|
|
|
ON RECEIVING
THE CEC 2004 LEADERSHIP AWARD Phil Hatlen It’s not
about me—it’s about a loving and supporting wife and children who are always
there for me when I fail or succeed. It’s
knowing the sacrifices they have made so I could pursue some of my professional
dreams. It’s not
about me—it’s about CEC and its Division on Visual Impairments where I’ve
received guidance, opportunities for growth, and awareness of the impact of a
profession as compared to an individual. It’s not
about me—it’s about the parents and families of countless blind and visually
impaired children who have inspired me, caused me to consider my motives, and
who have helped me know how critical it is that parents and teachers equally and
truly become partners. It’s
not about me—it’s about hundreds of children who have permitted me to share
a part of their lives.
I hope and pray that they are the better for our sharing—I know that I
am. True and
inspired leadership is the ability to use and respect what already exists,
gently but thoroughly probe for weaknesses and areas needing improvement, assure
that growth is a shared vision, and then join with one’s colleagues in
bringing the vision to reality. Leadership
is not simply working on organization and structure.
It is deeply caring for the people served and the servers. This
is not about me—it’s about every one of you who share with me a passion for
justice and equality. It’s
those of you who join me in longing for and working toward the day when all
people, including those with disabilities, will live in a world where equality
is an accepted fact, not a distant dream and a conscious effort. Back to 2004 DVIQ Articles |