The newly formed Greater Berks Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind is a support group of blind people helping blind people.
“The key is that it is OF the blind not FOR the blind, so it’s blind people helping each other with the help of sighted people as well,” said Topton musician Jim Meck, President of the Greater Berks Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania.
“The idea is who really knows best what we’re going through than other people who are going through it and have been successful in finding ways to do things.”
Meck explained that there are National Federation of the Blind chapters throughout the state but there was not a chapter in Berks County.
According to https://nfb.org, “The National Federation of the Blind is the largest organization of blind and low-vision people in the United States. Founded in 1940, the Federation has grown to over 50,000 members.”
The Greater Berks Chapter was created on Jan. 9.
For those who are having issues with their sight, Meck said the Chapter hopes people know “that there is hope, that there is a place to turn, that they do have value, they have talent.” For friends and family of the visually impaired, he wants them to know that there is a support system to “Help give them the tools to help get through these challenges.”
Visually impaired himself, the Topton musician said, “It’s not as bad as some might think it is. It’s just one sense and we can still go through life being very successful and very happy. It doesn’t have to be a depressing situation.”
In addition to Meck as board president, board members are vice president Brad Hart, secretary Karen Chandler, treasurer Amanda Welch, and member John Kauffman.
“We all wanted to do something that would help advocate for the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired,” said Hart, who is visually impaired. “There is a need for a NFB chapter in Berks County. We just want to make a difference in people’s lives and let them know that they are not alone.”
The Greater Berks Chapter offers a support system to help each other and networking for other opportunities, said Hart.
“I am excited to get involved because I like the visions they have, helping us realize that being blind isn’t the end of the world,” said Welch, referring to the National Federation of the Blind. “You can still have a great, successful life, and even work.”
This gives her hope, resources and helps educate her family regarding visual impairment.
Kauffman, who is severely visually impaired, said he lost his sight in 2011. He worked mostly overseas and he couldn’t do his job.
“I really think there is a need in Berks County,” said Kauffman. “I would like to see happen is to have very dynamic meetings and very good support group where we can learn how to make our lives better.”
“We’re looking for opportunities really to advocate for the blind, for ourselves and to help people be successful and live the life they want and blindness does not have to stop that,” said Meck. “We’re advocating in the community but we’re also helping each other as a support system.”
There are about 25 to 35 members. A requirement for the chapter is that the majority of the membership be visually impaired, said Meck, noting that the NFB basically calls any level of visual impairment as blind. There are sighted people that are helping as well, including board secretary Karen Chandler.
“Just because people don’t have eye sight doesn’t mean they don’t have vision. I think they all need to learn their value,” said Chandler.
She fears many stay home and feel they don’t have any value in society. “They do (have value) and we need to help them find that.”
The Chapter also hopes to affect legislation and be proactive in the community spreading awareness about blindness and about the value of people who are blind, Meck said.
“Their vision is not something that should get in the way; they are just as valuable in society as anyone else is,” said Meck.
Meck said he has witnessed a lot of people going through a lot of things that he has been through, including isolation, depression and a feeling of not having value. “I see them being as helpless as I felt and not knowing where to turn. That’s why we need to make that change so that they know where to turn and that there is hope.”
Meck overcame challenges through the support of friends, family and a network of connections. “I was fortunate to find some of the resources that helped me get through some of that.”
The Greater Berks Chapter offers support through general meetings, communications, access with one another, activities, fundraisers or awareness events, “and growing stronger in a bond and sharing research that’s out there,” he said.
“You learn a lot from other people,” said Meck. “And because it’s a national organization we’re not just learning from people in the county, we’re learning from people from across the state, across the country, around the world.”
The chapter’s next meeting is on Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. at Reformation Lutheran Church in Reiffton, Exeter Township.
There will also be a concert to spread awareness about the chapter.
Meck, on piano, and sax player Glenn Hofmann are presenting a concert on Feb. 8 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fleetwood at 3 p.m. Concert includes some original songs and cover tunes, offering a wide variety of music.
“We are using this opportunity to help spread awareness about the chapter. A few of the members are going to perform as well as other special guests,” said Meck. “We hope it’s going to be a fun event.”
There is a minimal entrance admission charged at the door. Event is free for children 12 and under.
For more information about the Greater Berks Chapter, follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BerksFederation and on Twitter at BerksNFB.
