From Chris Kuell, Danbury, CT:

In the May Readers Forum, Clayton Jacobs wrote about the difficulties he found in getting a job and becoming a missionary.

I agree that the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the American Council of the Blind (ACB) spend far too much time on their differences and too little on their common causes, but the greatest strength of both organizations is a positive philosophy regarding the abilities of blind people. These organizations believe that, with good training and a positive attitude, anything is possible. Rather than look to these organizations to help enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act, we should use them as role models to become capable, competent, independent blind people.

It is a fallacy that nobody will hire blind people in Phoenix, AZ. There are hundreds of blind people working there today. I'll be the first to admit that it is difficult for a blind person to obtain employment, especially if you are waiting for a state agency to find it for you. Rather than looking for a group to help him, Mr. Jacobs needs to master the skills of braille, independent travel and computers, then help himself. It is not society's duty to help us. We have to take charge and help ourselves. If Mr. Jacobs already has these skills, could he improve them?

As for discrimination by his church, perhaps he requires too much assistance to make mission service practical. The key phrase in the ADA is "reasonable accommodations." If that is not the case, then maybe he needs to find another church. After all, the Mormons only began accepting African Americans in 1978, so it might be a while before they fully accept individuals with disabilities into their ranks.

Finally, I recommend Mr. Jacobs to network with successful blind people in his area. An NFB or ACB chapter meeting is a great place to start. Only through example can we change the misconceptions held by the public, and by ourselves.