The contents of this column reflect the letters we had received by the time we went to press, October 15, 2004. Letters are limited to 300 words or less. All submissions must include the author’s name and location. Opinions expressed are those of the authors.
Independent Travel and Public Misconceptions
Dear Forum Readers:
As an independent blind traveler, I would be interested to know how many other independent blind people feel misperceived by members of the public and sometimes even feel put at risk by their attempts to help. If you would also like to live to see the public at large better informed, would you please consider and give me feedback on the following suggestions as to how you would like to have the public better informed?
- Never distract a blind pedestrian at any time by grabbing, pulling, pushing, shouting or honking your horn.
- However a blind person appears to you, show respect for the person's need to concentrate on helping him- or herself.
- Do not make assumptions about a blind person’s desired destination.
- Consider that blind people who walk with guide dogs or white canes usually have a fair idea of where they are going.
- Please never tease a guide dog and never grab a white cane.
- If you see a blind person out of the crosswalk in a busy intersection, do not honk your horn. Such a noise is unclear as to your intent, and could startle a blind pedestrian into making a fatal error.
- Rather than to shout “right” or “left” to a blind person you think may be in trouble, instead call “This way” or “Wait.”
You can reach me via e-mail, [email protected], or phone (510) 849- 0721.
— Arlene Merryman, Berkeley, Calif.
In Reply to “Why the Future of Disability Rights Depends on Our Vote”
Dear Editor,
I wish to comment on “Why the Future of Disability Rights Depends on Our Vote” by Ray Campbell (September-October 2004). Campbell had some very good points. I recently moved to an apartment, and I was asked whether I will register to vote in the new precinct. I have decided to continue voting in my old precinct. Why? Because I don’t know whether the polling place nearest my new apartment is accessible.
I heard an odd comment yesterday which I have to agree with to a certain extent: “How can any disabled person vote Republican?” This may seem stereotypical, but based on what has happened in recent years to our civil rights I think it is true. Our rights as Americans have been seriously eroded, and it’s time somebody did something about it. This is where ACB comes in. You have demonstrated that, even with ongoing personal attacks from some members of the blindness community, you can and do get the job done. It is by no means an easy job either.
I wish these personal attacks would stop, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I find it very odd that members of the blindness community find it necessary to attack their own kind like this. My roommate and I were discussing this a few days ago, and he reminded me that stuff like this is bound to happen — and does — in other groups such as the deaf community. But based on what I have read and heard others talk about, I think that what is happening in the blindness community is a bit too extreme to be considered “normal.” For example, publishing an article or even part of an article which personally attacks a high-ranking official of an organization, in my humble opinion, is very uncouth. Thanks again for the article.
— Jake Joehl, Evanston, Ill.