Steve Miller's guitarist helps Visions

An advisor to a Native program called Visions recently sent me a note. Here's what the program does:

About VISIONSThis program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), provides Parent Training and Information (PTI) services to Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native families across the country.

VISIONS helps to ensure that Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native families of children with the full range of disabilities have the training and information they need to prepare their children for not only school, but to be able to lead productive, independent lives to the fullest extent possible.

VISIONS offers free help, information, and training across the country to Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native families of students with disabilities and the professionals that serve them. Our main focus is on the educational needs of students with disabilities.

We believe informed parents are a child’s best advocate, and that parents and professionals working together provide the best resources for our children.And here's what she said about it:It's the only program that services Indian children with disabilities. The program teaches Indian parents how to advocate for their children with public schools.

Recently, Kenny Lee Lewis, a guitarist with the Steve Miller Band, helped Visions receive the donation of an autographed guitar to auction in benefit for the kids. Kenny has documented Mohawk and Cherokee ancestry of which he is very proud. He has been with Steve Miller Band since the early '80s. He also has another band and works as a solo musician.

I wanted to suggest that you write an article on Mr. Lewis. He is a member of a well known classic rock band and is trying to give back to the Indian community. It would certainly help raise awareness about the needs of Indian children with disabilities. At 27%, Indians have the highest rate of disability than any other ethnic group.Comment:  Way to go, Mr. Lewis!

For more on Native guitarists, see Blackfoot Guitarist in Lynyrd Skynyrd and Guitarist Kabotie's Trilingual Lyrics.