Award

During a recent visit with brother Paul out in Delaware he listened attentively one day while I rambled on about running goals ambitions to somehow get faster which at my age has so far resulted along with shattered feet wonderment as to how far have slipped. He then said " You realize your biggest achievements are your marriage and kids right?" Of course he was correct. No way running results or hiking miles can compare to being a part of their lives.

 

But nonetheless brother Paul has a work room in his home that is full of tangible rewards from  past accomplishments, including nicely framed newspaper articles, photos and well placed memorabilia. The room is most impressive. In Becca's old room in our house on a book shelf have my tangible awards strewn around lots of junk. To ever fix the area up so that it looks sort of like his is just too daunting a task to consider. So, came up with the idea to do this post instead. Originally in a draft listed most all the stuff ever awarded. After sharing a draft asked Becca her opinion. She said it was good but "did you have to list everything ever did?" Gave that some thought and decided she was right so this post just contains info about one very special work recognition and why such was received. Perhaps in the future will write more about the work years but for now suffice to say got a lot of good memories.

 

Overall spent 34 years with Hawai`i's state vocational rehabilitation program; the last almost 16 as the administrator of Ho`opono (to make things right) the agency's program for blind and visually challenged individuals. That program's 30 staff provided vocational rehabilitation, independent living for older individuals, a rehabilitation center that where blindness skills training is learned, business enterprise program aka as blind vending, youth programming, and low vision clinic services

 

Ho`opono had a profound effect for the good for many people over several decades but there were issues involving policy and most all of its core functions. I was aware of them and so my immediate superior's response of "Why in the world would you want to take on that job," did not deter from doing so. However the first few months, well check that, the whole 16 years were at times more eventful than what had bargained for. Extensive changes such as dissolving the sheltered workshop with the transfer of its employees to a nearby non profit, and steps regarding deaf-blind services did not sit well with all. The change that took the longest to implement and caused the most action was the movement of the rehabilitation center's method of instruction from that of a traditional medical model to one emphasizing "structured discovery" which can perhaps be best described as a "Socratic" teaching method. It puts the onus on those learning and those teaching to have confidence that the competent acquisition of mobility, home management, and communication skills among others truly does make a difference.

 

It also meant that the center would need to go from one which allowed students to pick and choose what they wanted to learn, to one with a set course which required full time attendance and a time commitment of at least 6 months. It also meant that those with any remaining vision would need to wear sleep shades and use the white cane during their training days. The light bulb which lit the two year process to make the change to "New Visions" was a visit to a conference at the Iowa Center for the Blind in October, 2000. The Iowa program was one of the first anywhere to have at its core the belief that the real barrier to advancement opportunities for blind people are misconceived notions as to blindness itself. The commitment to start the change process after that conference took a few months and then several more which included intensive training for all staff and help from many many people. 

 

It was not always easy. Unkind words were at times said as well as accusations at an informal legislative hearing which ranged from charges of theft to tearful blaming of New Visions for the worsening of medical conditions. Plenty members of the local blind community, however, as well as the American Council of the Blind and National Federation of the Blind consumer organizations backed the change. As did the Rehabilitation Services Administrator in Washington DC Ms. Joanne Wilson. A book could be written about all the help the agency received and challenges faced during the change and implementation process. Suffice to say valuable support was also received from past RSA commissioner. Dr. Fred Schroeder, Louisiana Tech University administrator Dr. Eddie Bell, Directors of the three National blindness skill training programs run by the NFB, the National Council of State Administrators for the Blind (NCSAB) and numerous other professionals and lay people. Iowa leaders, Allen Harris and Sandy Tigges opened their doors for our staff. Trainers Doug and Chris Boone also helped to make possible the adaptation of structured discovery techniques.

 

A turning point as to local acceptance for the change came when the presidents, Nani Fife and Warren Toyama  of the Hawai`i association of the Blind and the NFB Hawai`i chapter stood up at a town hall meeting and declared their full and unwavering support of New Visions as they shook hands in a show of unity. Along side them leaders from those two associations including the following and several others voiced support Filo Tu, Shellford Cantan, Myles Tamashiro, Virgil Stinnett, Julie Toyama, Katie Keim, Art Cabanilla, and Brook Sexton. 

 

Cannot say enough as to the diligence and commitment of agency staff. to make New Visions work. The Counseling Section Supervisor and current Ho`opono administrator, Lea Dias was the first to receive intense training in the structured training methods at Iowa with the rest receiving ongoing training both at home and elsewhere. Her enthusiasm and belief that the program could succeed spread with the result six years later of being recognized by the National Blindness Certification Board as having met all qualification standards to earn approval as a consumer-driven structured discovery training facility for blindness rehabilitation. The certificate also stated that Ho`opono holds high expectations for consumers and empowers students to achieve meaningful independence. The program has maintained this annually reviewed certification since the fall of 2008 when it first joined the handful of other centers so recognized.

 

So that is the background how it came about that I got an award that is forever seared along side cherished family/marriage moments from the local chapter of the National Federation of the blind at their 2008 annual meeting. I want to reemphasize what the presenters had to say in their introductory remarks about the helpful support received because it was indeed thanks to the sustained dedicated efforts of staff, consumers, the local chapters of the American Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the blind, as well as Susan Gashel from the State Attorney Generals office that accomplishments occurred. And of course a hard-headed woman (the one and only Betty Lee) whom helped me be my best (thanks Cat for the line). Excerpts from the bio read upon presentation and the wording on the plaque are as follows: 

 

This individual is a tremendous leader and advocate for promoting independence and greater responsibility of Hawaii's blind. He has a calm demeanor, a steely resolve, and a willingness to seek counsel when advice is needed. He has shared his deep seated love and experiences with all those he interacts with and shares their ability to develop personal bonds with others. This individual is a person that has become well loved and respected as he has reached out to consumer groups from the very beginning. Dave has been the administrator of Ho`opono Services for the blind since 1994. He has made tremendous changes and improvements. While Dave had tremendous support as the New Visions program was implemented he had to have tremendous courage, faith and trust to take the steps to provide high quality adjustment to blindness training to blind people in Hawai`i. He sent staff to successful state programs and made sure they were connected with individuals who understood that training could be more dynamic and meaningful, Moreover, he sought advice and direction from a variety of experts in blindness training programs and decided to make over-arching changes. He has faced opposition from his staff, the blindness community, and consumers. Yet Ho`opono's New Visions program has made tremendous gains and is recognized nationally as a center that is second to none as it provides services that make a difference. 

 

While Dave is best known for his work with the New Visions program he has also worked tirelessly to modernize and improve the blind vendors program and was instrumental in obtaining troop dining facilities. He also worked to add positions to provide independent living services to older individuals who are blind. Furthermore, he recognizes the importance of providing information to the blind of Hawai`i and was instrumental in getting Newsline locally available. He has also increased and diversified services provided to blind youth. Based on his personal experience and awareness of how the great outdoors can stretch a person beyond their beliefs Camp Ho`opono was begun which provided blind youth with opportunities to challenge themselves and explore their potential. He continued to dream big and recognized the tremendous need for blind youth to have extraordinary opportunities to spend time in nature. He organized backpack service trips through Haleakala National Park and adventures for youth that included rafting the Grand Canyon. We are just beginning to see the results of these programs. 

 

Dave has never faltered or backed away from difficult changes. He has championed and ensured that the future of blind citizens of Hawai`i have the best possible services and opportunities to attain success. It is with tremendous respect and great honor that we present this award: 

 

In recognition of Courageous leadership, Commitment and, Sacrifice The Nationnl Federation of the Blind of Hawai`i bestows the Dr. Floyd Matson Award upon Dave Eveland

 Your contribution is measured not in steps, but in miles, 

 not by individual experiences, but by your impact on the lives of the blind of Hawai`i 

 Our Colleague and Friend; 

 You Champion our Progress; 

 You Strengthen our Hopes; 

 You Share our Dreams.

 

from brother Paul's trophy room

 

took hours to unclutter da bookshelf - my room

 

 More information about Ho`opono and New Visions can be found on the state's Department of Human Services website and Hoopono's facebook page. 

 

 All of the consumers and staff that were ever a part of Ho`opono have made the program what it remains to this day - one where people can acquire the skills and attitudes they need to ensure that its' vision "Blindness is not a barrier to success" endures. 

  Thanks to NCSAB colleagues Peral Van Zandt, Mike Gandy, Ray Hopkins, Chuck Young, Betty Thompson, LInda Mock, Bill Gibson, Carlos Servan, Vito de Santis and numerous others for providing much appreciated encouragement and support.