[blindkid] "Its not safe...."

[Penny Duffy]

I posted this on the wrong list serv (blind talk) last night oops LOL.  Here
is my original message.  I wanted to follow up and say the reason I even
threw in there and mentioned Abby's blindness was I was I saw  the class as
great way for her to non-visually learn something. I was more sharing
my excitement not asking permission. I think that is what made the
whole situation so upsetting.   I realize these things will happen again I
just wasn't prepared for it to happen yesterday for that activity or
prepared for it to happen to us.


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I am still very upset over this but I want to know what a good response
would be.

Today I had a wonderful visit to an historic site that is part of the
National Park service with my son Sam.  My daughter Abby who is blind is
away this week at the Perkins School.   There was an artist in residence
there.  She was a little odd but i heard her mention that they where having
a class there for children .  the children would make casts of their hands.
 It seemed like a great activity for Abby.

The artist didn't know if there was space or if they where even having the
class (due to no enrollment) really she didn't know anything (there is a
number you call to make reservations)  When I mentioned my daughter who is
blind would really love to go to this class she told me she would NOT
recommend it.  That it was unsafe for blind person and said but your son is
welcome to take part if there is space and its sill going on.  I should have
responded right away  I should have went right to visitor center and
complained.  I was shocked. I am still shocked.  The only reason I didn't
talk to someone there is the day was about my son Sam and having an "Abby
Free" day.  That and honestly I was so taken back by what happened. I spoke
with Sam in the car so he understood that what  was said was WRONG.

I really don't feel this artist was projecting official national park policy
but she is still an employee of the park so she should have just not said
anything.   I would never have mentioned Abby's blindness when making
reservations because I would have seen it has irrelevant.  If its safe for a
sighted child 6 to 11 then it would be safe to a blind child 6 to 11. We are
talking about an art class not driving a car over a single lane bridge over
glass.

We are not really interested in the class anymore (we have a lot of stuff
going on) I am just really upset over comments by this artist.  I have never
had any one say Abby couldn't do anything.  I know there was people who
thought that but no one ever pretty much implied "Your child is not welcome"
  Mind you I am only been dealing with Abby being blind for a year.

I feel I should say something.  I just don't know what is a proper response
and what is me over reacting.

-- 
--Penny
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Adventures with Abby - visionfora.blogspot.com