RE: Nebraska Services for the Visually Impaired

WHEREAS, we, the members of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, are dedicated to the common goals of security, equality, and opportunity for all blind persons; and

WHEREAS, we are a state affiliate of our nation’s largest and oldest organization of the blind, the National Federation of the Blind; and

RE: Radio Talking Book, Inc.

WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska has supported the concept of a radio reading service since the inception of Radio Talking Book, Inc. (RTB) in 1974; and,

WEREAS, we view RTB as a vital link in the service system for the blind in Nebraska, and not simply as a special-population project of the public television and radio service; and,

RE: Radio Station KESY

WHEREAS, a major goal of the National Federation of the Blind is to change public attitudes about blindness; and,

WHEREAS, one method used to effect attitudes is the production and distribution of public service announcements (PSAs); and,

WHEREAS, by October, 1988, Jim Milrow, Public Service Director for KESY Radio, was contacted about the possible airing of the national PSAs; and,

RE: American Charter Savings and Loan

WHEREAS, the American Charter Savings and Loan Association has shown consistent support and understanding of the Ideals and goals of the National Federation of the Blind; and

WHEREAS, American Charter has demonstrated its understanding by hiring and promoting the blind; and

WHEREAS, American Charter has worked with the blind to stimulate public awareness about the abilities of blind persons and to advocate further for the employment of the blind; and

RE: Advisory Committee to Nebraska Services for the Visually Impaired

WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska believes that the blind have the same range of skills, talents, and potential for excellence as sighted persons; and

WHEREAS, blind persons are employed as competent travel instructors throughout the country with excellent results and without danger to their students; and

RE: Removal of “Good and Evil” from ABC’s Weekly Television Schedule

WHEREAS, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) is airing a new program titled “Good and Evil” which includes performances by an actor portraying a blind person; and

WHEREAS, the attitudes about blindness portrayed and expressed by this character and those having interaction with said character have been most disturbing to blind persons throughout the nation; and

RE: Commendation of ABC for the Positive Image of Blindness it portrays in “MacGyver”

WHEREAS, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) has aired the popular series “MacGyver” for several years; and

WHEREAS, the producers of this series have insisted that the character portrayed by Dana Elcar be retained, even though the actor is blind; and

RE: The Treatment of Blind Passengers of MAT

WHEREAS, most blind persons use public transit as their principle means of transportation from one point to another, when feasible and reliable; and

WHEREAS, the leadership of the Omaha Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska (NFBN) met with Robert Courtright, Executive Director of Metro Area Transit (MAT) and members of his staff to discuss problems of equal access for the blind and to develop guidelines to resolve issues of concern to the blind; and

RE: Braille Literacy Bill in Nebraska

WHEREAS; several states have passed legislation mandating Braille instruction for blind and visually impaired children in the schools as part of their Individual Education Program; and

WHEREAS; Braille literacy is essential to the future success of blind and visually impaired children; and

WHEREAS; the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska supports literacy for all blind people and has a long history of promoting the use of Braille; now, therefore,

RE: Opposition to Audible Traffic Signals

WHEREAS; blind persons throughout the State of Nebraska have completely demonstrated their ability to travel independently; and

WHEREAS; audible traffic signals have been installed at busy intersections to supposedly enable the blind to travel in a safer environment; and

WHEREAS; however, these devices have proven to be a menace, rather than an issue of safety, often placing blind persons in life threatening situations; and