[blindlaw] US Cases Concerning Blind Lawyers

[Bill Reif]

Hello Gerard,

Am I correct that what you're looking for is cases that either 
demonstrate or challenge our competence to practice law in light of the 
limitations imposed by our blindness, previously-obtained law license 
not withstanding? I can imagine, for example, that some convict out 
there has appealed based on the assertion that his blind defense 
attorney was unable to visually evaluate witness credibility, the 
contents of documents he did not personally prepare and print, the race 
or other characteristics of potential jurors, or even the identity of 
persons with whom he believed he was speaking. Several years ago, my 
supervisor questioned whether I should file verified complaints since I, 
then in a time before optical scanners, couldn't verify anything above 
my signature. I convinced her that my reader/secretary, being under my 
direction, gave me the power to verify.

When I was a child, bullies with whom I found myself arguing questioned 
my ability to prove anything, asserting that I was too stupid even to 
know how many fingers they were holding up. (In one case, I was able to 
answer "one" after rushing him, grabbing his hands, and bending a finger 
back at what I'm sure was an uncomfortable angle.) I consider most 
assertions that we don't and can't know what's happening around us 
without seeing it about as meritorious, and sometimes as mean spirited, 
as the bullies' assertions. I don't believe any reasonable court would 
entertain such motions. If there is any currently-binding U.S. case law 
supporting the absurdity described above, I would be interested in 
knowing about it too. In cases where visual assessment is necessary, 
those under our direction or the direction of our common employer can 
assist us just as other attorneys rely on paralegals, inspectors, jury 
consultants, and all manner of experts to make their cases.

Cordially,
Bill Reif

On 8/15/2012 1:51 PM, Gerard Sadlier wrote:
> hi, not a grievance, no.
>   I would be interested in any authorities there were re blind people
> as witnesses to documents, as i intend to draft a memo on this point
> for my own cumfort but more generally cases re blind lawyers would be
> of interest.
> Any chance of a westlaw search? No worries if not - i habe the irish
> and english versions but not  the us one.
> fwiiw, i agree with daniel mcbrides analysis re the need to see the signature.
> G
>
> On 8/15/12, joshjsmith at charter.net <joshjsmith at charter.net> wrote:
>> Its difficult to narrow that search to one case.  Is there a grievance
>> issues at stake?
>>
>> On Tue, Aug 14, 2012 at 6:37 PM, Gerard Sadlier wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all, I wondered if anyone on this list could refer me to any US
>>> authorities there may be regarding blind or visually impaired lawyers.
>>>
>>> I'm not interested in civil rights cases or legislation more broadly,
>>> just case law regarding blind lawyers/attorneys in particular.
>>>
>>> If you could send me the actual case, I'd be doublly grateful.
>>>
>>> G
>>>
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