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Taking a Moment to Say Thank You

by Teddie-Joy Remhild

As we embark on our journey through this new year of 2002, we are aware of our lives and world, forever changed by the tragic attacks of September 11. It is said over and over again, "Our lives will never be the same again." That is a given but maybe we can move forward with a new appreciation of those around us who have brought good into our lives. Appreciation and connecting on a spiritual level are now more important than ever.

The American Council of the Blind is now announcing an opportunity for you, its members, to nominate those whom you believe are worthy of recognition, appreciation and support for their lives, their work and their contributions to the lives of all of us.

It is now time to write your letters to the ACB (500 words or less), nominating your choices for these awards which will be announced at our annual convention next July in Houston, Texas.

The awards and their purposes are as follows:

  • Robert S. Bray Award, given periodically in memory of the former chief of what is now the National Library Service. This award is given in recognition to an individual who has made a significant contribution in extending library services, increasing access to materials or improving communication devices or techniques.
  • The Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award is an award which recognizes a blind person who has significantly pursued integration and interaction in the life of his or her community. This individual does not have to be a member of a blindness organization but should have lifelong involvement with the community.
  • The George Card Award is given periodically to a blind person who has demonstrated by life choices and work, noteworthy betterment in the quality of lives of the blind community. This is an award which should be given to someone who has spent their life caring about others who are also blind.
  • The ACB Distinguished Service Award is presented to a sighted person whose lifework has made an important contribution to the lives of the blind community. This is also a periodic award.

Affiliate awards are also given and include:

Membership Growth Award. This award is determined by the highest percentage increase in membership over the past year, as reflected by the credentials reports of 2001 and 2002. Be sure your affiliate membership reports are on time and accurate.

The second affiliate award is the Creative Outreach Award. This award must be nominated by an affiliate or special interest president in recognition of a local chapter project, excluding fund-raising, which creatively or innovatively develops an outreach project which has measurable successful outcomes. These projects, goals and outcomes should be documented. The project should have been begun in 2001, but need not be completed in that year.

Please start thinking and then writing your letters nominating those you have known or know of who deserve our appreciation, at a time when connecting with each other on a human level is so much more important than ever.

Send your letters, 500 words or less, by April 14, 2002 to American Council of the Blind Awards, 1155 15th St. NW, Suite 1004, Washington, D.C. 20005.