guide dog, cooking, cleaning and
independently performing all basic living tasks using alternative
techniques. We advocate for quality
education and holistic rehabilitation services for blind people because we
realize that with the acquisition and mastery of these skills we transform from
dependent, to interdependent, contributing citizens.
Work: We seek the opportunity to obtain
competitive employment in a variety of challenging careers, not to be limited
to low wage, nowhere jobs.
Training in the use of assistive technologies
such as talking and large print computers, refreshable Braille displays, and
text recognition software, helps blind people to obtain higher education, as
well as, gainful employment, in much the same way that similar technologies
help the sighted. The NFB advocates for
proper training to be provided to blind people in the use of assistive
technology, so that we can take the initiative to obtain true quality of life
through gainful employment.
Play: We want to play on the home team,
accepted for the talents we possess, not ignored as a result of the negative
stereotypes possessed by others.
Negative attitudes and perceptions about
blindness are the largest barrier to our independence and full participation in
society. Unfortunately, the general public
believes that blind people should be relegated to the role of dependent,
custodial beneficiaries of society’s good will.
Equally as offensive, others feel the blind are extraordinary simply
because we perform the fundamental tasks, and accept the basic
responsibilities, that are expected from all citizens. To counter these negative attitudes, the NFB
works aggressively to empower blind people with a positive self-concept of
independence and self-worth, while simultaneously educating the public about the
true potential of the blind. We strive
to promote positive, inclusive, perceptions of blind people as active members
of our communities.
The NFB of Georgia is committed to fulfilling
our mission of achieving equality, opportunity, and security for the blind so
that we can exercise the right of every American to live, work, and play in our
communities and e appreciated as Everyday People, Living Life Every Day.
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Back to NFB of
Georgia Home Page
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NFB of Georgia
315 West Ponce de Leon Avenue
Suite 1020
Decatur, Georgia 30030
(404) 371-1000 (Voice)
(404) 371-1002 (Fax)
(866) 316-3242 (Toll Free)
Theblind
(Email)
Last Revised
Tuesday, September 22, 2009