Very few individuals know what Gary Comer did for all blind children, their parents and teachers in the Chicago metropolitan area (“Gary Comer: 1927-2006; Lands’ End founder had heart for city,” Page 1, Oct. 5). Lands’ End was largely instrumental for the creation of the Jeanne and Paul Braille Book Children’s Collection at the Skokie Public Library in May 2001. It is now considered the largest Braille children’s book collection in the state of Illinois.
Former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon (D-Ill.) enthusiastically supported the idea, and visited the Skokie Library two times to meet with blind children and talk to them about the value of literacy.
As a Braille tutor, I felt terribly frustrated not to be able to secure two Braille copies with the same book title from the Illinois State Library in Springfield. How should I as a blind tutor teach my blind student?
The problem was solved quickly when I wrote a letter to Lands’ End in Dodgeville, Wis., for a grant. Within a few weeks, a check for a grant of $5,000 was sent to Seedlings Braille Books for Children in Livonia, Mich., to fill promptly the shelves of the Skokie Public Library’s Youth Services Department with two Braille copies of the books I longed to read with my students.
Sadly the concept of a blind adult, who loves Braille reading, to assist a vision teacher to nurture enthusiasm for Braille is not yet well understood among educators.
From my personal experience I can say that the common bond of being blind is very powerful in teaching Braille. Only 10 percent of blind children in our nation learn Braille. Unavailability of Braille books and trained blind Braille tutors are part of this shameful situation.
Gary Comer was a noble man. He had the rare gift to instill the joy of reaching out to others and connecting the hearts of many with goodwill. Lands’ End supported me in my firm belief that there is no substitute for a blind child reading by himself instead of listening to recorded texts.
I never had a chance to thank Mr. Comer personally, but I would like his family to know how deeply grateful I am.
Children who are blind/visually impaired need not be Skokie residents to check out Braille books; parents may register their children for Skokie Library cards by showing two forms of identification with address (one with photograph). Frequently Braille Buddies meet on Saturday mornings to read together.
