Dining in the Dark

By Bob Cox

When Christine Ha decided to participate in the third season of Master Chef U.S. on Fox, she knew that the odds were stacked against her. Not only would she be competing against 30,000 other aspiring chef’s, she was the first blind person to enter the contest! Joe Bastianich, a judge on MasterChef, summed up Christine’s miraculous victory quite nicely...

Midway through this year's competition, my money would not have been on Christine for the win – and not just because of her disability – because she just didn't come across as the typical frontrunner. With Christine, slow and steady won the race. She subtly climbed her way to the top by performing consistently well, triumphing over her own self-doubt, all the while maintaining her signature grace and integrity. It was thrilling to watch. And I can say with absolute confidence there was no one more deserving.

When the California Council of the Blind decided to hold its annual statewide convention at the Sacramento Marriott in Rancho Cordova from March 22-25, their CEO Paul Shane decided to reach out to Christine to see if she was willing to lend her culinary skills to the cause. Christine eagerly accepted the invitation and will be the guest chef at the Dining in the Dark event.

I spoke with Paul recently to learn more about how his organization is helping nearly one million blind and low vision residents of California.

Q: What’s your experience been like with the the California Council of the Blind?

A: It has been “eye opening” to say the least. Prior to coming on board in 2016, I had never directly interacted with someone who was blind or had low vision. Now after being immersed in their culture, challenges and accomplishments, I am proud to call them “my extended California family”. If there was only one thing that I could stress to your readers is that people who are blind and low vision are just like you; they work, have college degrees, raise families, play sports and pay taxes. They just do these things without the ability to see like we do. The preconceived notions that people have and the images that we receive from the media about blind people are completely off base.

The California Council of the Blind turns 84 years old in 2018 and prior to my appointment was made up entirely of blind and low vision volunteers from all corners of California who have accomplished many amazing feats and overcome barriers that most people would consider to be insurmountable. But don’t take my word for it, come out to our convention at the Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova and see for yourselves. We have many exciting events to participate in and extensive volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Q: What is your organization’s primary function and mission?

A: The California Council of the Blind is an 84-year-old grassroots non-profit advocacy and service delivery membership organization with chapters and affiliates across California. We come from all walks of life and work collaboratively to improve the quality of life for all Californians who are blind or have low vision. Our vision is that the culture, laws, programs, and attitudes throughout California are inclusive of all people, especially persons who are blind or have low vision. Our mission is to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity and quality of life for all Californians who are blind or have low vision.

Q: What has your organization done that our readers may be familiar with?

A: Some of the things you may be most acquainted with include:

1. Establishing the White Cane Law that gave people who are blind and low vision the right to travel independently and gave pedestrians who are blind and low vision the right-of-way on California streets.

2. Working collaboratively with financial institutions to bring about the installation of the first talking ATM’s in the country.