7290017e
From: Charlie E. <edmondson@ieee.org>
On Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:22:00 -0500, Amy Guskin
<aisling@fjordstone.com> wrote:
>>> On Sun, 25 Nov 2012 22:38:50 -0500, Nicole Massey wrote
>(in article <k8uoct$imc$1@news.albasani.net>):
>>
>> "Amy Guskin" <aisling@fjordstone.com> wrote in message
>> news:0001HW.CCD823C6074D0F57B051B9BF@news.eternal-september.org...
>>>>> On Sun, 25 Nov 2012 09:03:21 -0500, Nicole Massey wrote
>>> (in article <k8t8js$mkj$1@news.albasani.net>):
>>>
>>>> The NFB is a problem sometimes for blind folks. They contend that
>>>> blindness
>>>> isn't a handicap, society's approach to it is what gives blind folks
>>>> trouble. They're anti-guide dog, instead preferring blind folks to use a
>>>> long "glide" cane that doesn't contact the ground, and they're also
>>>> against
>>>> talking elevators and chirp signals on traffic lights. <<
>>>
>>> Well, that is extremely interesting and curious. Nicole, I am curious what
>>> your position is on all of that?
>>
>> I find the position that blindness isn't a handicap to be one that might be
>> useful in getting political support, but not of much use actually helping >>
those who are blind.<<
>That's really unfortunate. I wonder why they would be so positional if it
>actually fails to help most of the community they aim to represent?
>>> And I'm
>> neutral on the traffic signals -- unless everyone is driving a Prius <<
>Guilty! I am quite careful when I see *anyone* crossing anywhere near me,
>because it really is completely silent.
>>> My values are more
>> in keeping with the American Council of the Blind, though I'm a bit
>> frustrated that these two organization were so busy fighting with each other
>> during the talks for the ADA that the mobility folks managed to get broad >>
applications of what are commonly known as "wheelchair ramps of death" by >>
blind folks. (Curbs are superior for blind people over ramps because they >>
signal the end of a sidewalk and the beginning of a more dangerous street --
>> ramps with bumps, sometimes jokingly called "Acne Ramps" or "measles ramps"
>> are better than nude ramps but not as good as curbs) <<
>I don't think I've ever seen a ramp with bumps ïáwill keep an eye out for
>them. And, what you say about the curb signalling the start of the street
>makes complete sense! I had no idea there was so much division in the blind
>community. I guess it's like any other insular community ï a theatre troupe,
>a family, a newsgroup ï familiarity ultimately breeds dissent!
>Amy
My wife Pam and I have been fighting these battles for years. Yes,
the NFB seems intent on preventing anyone from actually helping the
blind, while Pam will take any help she can get! Right now her
mobility skills are getting almost dormant, since there is no where to
walk except the mail box out here, and I usually drive and guide her
when we go out. She is also allergic to most dogs. :-(
Nicole,
Do you use a color identifier? Or just not where colors. We are now
making the Rainbow Color Reader if you are interested.
Charlie
--- Internet Rex 2.31
* Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (1:2320/101)
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