ARTICLES

Man sheds disability, loves teaching

By Barbara Hughes
Special to The Catholic Virginian

Bill Meinecke didn’t have to think twice. When Deacon Mike Johnson, Religious Education Co-ordinator at St. Mark’s in Virginia Beach, asked a group of parishioners what they would like to do in the parish, Bill said he blurted out, “I want to work with the children.”

Bill describes himself as visually impaired because he says the word blind sounds like a label.

Despite being unable to see since birth, the 51-year-old has earned two master’s degrees, one in social work and another in special education.

Bill moved to Virginia Beach about five years ago and is a substitute teacher for the Virginia Beach school system. On Sundays, he teaches fourth grade religion at St. Mark’s and it’s obvious from his easy going manner that he connects with the kids.

Nevertheless, the real star of the fourth grade class is Nan, Mr. Bill’s seeing-eye dog.

The Black Labrador has been with Bill for seven years. During class, Nan takes her place at the teacher’s feet and sleeps through most of the class. But as soon as class is over, the kids take turns petting the dog.

Mr. Bill, as the kids call him, gives much of the credit to Relyn Linsay, who acts as his assistant during class.

According to Bill, the biggest challenge is the lack of resources. With help from the Knights of Columbus who purchased a $5,000 specialized computer, Mr. Bill is able to teach.

Bill Meinecke, a third degree Knight, said that when he came to Virginia Beach, the Knights asked him what they could do for him. At the time, the computer he had been using was taken away because Services for the Blind didn’t consider being a substitute teacher a “real job.”

Without the computer he would not be able to teach. He is grateful to the Knights of Columbus for their generosity.

By scanning the teachers manual on an electronic flash card that he inserts into the computer, Bill is able to prepare and deliver the lesson. Relyn serves as his eyes and keeps the children on task.

Parishioners John and Doreen Wilcox have been driving Bill to church for the past year.

“Bill is amazing to me,” said John. “He maintains his own apartment, cooks, listens to TV.”

Bill described teaching as a “neat experience.”

“The kids make it fun and I can show them that I can do stuff even though I can’t see,” he said.

He admitted that some people can be demeaning.

“I think we all deserve a chance to use our gifts,” Bill explained, “and I appreciate Deacon Mike giving me this opportunity.”

Bill pointed out that teaching the children has helped deepen his own faith.

“In a way I’m still on a learning curve,” he said. “But teaching this class makes me reflect more on my faith and the fact that I’m imparting it to the kids makes me feel good.”

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