Networking Forum

I unfortunately missed most of the coverage about David Paterson due to some unknown computer trouble I've been having. However, I think one extremely important lesson to be learned by employers--and in most if not all cases the so-called blindness professionals--is this: You can't judge a book by its cover. In other words, don't prejudge other people. This doesn't only apply to those of us with a visual impairment--it applies to all minorities. I was recently listening to online coverage of the 2007 national convention of the American Council of the blind, held that year in the Twin Cities. During the candidates' forum Mitch Pomerantz, who ran for the office of ACB President and ended up winning that seat, said that one thing he hopes to do is change the way our VR system works. He said that the National Federation of the Blind's "one-size-fits-all" brand of vocational rehabilitation does not work. I totally agree with him, and I think we need to take a serious look at the way VR agencies are run. One size does not fit all, and it never will fit all because everybody is an individual person. Individual people have their own unique characteristics, while at the same time possessing similar traits. Just for the record, I've never been an ACB member or an NFB member, and I've been debating about whether to become involved with either of these organizations. While I do acknowledge that the NFB has done some good things, I strongly disagree with their approach to a lot of issues. It seems to me that, while the ACB has a much more reasoned and logical approach to dealing with a lot of issues surrounding blindness and visual impairment, there is a ton of in-fighting among members of both organizations. This in-fighting undoubtedly goes back to the split into two organizations--and even before when they were united as one--but they clearly need to get over it and stop attacking each other all the time over petty issues. This includes, among many other things, vocational rehabilitation. This brings up the emotional adjustment thing. It's clear to me that, although a lot of people don't necessarily admit it, they have trouble with their visual impairment. I have never had trouble adjusting, and it's very clear that Gov. Paterson hasn't ever experienced adjustment issues. Or if he has, it looks like he's gotten over them.

I suppose some people are going to say David Paterson is a hypocrite because of his admitted infidelities to his wife, however I think that took guts, especially in light of the Spitzer debacle. Paterson was willing to walk his walk and talk his talk before the press started coming out with inuendos. He showed he had integrity.

Actually he showed that people with disabilities aren't saints anymore than people with disabilities, they make the same judgement errors people without disabilities do. He's a good example for young people and older people to honestly admit their errors then get on making it better . I have a feeling along with David Onley, lieutenant governor of Ontario, employers and society as a whole will look at persons with disabilities differently from now on. I sure hope so.

Liz

I searched around on You Tube last week for David Paterson's swearing-in speech and was able to listen to it. This guy is really on the ball! I could tell by the applause and cheering that I'm not alone in thinking he'll make an outstanding governor. After listening to his speech I read through some of the comments, and a few were crude and in some cases obscene. I loved his ending where he re-introduced himself. If only Illinois had somebody as charismatic and pro-active as Gov. Paterson! I think Illinoisans would be much, much better off.

-I think the significance laid at Governor Paderson's feet is unnecessary as, he is not the first individual to achieve this status. a Google Search will reveal the "1st Blind Governor" occurred in Arkansas in 1976. In the realm of "political pundetry" Governor Paderson is looked upon by those in the political environment as a "Place Marker", e.g. he is fulfilling anothers term with the high likelihood he will not be re-elected when his term ends as there are far more qualified, experienced administrators that will be vieing for his position. -I believe the proof of his success will be what "Legislative Agenda" he can develop; to what extent will it involve assessment and modernization of the New York State Vocational Rehabilitation System and its services and, how actions taken will advance the employment for individuals with disabilities in the shrinking economy of NY State and the country. -If he succeeds, can his model be applied to other States and, their VR systems or, will there be pushback and, the NY State modifications will only be applicable to that State and, that State alone. If the latter, which is the rule rather than exception happens, he may have won the battle but, not the war. -As I've commented prior, it is the individuals knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) combined with a personal focus to achieve; a willingness to compete on the basis of abilities and the presentation of one's personal best that enables the individual to succeed. Anything short of these goals is a plan to fail.

Governor Paterson was never said to be the first blind governor of an American state. He is the FIRST blind governor of NY state. He's is not without merrit or experience since he has been in the NY state senate for over 20 years and he has a good relationship with both minority and majority leaders in the state senate, which is something, since the NY senate has had a pretty rancorous relations shince Governor Pataki and Governor Spitzer. It will be good to have someone who isn't always at war with the opposite party in the Governor 's seat .

While it is very true that each state's voc rehab differs from the state to state, it is still good to have a role model of a contributing non white legally blind male to inspire not only Americans but all people around the world. eSight is not limited to just those in the US. eSight is a global site with many different countries from Canada to NZ reading here. Liz Seger

I love reading the posts from the readership and I would like to read more. I am not blind nor visually impaired though some of our staff may say I lack vision. hearing from "the constiuency" gives us who are in management a good perspective.

Rachel, nice to hear from you as well. I think it always benefits everyone , no matter what education and expereience we 've had to keep on learning and keep an open mind. Our education and our experience opens doors but it's the consitituency, the managers, every day people who must keep on keepin on and expanding on that education and experience and not going stagnant. WE need to see everything that was and will be , but particulary what is NOW to keep on being a life long learner.

I think he had to talk about the things that he did in the past. Otherwise someone would have played the gotcha game. After Spitzer he would need to be truthful.

I hope that they don't think of him in a certain way just because he is blind. Lets see what he can do.