by Charles H. Crawford
The American Council of the Blind has indeed become a force in the many situations that impact upon the lives of people who are blind throughout our nation and beyond. When people hear the name of ACB, they now think in terms of pedestrian safety, detectable warnings, descriptive video, guide dogs going to Hawaii, vending facilities changing to incorporate the active participation of blind vendors, excellence in web design and radio streaming, democratic processes, consumer relations with the rehabilitation system, Social Security reform, education improvements and more. With this large and varied agenda there come rising expectations that any organization would be hard pressed to meet. How proud we can be of our accomplishments and how much more proud we can be of our members who volunteer heart and heartache to make this nation a better place for blind folks. The cost is heavy; it is a burden of leadership that humbles me when I think of all of our national and affiliate leaders who so often work without rest and far too little credit.
I want to dedicate this writing to you. I want you to know that every time you pick up a phone to answer a call or make a call to a public official, a political figure, a Social Security office, a member of the clergy, or another blind person in need, you once again show the best that is in us.
I have had the absolute pleasure of attending state conventions, ACB board meetings, special advocacy campaigns and my hat is off to all of you who have stayed the course, stood up for what is right, and extended yourselves on behalf of all blind people.
Thank you to all the leaders of ACB whether at the national or state or chapter level. You have made it happen and you are the very people whom the blindness community ought to be thanking as we sit down to the holiday meal at the end of November. You have met the challenge and I have seen the joy and the pain you have celebrated and endured. I cannot help but brim over with pride when I know in my head and my heart that you and all the ACB activists along with our staff have not only met the challenges, but chosen to do it and done so with pride.
God bless all of you. Thanks for being there and caring enough about your fellow blind brothers and sisters to walk the many extra miles that will lead us all to a promised land where our nation is stronger by the day for the kind of people you are.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I for one along with so many others will be grateful for the privilege of knowing you.