I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Lee Martin, President of the Circle City Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). Lee is also a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability (MACD) and the Blinded Veterans Association.
INDATA: Are you an Indianapolis native?
Lee: No, I grew up in Muncie, Indiana.
INDATA: I understand that you work with the National Federation of the Blind. Could you describe the type of work you do?
Lee: We are an activist organization that’s been around for over 40 years working to dispel the myth of the difficulties associated with blindness. We meet with Congress and community leaders to spread awareness. Our mission is to reach out to schools, legislation, churches, and communities to educate them about technology and resources available.
INDATA: How did you become involved with the NFB?
Lee: I was introduced to the NFB in 2002 by Freddie Edwards three years after I lost my sight. I was looking for direction in my life, and the NFB was there for me. After going through their programs, I wanted to become an active member in the organization.
INDATA: Could you tell me a little about NewsLINE?
Lee: NewsLINE is one of the services provided by the NFB. It provides access to local newspapers over the phone, as well as 200 national newspapers online, and even TV Guide. It’s important that we make this information available to people who are blind, because knowledge is power.
INDATA: What kinds of assistive technology devices do you use to increase your independence?
Lee: I mostly use my computer with JAWS for Windows. I also use my PACmate, which I take with me everywhere to take notes and read. When I was introduced to Braille, I wanted to really challenge myself to learn it. It took a while, but I did!
I continue to use a VoiceMate, also known as a Parrot, but they don’t make them anymore. It’s a handheld device similar to the Victor Stream, and contains a contact book, appointments, and an alarm.
I use the KNFB Reader to store things like business cards and restaurant menus. It’s so nice because I can access everything I need on this mobile device.
INDATA: What assistive technology do you use to get around the house and to travel?
Lee: I actually don’t use any devices to get around; I just use my basic skills. I don’t use a cane; I rely on common sense to find my way around my house, my yard, and my community. It helps to have familiarity with your surroundings.
For traveling, I believe the best means of going somewhere is the cab voucher program, I like it better than Open Door.
INDATA: What do you like to do in your free time?
Lee: I enjoy going to movies, working out at the gym, cooking, barbequing, and gardening. I try to live the same way I did before going blind.
INDATA: What relationship do you share with Easter Seals Crossroads?
Lee: About four or five years ago, they came to me when I interviewed for a job. When I got the job, one of their counselors trained me and Crossroads re-scripted my workplace’s computer so that JAWS could run on it. I am very grateful for all the work Crossroads did for me.
INDATA: What are some ways people can support the blind community?
Lee: Blind organizations need to reach out to communities about the condition of blindness, as there are many misconceptions. I think it’s important for people to realize that there is support for those who have lost their sight, and that they can lead normal lives.
I also think we need to share this information in the schools. I have met several computer “experts” that have graduated college with a degree in Computer Science, and they have never heard of JAWS or any other type of assistive devices that are available. If these people don’t know what these applications are, how are they going to help accommodate people with disabilities?
No one has to hide behind the ADA; it all comes through education. Technology levels the playing field, so that people with disabilities can operate computers and other machines with as much independence as someone without disabilities.
I’d like to quote an old Chinese proverb: “Be not afraid of moving slowly, but be afraid of standing still.”
That wraps up our interview with Lee Martin from the NFB. Stay tuned for a blog post about the American Council of the Blind!