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GMSAA SPRING 2023 Newsletter

Governor Morehead School Alumni Association

Alumni Connection

Spring 2023

 

President’s Corner
By  Dr. Ricky Scott, President

As President of the Governor Morehead School Alumni Association, I first wish to express my sincerest appreciation to you for electing me at our August 2022 annual convention to serve as President of our Association for another term.  Your expression of support of me through this election encourages and strengthens me to work as diligently as possible to lead our Association to the best of my ability over the next three years. 

Now having said that, I wish to reiterate remarks presented to you in previous Issues concerning my expectations that I believe will facilitate the success of our collaborative effort.

As President, with your help, I pledge to continue to perform faithfully the duties and responsibilities ascribed to me in our Constitution and Bylaws. Additionally, to facilitate this task, each of you can expect that I shall continue to seek to establish and maintain open lines of communication with the other officers, chairs of committees, members of committees and the general membership by making myself available to you by telephone at 919-673-8300 or e-mail at rickyscott09@gmail.com. Also, I expect that committee chairs will continue to communicate and collaborate with each other, wherein appropriate, to plan, develop, and implement actions and activities for all our efforts are interrelated and interconnected. Through this communication and collaboration, our tasks can be more effectively and efficiently accomplished. Furthermore, I expect that committee chairs will continue to work with their committee members in a democratic manner. By continuing to involve your committee members in the planning, development, and implementation of your committee actions and activities, it will also ensure collective ownership in our Association. I encourage each of you to continue your efforts to reach out to our general members to seek their participation and involvement on your individual committees.

As President, I expect members will continue, in increasing numbers, their participation in the work of our Association by joining committees of interests where your skills and talents can best be utilized for it is my firm conviction that each member of our Association possess unique skills and talents in different areas that can ensure the continued success of our efforts.   Let neither distance nor time limitations preclude your service or participation in the work of our Association. Any amount of time given to serve is valued and appreciated.

In closing, I am firmly convinced that communication, collaboration, and involvement will continue to facilitate the success of our Association. I commend each of you who have demonstrated your belief in our cause through your membership, committee service, board service, and office leadership in our Association. Therefore, together, in this common purpose let us continue to move forward on behalf of our Governor Morehead School Alumni association.

Committee Appointments Announced

President Ricky Scott recmended the following individuals for committee chair appointments.  The Board of Directors approved the recommendations at its November 2022 Board meeting.

Awards/Scholarships:  Donnie Best
Convention:  Tamika O’Kelly
Education:  Ricky Scott
Membership:  Lawrence Carter
Resource Development:  Douglas Davis
Constitution and Bylaws:  George Littlejohn
Finance:  Timothy Snyder
Benevolence: Robert Parish
Legislative and Advocacy:  Robert Parrish

Education Committee Report
By Dr. Ricky Scott 

As you know, one purpose of the education committee is to provide educational opportunities to our members and those in the larger community. We achieve this goal through the provision of informational and community resource presentations at both our annual winter and summer meetings as well as separate seminar presentations during the year. For example, at our January 2023 winter meeting, a number of organizations presented information pertaining to their programs and services and they included the following: North Carolina reading Service, Envisioning Youth Empowerment, Insightful visionaries, Governor morehead Foundation and North Carolina disability Rights. Meanwhile, the committee members are planning for future educational activities not only for the August 2023 convention but also others in the spring or fall. To ensure that your interests in seminar presentations are considered, please contact me with suggestions at rickyscott09@gmail.com or at (919) 673-8300.

 

Convention Committee Report
By Tamika O’kelly

February 12, 2023

Salutations GMSAA family and friends;

We are pleased to announce some of the annual 2023 convention details.  The event will be held August 11th through 13, 2023.   We will be staying at the Homewood Suites 5400 Homewood Banks drive Raleigh NC 27612. Room rates are $115.00 per night (King suite).  $125 (Double bed suite) 13.25% tax.  Please call the hotel directly at 919 785-1131 ask for GMSAA block. The hotel does not offer shuttle service, so you will need to arrange your own ride to and from the train/bus station.   The last day to book your room is July 20th.  

We are bringing the talent showcase back for the 2023 after luncheon event. Anyone that would like to participate in the talent showcase should contact      Mr. George Littlejohn @ (816) 825 0303 no later than 9 pm or email at suitebaby1964@gmail.com

Further/final convention details are TBA in the coming months

Looking forward to seeing you in August

GMSAA Convention Committee.

Your $60 registration fee is due by July 20th, 2023’.  There will be a $10 late fee if not paid by the above date.   Your $20 membership fee can be paid with your registration for a total of $80 or upon arrival; this applies to the $20 membership fee only. 

 Lifetime members will still pay $50 for registration.  Attendees that do not wish to join; your fee is $85.00 

You can pay your fees one of 2 ways, 

Mail payments:  P. O. Box 61434 Raleigh, NC, 27661

PayPal:  GMSAAI.org

Keep in mind that any suggestions or request are always welcome.  My email address is tamikaokelly@yahoo.com

Feel free to call/text me @ 704 779-9704

We ask that all paid members bring one NEW item that can be used as a door prize.

Sincerely

GMSAA Convention Committee

Legislative / Advocacy Committee Report
By Robert Parrish.

February 2023

  

I want everyone to know that our “ Blind Bill of Rights” is alive and well.  Although it as been delayed, due to the passing of Fred Mcheachern and other circumstances, there is hope that it will come before the North Carolina Legislature.  

I am working with Cynthia Ball, a representative in the state house.  She is working with GMSAA to have a public hearing on our bill of rights.  Although it is hoped that it might some day become an actual law, Ms Ball suggests that the climate is not quite right for this to happen.  But, as the saying “we still wait and see. Also, the General Assembly is considering House Bill 11 which calls for the schools for of the deaf and blind to be administered by a board of trustees to be appointed by the General assembly. These boards of trustees will be under the supervision of the State Board of Education. These boards will be empowered to be responsive to the unique needs of their student population. As this bill advances in theHouse, the Association will monitor that progress and inform you accordingly.  

On the national level, as a part  of the National Federation of the Blind, I invite you to be ready to contact your state representative and our two state senators concerning potential bills:

MEDICAL DEVICE NON VISUAL ACCESSIBILITY ACT

This act seeks to make digital medical devices have speech capability.  This would be a life saving benefit to blind people who use glucosmeters and blood pressure cups.

WEBSITE AND SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS ACCESSIBILITY ACT

If this act becomes law, this act would make all websites and apps accessible to the blind and visually impaired.  Imagine how wonderful it would be to be able to have the contrast that we need.  Think of the benefit we would have to have alt text on demand, and I have not even mentioned the benefit of having speech on all websites.  Also, accessible apps would help our population to be able to order groceries much more easily as well as to do things like order pizza or contact Amazon in a more accessible manor.  

BLIND AMERICANS RETURN TO WORK ACT

As you know the earnings limit of those of us who get social Security Disability income is $2460.per month.  Even if one earns just $1.00 over this amount they could potentially loose this outside income.  This act suggests that $2.00 be given back to social security for every $1.00 earned over the $2460.00 amount.  This act seeks to also eliminate the trial work periods and provide more of an incentive to work without  worrying about being penalized.

As soon as these acts become bills I will be sending you their numbers.  But, you can get an early start for these potential bills by contacting your state representatives or our state senators.  You can do this by contacting the Capital switchboard at (202) 224-3121.  From there you can ask for your state rep or one of her congressmen.  Thank you in advance for your helping to pass this legislation that will benefit all blind and visually impaired people.  

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Parrish

Legislative Chair / GMSAA

Membership Committee Report

Accessibility Insights » Feed – February 20, 2023 

How the abacus, though low tech, became and still remains a very useful tool for those who are blind doing math

The abacus has had a rich history lasting over two thousand years. Ancient merchants needed a way to count things and make calculations. The Asian abaci are the most well known today, both Chinese and Japanese models still exist. The Japanese model has one row of beads with a separation bar and then four more rows of beads below. This model seems to resonate much more with Western minds than the Chinese model. The Chinese model has two rows above the separation bar and then 5 below. I still can’t wrap my mind around those versions. The abacus can still be seen used to calculate prices in some Asian stores including one in Hong Kong as recent as 2013, it is still taught in a few Asian schools, and can also be a useful tool for blind students of any nationality studying math.

Tim Cranmer was born in Kentucky during the depression where he grew up and became a true pioneer in improving the lives of people in the blind community until he died in 2001. Tim studied math and science and found math cumbersome in braille, so he modified the Japanese abacus by inserting a piece of felt under the beads so they wouldn’t slide around as loosely so numbers wouldn’t be disrupted when he and other blind users touched them. This modified Japanese model is called the modified Cranmer abacus, appearing on the market in 1962, and still available today. Tim Cranmer is also credited with inventing the first braille embosser, and also became vast friends with a teenager as they formed the Frankfort Kentucky ham radio club. The teen was Deane Blazie, who ended up working for Tim as his “Saturday boy” over six years until Deane graduated from college. While hanging out and working for and with Tim, Deane learned a lot about technology, and how Tim did things as a blind man. In the end, this all lead to Deane founding Blazie Engineering where he invented the Braille ‘n Speak, the first PDA like device for the blind, before PDAs of that capability even existed for the sighted. I was fortunate to exchange a few emails with Tim shortly before he died, though I didn’t know that then, when I experimented with a multimeter from RadioShack that could be plugged into a computer through the serial port. Tim did a lot for the blind community, was awarded an honorary PHD late in his life, and was still playing with tech when he died.

When I was in elementary school, a talking calculator with the four basic functions cost $500, so in fourth grade one of my teachers taught me how to use an abacus. Several years later Sharp released a basic talking calculator costing $70, affordable to most people including my parents for Christmas when i was in high school. Calculators were not allowed while taking the ACT test so I took in my abacus. The Procter was convinced it was electronic and took 5 minutes trying to find where the batteries were, they finely gave in and let me use it. The abacus is only a place holder for the person as they do all of the calculations, though more in pieces rather than all at once, while the abacus replaces paper, saving the results along the way.

More recently, I found i could do math in binary on an abacus, and used it on Cisco networking exams. No subnet calculators are yet allowed on those either.

With several computers around me as I write this, I still have an abacus on my desk. It’s still more efficient for me to grab it and add up a few numbers, or save a number than to open up a calculator program and leave where I’m currently working.

I know the abacus hasn’t been updated in decades, but it still gets amazing batter–no, still no batteries. When Allison Sheridan, who records the Nosilla podcast, asked her listeners for examples of old technology listeners were still using I just couldn’t resist.

As I said, the person is still doing all the calculations in their head as the abacus keeps track for them, there are methods that can be learned to help with solving specific situations when doing math on the abacus more efficient making the process much faster than it would be if these steps called secrets weren’t memorized. Here is a nice introduction on how the abacus. Is still an under-valued tool,, along with a comprehensive list of resources on how to learn and teach using one.

I am still grateful to my vision teacher in fourth grade, Marina, who taught me the abacus as it has made math easier for me over the rest of my life. Calculators are great, but if one doesn’t understand what the calculator is doing, they may unknowingly accept wrong answers if numbers are entered incorrectly. I wonder how sighted children might benefit if they also learned at least basic abacus skills in early math classes.

Though very low tech, the abacus is still very useful and, at least for me, will never completely be obsolete.

https://accessibility-insights.com/2023/02/20/how-the-abacus-though-low-tech-became-and-still-remains-a-very-useful-tool-for-those-who-are-blind-doing-math/

From the Blind Side

 

YOUR WORTH BEFORE ANY JOB
By Robert Parrish

A few years ago I submitted an article to our alumni news letter which how that their is dignity in any work.  It was highlighted how that jobs don’t have to define one as a person.  The submission touched upon how that discrimination can prevent us from getting the jobs that our population group dreams of being employed.

As we approach the thirty-third anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), blind and visually impaired persons are still seventy to eighty percent unemployed.  While it is true that companies like Amazon have reached out to hire our population groups, and persons with other types of disabilities, many are still not employed in a career that they are trained to engage in or for which they have a desire.  Should one wallow in despair or depression because of this?  Is it a healthy choice to just give up altogether?  Of course, the answer is no to these questions although it is understood that people can and do experience hopelessness as well as depression because of discrimination and the lack of equality in the job market.   However, below are a couple of things that people can do to worth in any job that they have

The first thing is to know that you can help work towards zero discrimination in any job.  I say towards because this practice will unfortunately exist.  But, one can be fulfilled in knowing that they are making a difference, if not for themselves, for other people.  This can be achieved by advocating with  one of the major consumer groups of the blind which are the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the American Council of the Blind (ACB).  Over the years these organizations  have won law suits and have worked towards legislation to lesson discrimination amongst our population group.  You would be with like minded people that will give you encouragement as well as support you.

The second thing is to know that you bring worth to any job.  Before one is hired for any job they already possess talents, gifts and skills that are employable.  These skills range from being a good organizer to being a great listener-from being creative to having wonderful supervisory skills.  No matter what job we find ourselves in these skills can be appropriately applied even if we do not have the dream job that was wished.  

Because of the above, one who works in LCI can give some supervisory support to a co-worker on a given task.  Perhaps one who has training as counselor but has a customer service job can exercise good listening skills in helping some one resolve a problem.

As most of you know I am an ordained minister.  Long after my seminary degree I worked on jobs that I was overly qualified.  However, where could I used some skills of ministry for the job at hand.  Today, I am proud to say that I am the pastor of Gregory Congregational United Church of Christ, located in Wilmington, NC.  Believe me when I say that all the experiences that I had on previous jobs I am now using as the pastor of this church.  They include skills like working with different types of people; skills like being creative in transportation matters to helping others find their gifts.  No, my current pastorate may not include a large congregation or the compensations that other ministers have, but it is a job in which I can use the talents and skills that I have and am still developing.

As we work towards the end of inequality and discrimination, may we be encouraged to know that we bring worth to any job with the talents and skills that we have.

Community Advocacy and Access
By Dr. Ricky Scott

Community advocacy and access remain an ongoing effort of the Association. To that end, the Association has joined with both the Raleigh-wake Council of the Blind and the Wake federation of the Blind to ensure that blind and visually impaired individuals in Raleigh have safe and accessible street crossings. We began a dialogue with the assistant director of transportation of the City of Raleigh to identify those street crossings where accessible pedestrian street crossings could be installed and began the process of putting together a plan for future installation of these devices across the city. We meet with city staff on a bimonthly basis to discuss the current status of the plan and future stepts to continue progress on this issue. What we have learned is that city staff in transportation are understanding of our concern and willing to collaborate with us to move the city of Raleigh forward on accessible pedestrian street crossings. I report this to you so that those of you may be encouraged to open a dialogue with city staff in your local communities and with the  consumer advocacy organizations to work to plan for accessible pedestrian street crossings. I am certainly willing to assist in this effort in any way possible. Therefore, feel free to contact me at (919) 673-8300 or email at rickyscott09@gmail.com 

 Lights, Camera, Action:  The Spotlight

Nominations: 

In each issue of the Alumni Connection we will spotlight alumni of The Governor Morehead School or individuals who have had a positive impact on the school and its programs.  If you wish to recommend someone please contact the Editor.  

Commendation Well Deserved
by Tim Snyder

One of the wonderful opportunities this newsletter provides is to celebrate the accomplishments of our fellow members of our Association. One such member is Robert Parrish. He was recently called to be the pastor of a church in Wilmington. He wrote an article which cites this appointment. Space may not allow me to provide the entire article, but I would like to provide major portions as a way of commending Robert and informing you. His writing follows.

From the Blind Side

YOUR WORTH BEFORE ANY JOB
By Robert Parrish

A few years ago I submitted an article to our alumni news letter which how that their is dignity in any work.  It was highlighted how that jobs don’t have to define one as a person.  The submission touched upon how that discrimination can prevent us from getting the jobs that our population group dreams of being employed.

As we approach the thirty-third anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), blind and visually impaired persons are still seventy to eighty percent unemployed.  While it is true that companies like Amazon have reached out to hire our population groups, and persons with other types of disabilities, many are still not employed in a career that they are trained to engage in or for which they have a desire.  Should one wallow in despair or depression because of this?  Is it a healthy choice to just give up altogether?  Of course, the answer is no to these questions although it is understood that people can and do experience hopelessness as well as depression because of discrimination and the lack of equality in the job market.   However, below are a couple of things that people can do to worth in any job that they have.

The first thing is to know that you can help work towards zero discrimination in any job.  I say towards because this practice will unfortunately exist.  But, one can be fulfilled in knowing that they are making a difference, if not for themselves, for other people.  This can be achieved by advocating with  one of the major consumer groups of the blind which are the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the American Council of the Blind (ACB).  Over the years these organizations  have won law suits and have worked towards legislation to lesson discrimination amongst our population group.  You would be with like minded people that will give you encouragement as well as support you.

The second thing is to know that you bring worth to any job.  Before one is hired for any job they already possess talents, gifts and skills that are employable.  These skills range from being a good organizer to being a great listener-from being creative to having wonderful supervisory skills.  No matter what job we find ourselves in these skills can be appropriately applied even if we do not have the dream job that was wished.

Because of the above, one who works in LCI can give some supervisory support to a co-worker on a given task.  Perhaps one who has training as counselor but has a customer service job can exercise good listening skills in helping some one resolve a problem.”

“Today, I am proud to say that I am the pastor of Gregory Congregational United Church of Christ, located in Wilmington, NC.  Believe me when I say that all the experiences that I had on previous jobs I am now using as the pastor of this church.  They include skills like working with different types of people; skills like being creative in transportation matters to helping others find their gifts.” Of his job Robert also writes: “it is a job in which I can use the talents and skills that I have and am still developing.”

Robert is one of our life members, and I suspect that you may be reading more about him in a future Alumni Connection. It is a wonderful opportunity we are given to be able to rejoice with our fellow member and friend for his recent appointment as pastor. Yes, this opportunity is a job for Robert, but it is indeed a calling as well. Robert, we commend you and wish you well in your new endeavor.

 

Governor Morehead Foundation Fundraising Events
By Deanna Welker

Hello!

Alumni and friends,

1.  Join members of the Governor Morehead Foundation at the Red Daisy Fest in Winston-Salem from March 3-4 as we celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of Doc Watson!  An alumnus of the Governor Morehead School, Doc Watson was a well-known guitarist, songwriter, and singer who went on to win seven Grammy awards as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  The Red Daisy Fest, a bluegrass/blues/folk music festival will take place at the Big Winston Warehouse from 12-7 pm each day, and all proceeds (there is a suggested donation of $5 for entry) will benefit the Governor Morehead Foundation in support of the Governor Morehead School.

2.  The Governor Morehead Foundation will be hosting a charity event this fall in support of the Governor Morehead School.  “The Giving Season Gala: A Night of Grateful Gifts” will include a catered dinner, a silent auction of fantastic gift items, and entertainment by GMS band and choral students, with all proceeds benefiting the school.  The event will take place on the GMS campus at 301 Ashe Avenue on either Thursday, October 26 or Thursday, November 2 (more info to come!).  Table sponsorships are an option for those wishing to bring a group.  Individual tickets will go on sale in September.  To learn more, contact Francisco Chavez, GMS alum and current GMF Board President, at chavez@raleighconsulting.com    

Spread the Word…

Join GMSAA

Becoming a member of the Alumni Association is easy.  Go to www.gmsaai.org and click on Join GMSAAI to fill out the registration form.  Print out the form and mail it to us with your $20.00 annual dues.  It’s that simple!  

What is the purpose of GMSAA?
1. To promote goodwill among the blind and deaf
communities.
2. To work with The Governor Morehead School for the betterment of the student body.
3. To provide merit and charitable awards and
scholarships to blind and deaf students who are
pursuing vocational training or post-secondary
education.
4. To promote and encourage the education of blind and deaf children and adults throughout North Carolina.

Who can join GMSAA?

Any person who has attended the Governor Morehead School, any campus of the North Carolina State School for the Blind and Deaf, any school that may be established by the state of North Carolina for the express purpose of educating blind or deaf children, or any person who is interested in helping the Association.

Coming Soon to a Newsstand Near You!

The next issue of the Alumni Connection will be distributed at the end of May 2023.  The deadline for submission of articles, committee reports, and announcements will be Tuesday, May 23, 2023,. 

Let Your Voice be Heard

Who’s on the Board of Directors?

Ricky Scott – President
Vice-President – Donna Permar
Secretary – Sherlene Potts
Assistant Secretary – Tamika Polk-Davis 
Leola Dorsey  
Tifiney Parson 
Yvonne Wright-Kea
Glenn Permar
Carla Smith
Tamika O’Kelly
Johnna Simmons 

 The Board of Directors meets quarterly.        

For updated information on meeting agenda items, meeting dates or times, or other information please contact Dr. Ricky Scott, President at 919-673-8300 or rickyscott09@gmail.com.  

Contribute to the Alumni Connection

The Governor Morehead School Alumni Association reserves the right to edit for grammar, content, and formatting any material submitted for publication in this newsletter.  All submissions must include the name of the author. Submissions can be e-mailed to rickyscott09@gmail.com.