Dorothy Walker Scott

Dorothy Walker Scott, Indiana - Epsilon, wanted to teach at a time when she was faced by the prejudice against married teachers. Her energy and ability made short work of the opposition, however, and she paved the way for married women to teach. After the birth of her first child, Dorothy’s sight began to fail; eventually she was totally blind. Adjusting to her condition and trying to perform everyday chores and the demands of being a mother and a wife took a tremendous toll. Deciding that a guide dog might be the answer, she experienced several failed attempts in getting a well-trained animal. Then, she found “Lana,” a German Shepherd. From her negative experience she developed an ardent desire to help other blind people. She spoke before 75 clubs and worked for legislation that would mandate licensing and keep the blind from unscrupulous people who supplied badly-trained dogs. Dorothy was appointed by California Governor Earl Warren to the newly-created Guide Dog Board whose duty it was to set up regulations and carry out inspections and examinations. She helped sightless people obtain positions and worked through a local service organization to provide a home and recreational center. Because of her spirit and compassion, “Dorothy Scott lives not in darkness but in the fullest sunlight.” She received the Woman of the Year award in 1952.