The contents of this column are a reflection of the letters we had received at the time of publication, October 20, 2003, and reflect all of the mail we received this month. "The Braille Forum" is not responsible for the opinions expressed herein. Opinions expressed are those of the authors, not those of the American Council of the Blind, its staff or elected officials. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, style and space available. We can print your letters only if you sign your name and give us your address.
Regarding Big Apple Greeters
Dear Editor:
In his September "Forum" story, John Albino graciously credited Big Apple Greeter and me, for aiding his conquest of Manhattan's skyscrapers.
As John said, Big Apple Greeter does escort folks with disabilities who want to get around New York City. And not just them, any visitor can have up to four hours from one of our volunteers. There is absolutely no cost for the service; New York City Transit even throws in free transportation all day!
Recently I was pleased to assist in one of the mandatory training sessions for greeters in which they learn about how to interact effectively with people who are disabled. At this point, there are more than 300 Big Apple greeters.
Visitors need only contact us in advance at www.bigapplegreeter.org, or phone (212) 669-3602.
-- Ken Stewart, Warwick, NY
In response to Harry Herzek's article
I was inspired by the "Forum" article written by Harry Herzek. What a brave person he is, to battle the disease of AIDS, and discrimination within the disability/medical community! On top of that, he has had to overcome the stigmas associated with his gay lifestyle. While I cannot directly identify with being gay or the horrors of AIDS, I can certainly understand the battles on behalf of consumers' rights within an often dominant and paternalistic medical model. I can certainly admire, as a blind man, the battles for "language equity" and obtaining information in accessible formats.
Now I, like many straight men, have shared prejudice and fears about people who are gay. It is through the efforts of heroic souls like Harry that we become educated and dissuaded from our prejudicial pasts. When we come to know people like him, we become better souls ourselves by virtue of knowing about their courageous efforts.
I thank this man for making me a better man (or perhaps simply a better human) than I once was. I also thank ACB and the editorial staff of "The Braille Forum" and the BOP for printing the enlightened piece.
Bravery on all counts is not the absence of fears or even prejudice. It comes from overcoming both.
-- Joe Harcz, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Thoughts about the Paul Edwards Series
I just finished reading Paul Edwards' article in the July "Forum." I believe the erosion of civil rights for people with disabilities is a very serious problem. I believe this erosion extends far beyond the bounds of government, and is perpetuated by many more than the Republican party. In my own faith community, for example, I see a quiet but increasing erosion of the inclusive principles which a generation ago were thriving. Linda Braithwaite, Scott Stanger, William Gibson, Janis Shinkle Stanger, all were allowed to serve one-plus to two years in the U.S. and, in my case, abroad as full-time missionaries for our church. Diane Brown, Linda Braithwaite, and Marianne Fisher were all members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for 20 years. All of these people are members of the ACB, and all are blind.
Today there are no blind or disabled people admitted to the Tabernacle Choir, and those disabled individuals who want to serve as full-time missionaries either in the U.S. or abroad are encouraged to serve in their local church units instead. Yes, all of our publications are still available in braille or on audiocassette, and some in large print. But despite the abundance of access to information, opportunities to make use of that information are more limited today than they were 10 or 20 years ago.
Because I reaped such great personal benefit from my service as a missionary and my continued local service in my church, I look forward to reading in future issues of the "Forum" Paul's ideas about what we can do to repair the erosion.
-- Janis Stanger, Salt Lake City, Utah