Our History: The NFB of New Mexico
This page contains many articles written by or about blind New Mexicans, along with a few transcripts of speeches. The articles come from various NFB national publications. The items posted on this page reflect the richness and depth of the blind community of new Mexico, and they serve as part of our legacy that began with the founding of the NFB of New Mexico in 1956. We have included only articles and speeches that were written by or about blind people at the time that they were living in New Mexico.
2020-2029
- How a 19th Century Dutch Ophthalmologist Can Impact Your 21st Century Rights
by Greg Trapp, JD, Braille Monitor, June, 2024 - The Clay Vessel
By Caroline Benavidez, Braille Monitor, November, 2022 - When it is Okay to Say “Yes”
By Nancy Burns, Braille Monitor, July, 2022 - To Educate or Alienate
By Nancy Burns, Braille Monitor, July, 2021 - From the Heart to the Hand: A Blind Artist Advancing Touch for Over Forty Years (Speech)
by Michael Naranjo, 2020 NFB National Convention
2010-2019
- When Two or More are Gathered: The Power of One with a Multiplier
by Adelmo Vigil, Braille Monitor, July, 2019 - The Power of Love and Commitment
by Nancy Burns, Braille Monitor, May, 2019 - Secretary Toulouse Oliver Awarded “Outstanding Innovations in Elections” by the US Election Assistance Commission
Braille Monitor, May, 2019 - This is Not a Stick
by Nancy Burns, Braille Monitor, January 2019 - Southwest Airlines Works Toward Inclusion For All
by Peggy Chong, Braille Monitor, December, 2018 - The Power of Ideas
by Nancy Burns, Braille Monitor, July, 2018 - Carol Begay Green (winner of Jacob Bolotin Award )
2018 NFB National Convention - Blind New Mexicans Can Now Vote with Accessible Absentee Ballots
by Curtis Chong, Braille Monitor, June, 2018 - Why We Have the Right
by Peggy Chong, Braille Monitor, May, 2018 - The Orbit Reader 20: The Most Inexpensive Braille Display
by Curtis Chong, Braille Monitor, October, 2017 - Blind Actors
by Peggy Chong, Braille Monitor, June, 2017 - A Sign of the Times
by Nancy Burns, Braille Monitor, December, 2016 - A Community of Practice: The Federation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math
by Natalie Shaheen, Joseph Heimlich, Arianna Benally, Frances Hammond, Cricket Bidleman, and Salvador Villa, Future Reflections, Volume 35 Number 4, Convention 2016 - I Encouraged My Daughter to Be a Cowboy
by Peggy Chong, Braille Monitor, May, 2016 - A Costa Rica Adventure
by Christine Hall, Braille Monitor, July, 2015 - Standing on Their Shoulders: Giants Who Helped Build Our Affiliate in New Mexico
by Peggy Chong, Braille Monitor, July, 2015 - Accessibility at Microsoft: More Challenges than Victories
by Curtis Chong, Braille Monitor, April, 2015 - Ethel Ulysses Parker, Jr.
by Peggy Chong, Braille Monitor, March, 2015 - Blind Voters in New Mexico Forced to Take a Step Backward
by Curtis Chong, Braille Monitor, February, 2015 - The Police Chief of Albuquerque Met the Blind of New Mexico
by Peggy Chong, Braille Monitor, December, 2014 - The Blind Gun Designer: The Genius of Mikhail Margolin
by Greg Trapp, Braille Monitor, November, 2014 - Fifty Years Later: Traveling with the Beatles on Their First Cross-Country Tour of America (Audio file)
by Arthur A. Schreiber , 2014 NFB National Convention - Knowing What Is Good About the iPhone and What Is Not
by Curtis Chong, Braille Monitor, June, 2014 - Comparing the Windows Computer with the Mac
by Curtis Chong, Braille Monitor, June, 2014 - Standing on Their Shoulders (about blind leaders in the NFB of Minnesota)
by Peggy Chong, Braille Monitor, March, 2014 - The Gun Debate, Why it Matters
by Greg Trapp, Braille Monitor, January, 2014 - New Mexico Federationists Change What It Means to Be Blind
by Curtis Chong, Braille Monitor, December, 2013 - The New Victor Reader Stream: In Many Ways Better Than the Original
by Curtis Chong, Braille Monitor, November, 2013 - NFB Philosophy, a White Cane, and a Determined Old Street-Dog
by Pat Munson, Braille Monitor, December, 2012 - A Place Where We Belong
by Frances Benally, Future Reflections, Volume 31 Number 4, Convention Report 2012 - Lawrence “Muzzy” Marcellino: A Fantastic NFB Mentor
by Pat Munson, Braille Monitor, July, 2012 - National Convention from a Distance
by Raquel Aguirre, Braille Monitor, December, 2012 - Full Speed Ahead: Art Schreiber Knows No Limits Despite His Blindness
by Jessica Dyer, Braille Monitor, October, 2011 - That Well Known Road
by Nancy Burns, Braille Monitor, May, 2011 - NFB of New Mexico Participates in ADA Twentieth-Anniversary Celebration
by Christine Hall, Braille Monitor, February, 2011
2000-2009
- Cruising Then and Now
by Jim Babb, Braille Monitor, July, 2009 - Canadian Cool to Tropical Tan
by Nancy Burns, Braille Monitor, July, 2009 - 2009 Brings ADA Changes
by Greg Trapp, Braille Monitor, May, 2009 - Identity Theft and You Update
by Jim Babb, Braille Monitor, March, 2008 - A Report on the Quiet Car Emergency
Braille Monitor, July, 2007 - The Precinct: The Riveting Story of a Blind Man, a Blonde, and a Ballot
by Jim Salas, Braille Monitor, February, 2007 - A Reporter Reports On Blindness
by Art Schreiber, Braille Monitor, May, 2006 - Air Force's Best
by Jan Jonas (about Robert Vick), Braille Monitor, July, 2005 - Education More Than Academics
by Brian Quintana, Braille Monitor, July, 2004 - Speaking of Gratitude: Givers of Freedom and Creators of Opportunity
by Tonia Trapp, Braille Monitor, April, 2004 - New Mexico School for the Visually Handicapped Adopts a New Orientation and Mobility Policy
by Dianna Jennings, Future Reflections, Spring/Summer, 2004 - 39 Years Ago Newsman Had Front Row Seat to Beatles History
by Rick Nathanson (about Art Schreiber), Braille Monitor, October, 2003 - Receiving a High School Diploma In New Mexico
by Jennifer McClarin, Future Reflections, Fall, 2003 - Why I Am a Federationist
by Tonia Trapp, Braille Monitor, July, 2003 - Blindness Needn't Be All That Bad
by David Hamilton, Braille Monitor, November, 2001 - Anthropologist's Hands See Details of History
by Olivier Uytterbrouck (about Marsha Ogilvie), Braille Monitor, November, 2001 - On Blindness
by Arthur A. Schreiber, Braille Monitor, November, 2001 - The Greatness of the Arena
by Ivan A. Lopez, Braille Monitor, October, 2001 - Why I Am a Federationist
by Larry W. Hayes, Braille Monitor, March, 2001 - Blind Leading the Not Blind
by Jim Belshaw (about Art Schreiber), Braille Monitor, November, 2000
1990-1999
- The Adventures of Curious Chris
by Christopher A. Weaver, Braille Monitor, December, 1999 - Living the Movement
by Edward Bell, Student Slate, Spring/Summer, 1999 - New Mexico School Update (about NMSVH)
Braille Monitor, October 1998 - A Time to Heal
by Greg D. Trapp, Braille Monitor, July, 1998 - New Mexico School Update (about NMSVH)
Braille Monitor, April 1998 - Understanding Your Rights During the Job Interview
by Greg D. Trapp, Braille Monitor, January, 1998 - Funding Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) Through Medical Insurance
by Greg Trapp, Braille Monitor, November 1997 - New Mexico Update (about NMSVH)
Braille Monitor, July 1997 - Albuquerque Public Library Mails DVS Videos Free Matter
by James L. Salas, Braille Monitor, February 1997 - A Federationist in A Strange Land
by Greg D. Trapp, Braille Monitor, December, 1996 - The Story Of The New Mexico School For The Visually Handicapped
by Barbara Pierce, Braille Monitor, October 1996 - In Memoriam (about Pauline Gomez)
Braille Monitor, July 1996 - Braille Today and Tomorrow
by Fredric Schroeder, Future Reflections, Winter, 1996 - Estate Planning: What Parents of Children with Disabilities Should Know
by Greg Trapp, Future Reflections, Fall, 1995 - Braille Is An Essential Tool
by Patti Harmon, Braille Monitor, July, 1995 - Federation Philosophy and the Education of Blind Children
by Gail Katona, Future Reflections, Winter/Spring 1995 - The Need for Reason
by George M. Binder and Douglas C. Boone, Braille Monitor, November, 1994 - Going Camping
by Gail Katona, Future Reflections, Spring/Summer, 1994 - Gail Katona Wins Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award
by Sharon Maneki, Future Reflections, Winter, 1994 - Gift Of Independence Teacher Helps Blind Find Their Own Way
by Tracy Dingmann (about Gail Katona), Future Reflections, September, 1993 - What SSI Recipients Should Know About Trusts
by Greg D. Trapp, Braille Monitor, July, 1993 - Braille Worldwide
by Fred Schroeder, Braille Monitor, May 1993 - The Blind Student Teacher in Public Education
by Fred Schroeder, Braille Monitor, February, 1993 - Problems of Placement and Responsibility: Mainstreaming Revisited
by Fred Schroeder, Future Reflections, Winter, 1993 - Federationists Join in ADA Lawsuit to Block Medicaid Cuts
by Greg D. Trapp, Braille Monitor, December, 1992 - Braille Bills: What Are They and What Do They Mean
by Fred Schroeder, Braille Monitor, June, 1992 - Independence: To Have And To Hold
by Christine Boone, Braille Monitor, February, 1992 - New International Braille Organization
by Fred Schroeder, Braille Monitor, October, 1991 - What Use is the Long White Cane?
by Sharon Duffy, Braille Monitor, February, 1990 - The Blind Scientist at Los Alamos
by John Rowley, Ph.D., Braille Monitor, January, 1990 - Literacy: The Key to Opportunity
by Fred Schroeder, Braille Monitor, January, 1990
1980-1989
- New Mexico Teacher Proud of Students
by Gail Swiech, Future Reflections, Fall, 1989 - Competing On Terms of Equality As Blind Students
by Fred Schroeder, Future Reflections, Spring/Summer, 1989 - Monitor Miniatures (Steve Sandoval passes away)
Braille Monitor, October 1989 - Step Toward Equality: Cane Travel Training for The Young Blind Child
by Fred Schroeder, Future Reflections, Winter, 1989 - Braille Unscathed
by Fred Schroeder, Braille Monitor, November 1988 - Fly Like A Butterfly, Sting Like A Bee
by Larry Lorenzo, Braille Monitor, August 1988 - Braille: Pedagogy, Prejudice, and The Banner of Equality
by Fred Schroeder, Braille Monitor, August, 1988 - Reflections on Integration
by Fred Schroeder, Braille Monitor, December, 1986 - Growing up with Independence: The Blind Child's Use of the White Cane
by Fred Schroeder, Braille Monitor, December, 1986 - Employment: The Pivotal Issue
by Fred Schroeder, Braille Monitor, July, 1986 - New Mexico Gets a Commission for the Blind
by Fred Schroeder, Braille Monitor, July, 1986 - To Student Teach or Not to Student Teach
by Fred Schroeder, Braille Monitor, November 1985 - Blindness and Teaching in the Elementary School
by Adelmo Vigil, Future Reflections, Jan/Feb/March, 1985 - Of Blindness and Limitations
by Fred Schroeder, Future Reflections, March/April/May, 1984 - Profile: Pauline Gomez
Braille Monitor, November 1981 - Monitor Miniatures (about Linda Miller)
Braille Monitor, May 1980
1970-1979
- State Convention Reports
Braille Monitor, January 1979 - The Blind Sculptor Of Santa Fe [Reprinted by courtesy of the Denver, Colorado, Post.]
by Olga Curtis, Braille Monitor, June 1976 - New Mexico Convention
by Steve Sandoval, Braille Monitor, October 1975 - New Mexico Convention
by Barbara Innis, Braille Monitor, July 1974 - New Mexico Convention
by Pauline Gomez, Braille Monitor, November 1973 - Evaluation Criticizes State School For The Blind [Reprinted by courtesy of the Albuquerque (New Mexico) Journal.]
by Wayne S. Cott, Braille Monitor, July 1973 - Library Services In New Mexico
by Florence Grannis, Braille Monitor, October 1972 - New Mexico Convention
by Pauline Gomez, Braille Monitor, July 1972 - Blind Band Together To Lobby For Change [Reprinted by courtesy of the Albuquerque (New Mexico) News.]
by Janet Weddleton, Braille Monitor, June 1972 - Meet Our State President--Pauline Gomez And Meet Our State Affiliate--New Mexico
Braille Monitor, May 1972 - New Mexico Convention
by Sharon Bailey, Braille Monitor, June 1971 - Message From Chairman Of Teachers' Division
by Pauline Gomez, Braille Monitor, January 1971 - New Mexico Federationist Honored (about Pauline Gomez, reprinted from The New Mexican, Santa Fe)
Braille Monitor, December 1970 - New Mexico Convention
by Sharon Bailey, Braille Monitor, August 1970 - Monitor Miniatures (Pauline Gomez chosen as Handicapped Woman of the Year for District 9 of Pilot International)
Braille Monitor, July 1970 - Monitor Miniatures (the death of New Mexico Federationist Joseph William Ihnot)
Braille Monitor, March 1970
1960-1969
- New Mexico Convention
by Sam Chavez, Braille Monitor, July 1969 - Visually Handicapped Become Radio Operators
Braille Monitor, November 1968 - Monitor Miniatures (Federationist to seek office)
Braille Monitor, August 1968 - New Mexico Convention
Braille Monitor, August 1968 - Blind Navajo Preacher (UPI--SANOSTEE, N. M., April 7, 1968)
Braille Monitor, May 1968 - Victory In Bobeen Case
Braille Monitor, June 1967 - Pauline Gomez Named Santa Fe Woman Of The Year
Braille Monitor, June 1967 - Count-Down New Mexico Convention
by G. R. Bobeen, Braille Monitor, May 1967 - Gonzales Appointed To School Board
by G. R. Bobeen, Braille Monitor, May 1967 - All hail new mexico!
Braille Monitor, May 1967 - New Mexico Federationists Score Legislative Victory
by G. R. Bobeen, Braille Monitor, May 1967 - Monitor Miniatures (New Mexico affiliate is vigorously supporting bills)
Braille Monitor, March 1967 - Las Luminarias Holds Legislative Symposium
by G. R. Bobeen, Braille Monitor, February 1967 - New Mexico Vending Stand Hearing
Braille Monitor, November 1966 - Fund Set Up In Memory Of Tony Moya (Reprinted from the Santa Fe New Mexican, August 12, 1965)
Braille Monitor, October 1965 - Tony Moya, State Leader, Killed by Auto
Braille Monitor, September 1965 - State Convention In New Mexico
Braille Monitor, July 1965 - New Mexico Blind Introduce Two Bills (one geared to vending stands and the other to construction of public buildings)
Braille Monitor, April 1965 - Struggle Against Odds (Condensed)
by Pauline Gomez, BRAILLE MONITOR, September 1964 - New Mexico's Fight For Orientation Center
The Blind American, January 1964 - Brothers ... & others (Help Wanted: Pauline Gomez asking alumni of the California Orientation Center for help in promoting a similar center for New Mexico)
The Blind American, December 1963 - Brothers ... & others (mentions a Senate bill in NM establishing an interim joint committee of the Legislature to study the possibility of a state Orientation Center for the Blind)
The Blind American, May 1963 - What is an orientation center for the blind?
by Pauline Gomez, The Blind American, November 1962 - New Mexico Convention (Condensed)
by Pauline Gomez, Braille Monitor, July 1960
1956-1959
- Independent Living (a resolution passed at the NFB National Convention in Santa Fe strongly opposing S. 772 which would create sheltered workshops and improperly place medical care and self-help functions within the scope of vocational rehabilitation programs)
Braille Monitor, October 1959 - Convention Notes
Braille Monitor, August 1959 - More About The Santa Fe Convention
Braille Monitor, March 1959 - Santa Fe Convention
Braille Monitor, January 1959 - Preliminary NFB Convention Bulletin
Braille Monitor, October 1958 - New Mexico Convention
by Joe Salazar, Braille Monitor, October 1958 - Here And There (a comment on New Mexico Federation of the Blind membership and an excerpt from its Bulletin)
Braille Monitor, July 1958 - Here And There (state seminar held near Santa Fe)
Braille Monitor, October 1957 - State Conventions: Georgia, New Mexico, Kansas, Iowa
Braille Monitor, July 1957