INTRODUCTION
This book is about blindness—what it means and what it does not
mean; about services for blind people—what they are and where to
find them; about skills of blindness—what they are used for and how
to learn them; about the specialized tools blind people need—what
exists and where to get it; about the American Action Fund for Blind Children
and Adults—what it is and what it does. This book is written to help
blind people, their families, their friends, and their neighbors.
Blind people. Who are they? The term is vague and impersonal, but that
is only true until you know someone who is blind or deaf-blind—an
individual to whom all of this matters—perhaps someone for whom specialized
organizations and services may make the difference between merely existing
and really living.
Margaret Warren is one such person. She is both deaf and blind. In one
sense her story is certainly not unique. There are about 40,000 deaf-blind
people in the United States today, and parts of her life reflect each
of theirs. But, of course, Margaret is also an individual—a warm
and caring human being—one we think you would like to know. Therefore
we introduce her to you here.
We also introduce you to Dan Ryles through his mother Ruby. Dan is a teenager
who was born totally blind. At age thirteen tragedy struck, and Dan suddenly
began losing all of his hearing. Terror gripped the Ryles household.
As you read the rest of this book, think about Margaret and Dan and others
like them who are blind or both deaf and blind.
If you are blind or are losing eyesight, or if you know someone who is,
we can help. If you are sighted, the knowledge you gain from reading this
book can help you to assist us in helping others.
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