LEADING BY EXAMPLE

(This article appeared in the BRAILLE MONITOR, Volume 41, No. 1, January 1998, published by the National Federation of the Blind.)

From the MONITOR Editor: Never before in a single year has one blind person been invited to keynote meetings of the two major international organizations in the blindness field. But, in August of 1996, Dr. Jernigan opened the quadrennial meeting of the World Blind Union, in Toronto, Canada, and the following April, he keynoted the tenth world conference of the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment, which took place in Sao Paulo, Brazil. These invitations were a signal honor, recognizing as they did Dr. Jernigan's contributions to that field; they also ensured that the delegates would hear a shrewd and inspiring address. But it was not only Dr. Jernigan's words that moved his audience in Sao Paulo; It was his example.

Recognizing the importance of walking to the podium independently at the time of his speech, Dr. Jernigan made a point of going to the auditorium beforehand to study the route. This technique is used when possible by experienced cane-users whenever it's important to move efficiently and independently while an audience watches. Sadly, Dr. Jernigan was the only blind speaker at the conference not led to the podium and retrieved from it by a sighted guide. The following editorial demonstrates just how effective a symbol his action was.

The following commentary appeared in the July-September, 1997, "Asia Appraiser," the quarterly newsletter of the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment. Larry Campbell, International Program Administrator at the Overbrook School for the Blind, called our attention to the editorial. Here it is:

When Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, Director of the National Center for the Blind, United States of America, walked independently to the dais of the State Government Palace of Sao Paulo to deliver the keynote address of the tenth World Conference of the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment, there was a thunderous applause. He was independent, elegant, and reassured the confidence that visually impaired persons could come out of the social conditioning that they are inferior. A delegate sitting at the back row shouted with joy, "That is beautiful, Kenneth; why don't others emulate you?"

Orientation and mobility are vital aspects of the independent living of any visually impaired person. Research studies indicate that a visually impaired person is easily accepted in society when his/her mobility skills are good. Once Kevin Curry said that many teachers make visually impaired children "Braille Monks" because they consider Braille as the only need and forget the vital importance of mobility in the life of the individual. The independent walking of Dr. Jernigan made the thousands of people assembled at the Palace proud. The striking statement, "Leading by Example," made by Dr. Jernigan during his keynote address was relevant to what he had demonstrated. His powerful address set the trend for an excellent conference.

After delivering the address, no one was needed to bring him back to his seat. He did it all by himself. He, through his action, has demonstrated that he leads others by example. He has also indicated how teachers, administrators, parents, and professionals in the field of visual impairment should lead by example in whatever work they do.

Marc Maurer, the President of the National Federation of the Blind, U.S.A., wrote: "Kenneth Jernigan is generally regarded as the most outstanding blind person in the world today." It is true because Dr. Jernigan believes in leading by example. We can make our visually impaired children outstanding if they are led by examples. Let us make them excellent in education, mobility, rehabilitation, and integration. In doing so, let us emulate Dr. Jernigan and his powerful statement, "Leading by Example!"