A Request from AER to Join Us In Supporting Services For Children and Adults Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina

September 2, 2005

As this is written the nation is still in shock at the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina in many gulf coast areas. The images of homes destroyed and New Orleans flooded are becoming embedded in our collective memories. Obviously the first priority is to provide food and water and shelter to the tens of thousands of people who have done without basic necessities since Katrina wrecked its havoc. The nation, and indeed the world, is organizing the necessary aid, and we pray that it arrives as quickly as possible.

Once basic necessities are provided, the rebuilding effort will begin and people will start the process of rebuilding their lives. Included in that rebuilding process will be the challenge of rebuilding the infrastructure that serves people who are blind and visually impaired. That will mean replacing braille books, low vision aids and examination equipment, daily living tools, and the seemingly endless supply of devices that allow people with visual impairments to be independent and children to attend school. It will also mean rebuilding the special education and rehabilitation facilities that serve the needs of this now vulnerable population.

AER would like to join and help coordinate this effort. We intend to work with the schools and agencies affected by Katrina to identify what is needed and to organize efforts to assist our colleagues and all people who are blind or visually impaired. We ask you to join us. Please look around and identify what you may have that you could send for this rebuilding effort and send us that list. (Please e-mail a list of items you could donate towards these efforts to katrinarelief@aerbvi.org) If you can pledge a donation please use the donation form to do so.

If you are an affected school or agency, please let us know what your needs are and we will work with you to facilitate the effort to rebuild your facility and to speed your efforts toward getting back to the job you need to do – serving your clients.

Make no mistake. Survival is now the priority for all too many people. But once survival is assured, the enormous task of rebuilding lives and programs will begin and AER hopes you will join us and we can join you in helping our colleagues and friends recover from the nation’s worst natural disaster.

Please begin planning for the recovery. We will be back in touch with you with specifics as we are able to coordinate with our colleagues on the gulf coast. Thank you.

Gregory Goodrich, Ph.D.
AER President