Published: October 23, 2008 11:52 pm      

Jim Skelton offers insight to the blind through local organization

Like most employees nowadays, Jim Skelton depends on a computer to perform many of the duties of his job. However, instead of him reading information on the computer, the computer reads it to him.

Skelton is legally blind. But he doesn't let it limit him.

"To me being blind means you can't see well enough to do things with your eyes," said Skelton, who is a supply technician at NAS Meridian.

"But it does not mean you can't do things; you just have to work around your limitations," he said.

Helping others to realize that is a major goal of Skelton, who serves as president of the National Federation of the Blind/Mississippi, Meridian/Lauderdale County Chapter. Joyce Holder is vice president.

"We're a non-profit organization; a civil rights group for the blind," said Skelton. "We (the blind) should be completely integrated in society in every way."

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. 

Founded in 1940, the NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004, the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.

The NFB has affiliates in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and more than 700 local chapters. The Meridian chapter is two years old and currently has a membership of 12. Membership is open to all ages, however you must be at least 51 percent blind. The executive board must be legally blind.

At meetings, members discuss various topics – from how to get jobs to transportation problems.

"Whatever concerns a person may have, we discuss and try to find a solution," Skelton said.

The local chapter is especially interested in reaching out to youth.

"They are our future," he said. "So we want to make sure they are well informed of what's available to them."

Asked how membership in the National Federation of the Blind has helped him, Skelton said, "I'm making $12 an hour, instead of $3. Unfortunately, 70 percent of the blind are unemployed and 90 percent are underemployed."

Skelton said that to his knowledge he is the first blind supply technician for the U.S. government.

"When people order stuff, they send it through me and I make the orders," he said.

Skelton is employed through South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind – which he has been affiliated with for seven years. He has worked at NAS Meridian three years.

For more information about the National Federation of the Blind, visit the Web site www.nfb.org



MEETING



The National Federation of the Blind/Mississippi, Meridian/Lauderdale County Chapter meets the fourth Saturday of each month at 3 p.m. (location varies).

The group will meet Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. at Squealer's Restaurant in College Park. For more information, call Jim Skelton at (601) 616-8360.