The NFBC has a chapter specifically geared toward parents of blind children. This group meets annually at the state conventions and holds workshops in various locations throughout the year.

The Parents of Blind Children chapter of the NFB of California is a membership organization of parents and friends of blind children reaching out to each other to share vital support, encouragement and information.

The real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight, but rather the misunderstanding and misinformation which exist about blindness. With proper training and opportunity, blindness can be reduced to a physical nuisance.

WHO CAN JOIN?

Parents, relatives, educators, blind adults and others interested in promoting opportunities for blind children may join the POBC chapter. Local parent support groups are also invited to affiliate with the organization.

WHAT INFORMATION IS PROVIDED BY THE POBC?

* Provides workshops to teach Braille to parents of blind children

* Creates a climate of opportunity for blind children in home and society

* Provides information and support to parents of blind children

* Facilitates the sharing of experience and concerns among parents of blind children

* Develops and expands resources available to parents and their children

* Helps parents of blind children gain understanding and perspective through partnership and contact with blind adults

Most of all, the POBC chapter provides guidance to parents as they come to grips with what blindness means and as they strive to instill independence in a child who happens to be blind. Parents and their blind children can learn through contact with blind adults that it is respectable to be blind. Negative attitudes about blindness are so prevalent that it is not unusual for a blind child, even with the most supportive parents, to feel shame and resentment about blindness. Regular and consistent interaction with a variety of competent blind adults can do wonders for a blind child's self-esteem. POBC members draw upon the collective knowledge, wisdom and resources of the real experts on blindness-the organized blind.

CONTACT

This group meets annually at the state conventions and holds workshops in various locations throughout the year. A wealth of information is available either through the national office or the state affiliate office. The president of this division is Barbara Mathews, parent of a visually impaired child.