California Council for the Blind celebrates its 75th anniversary

From KMPH-TV:

FRESNO, Calif. - The California Council for the Blind was founded here in Fresno and Oct. 30, they celebrated their 75th anniversary.

Organizers say the city of Fresno, has come a long way in helping those with vision loss, but there is still progress to be made.

"The Brailling on stairwells and entry ways...one of the newest things are Braille menus," said Joan Underdown with the CA Council of the Blind.

Steven Frazier lost his sight in 2005.

He is the first blind person to be hired to work for the city of Fresno.

If you've ever called 621-CITY, you may have heard his voice.

"We like to think we can answer your call, and if it's not possible, we do the research to find which department can help you," said Frazier.

Frazier says he even uses a computer at work.

"Technology has come about where a blind person can sit at a computer and listen to the fields... I can read my emails," said Frazier.

The California Council of the Blind continues to work to give visually impaired Californians, equal opportunities.

And all they ask in return, is respect.

"Please don't think that when you see a white cane that we're illiterate. We're not, we're just as intelligent as anybody else. We have to hone our other senses," said Frazier.

According to the American Foundation for the Blind, more than 20 million Americans report experiencing significant vision loss.