Winter 2012
Just like a plant that gets its strength from its
roots, I have become a better person because of my affiliation with the greatest and most dedicated professionals in the world! It has been a tremendous honor to serve as president of the Division on Visual Impairments, an experience that has forever changed me. Although it was very difficult to provide leadership during these times of economic hardship, I discovered a great deal about myself and our wonderful field. Like the hardy cactus, I am truly amazed at our ability to survive and even thrive during draughts. Our students with visual impairments are lucky to have such creative and resourceful teachers who are adept at securing and stretching resources.
As a grassroots organization, our roots run deep = 6 CONTENTS
because of our shared belief in quality education for children and youth with visual impairments, including those with additional disabilities. In spite of our impassioned advocacy, it seems that our grass seed never spreads far enough or fast enough. Over the past two years, your board has worked tirelessly to expand our cause by planting our seeds in a variety of different soils instead of merely tending our own plot as we have always done before. The
