In 2000 in Dallas, Texas, a gentleman by the name of Mark Marvel was losing his eyesight due to undetected diabetes. Looking for help, Marvel became increasingly frustrated with the lack of services that he thought he needed. He couldn't find local support for products for the blind or information on services such as job assistance, computer education or other information with regard to visual impairments and the workplace.

The Texas Commission for the Blind had a support group that provided a meeting place and a support system for the blind, visually impaired and their families. Those who attended named the group Blind Ambitions and Marvel took it over. He provided guest speakers that were resources for personal growth, job training, psychological support and family education.

The result was tremendous appreciation, local acknowledgement and growth. Blind Ambitions Groups grew to four support groups in Texas, with one in both Georgia and Albuquerque as well. Blind Ambitions Groups acquired the Low Vision Network of Texas which allowed Marvel to expand to 27 support groups in Texas.

The expansion included a radio show dedicated to the blind and visually impaired. The Sound of Sight is a talk show format that deals with issues of the blind community.

Blind Ambitions Groups is now a 501(c)3 non-profit that also includes Eyes on Employment, an assistive job training and placement program in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. To date BAG will celebrate five years of service to the Dallas/Ft. Worth blind community.

It's been a busy week for bringing global awareness to the blind/ visual impaired. With the swearing in of Governor David Paterson, the world is now hearing the term blindness. As of this morning, there are other terms we are hearing, but for the moment, lets stick with the issues at hand. Now that we have a blind Governor, it should be recognized that blind people can not only be productive at work, that can exceed all expectations of those who have never been around someone who is sight impaired.

In keeping with the spirit of public awareness, on the front page of the Business section of today's Dallas Morning News is an article written by Cheryl Hall. Dining in the Dark, a fundraiser to be held later this month, will apparently try to give the sighted, a taste of what it is like to not be able to see. Excuse me, the sighted who can pay $500.00 a person, a taste of what it is like to not be able to see. The lights will be turned off....wow

What I would like to see is this group being blindfolded to eat and then lets make it an all day affair, with a field trip for dessert. Relying on public transportation at that. If this well heeled group had to function for 24 hours blindfolded and taken out of their realm of security, you can bet there would be some massive changes in the works.

Speaking of being blind and working, a little known fact here. There is a great organization in Dallas that trains and places visually impaired or blind persons for employment. There are 45,000 visually impaired people in Dallas and surrounding areas that are of working age.

Disability issues are at an all time high these days. The reasons include aging baby boomers, aging parents, accidents and illnesses. Give this some thought.

51.2 million people have some level of disability. This represents 18 percent of the population. Of all people with disabilities, 32.5 million, or 12 percent of the total population have a severe disability. The public needs awareness and people need resources.