[Blindtlk] The Cost of Independent Travel

Wed Aug 25 19:25:38 UTC 2010

We all deal with transportation in different ways. I can now pay drivers, but it always wasn't so. There was a time when I gave one free lodging so he could drive me on a job. That solution, I do not recommend. If you can't pay, try exchanging something you do well for the driving. Go to a parents meeting, and talk about transportation. Maybe you can form a group of parents who will drive, and you coordinate it. Just a coupled of ideas off the top of my head. Please use them if they work, and discard them if they don't.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mari Hunziker
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 1:55 PM
To: Marion Gwizdala; Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] The Cost of Independent Travel

I have gotten to the point that I would rather sit at home and do nothing than ask someone for a ride. Some people get so frustrated or seem to be bothered by having to help me out sometimes. Yesterday, I paid a friend $30 dollars in gas money to drive my son home from school. My 1st grade son, is not eligible to ride the school bus because his elementary school only offers busing to kids with special needs. I asked for special accommodations for our situation and they were not able to help. I paid the my friend because I could not see myself walking 1.75 miles to the school and back another 1.75 miles back in 105 degree heat. I told the district transportation manager that when the heat index is so dangerously hot it should be mandatory that kids get rides home somehow. It breaks my heart that kids have to walk, ride their bike, etc home in that heat. My transportation needs have been met by a kind friend willing to drive out of her way to bring my son home. I was so blessed the last couple of years to have a friend in my neighborhood be willing to carpool with us. My husband drove the kids in the morning and she brought them home after school. It was great. But of course things always change and we (I) must learn to deal with it like I am trying to. I just signed my 2 year old daughter up for Dance class and then called up CARTS to arrange a ride. So happy they can take us and charge us $3 each way. We will see how it goes. I wish visually impaired / blind people received a living expense stipend like they do in Canada. It would be so helpful for those of us living on a budget and for those of us, like myself who live in the suburbs  with no public nor para transit system.

You all are fabulous. Thanks for all of the words of wisdom posted on here.
I love it.

Mari Hunziker

On Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 11:22 AM, Marion Gwizdala <blind411 at verizon.net>wrote:

> Diane,
>   I also find it interesting that people are "amazed" that it might
> take us
> 2 hours to get somewhere that, by car, only takes 30 minutes. They
> also express concern over how much a taxicab cost. I point out to them
> that I get a lot of work done on my commutes by making telephone calls
> and doing writing. I also share with them the comparitive savings of
> taxicabs, when necessary, and public transportation for regular,
> everyday needs, as opposed to a $300 car payment, $500 insurance
> payment, $200/month gas budget, not to mention tune-ups, oil changes, tires and rotations, etc.
>   I generally use the public transportation fixed route system for
> most of my travel needs, Para transit when necessary, and taxicabs for
> those times when neither of those forms of transportation are viable,
> e.g. inclement weather, gigs where I need to take my sound gear, and
> entertainment that gets out after the buses stop running! I guess it's
> all a matter of perspective!
>
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion Gwizdala
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Graves, Diane"
> <dgraves at icrc.IN.gov>
> To: "'Blind Talk Mailing List'" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:49 AM
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grilling question
>
>
>  Hey Mary,
>>
>> You know it's funny. Another thing that came to mind after I sent my
>> post was my amazement at how frustrated I've seen some sighted people
>> get, when they have to hop into the driver's seat and take a 15
>> minute ride in their car, to go somewhere that they weren't planning
>> to go. Maybe to run an errand to the grocery store, or go pick up a
>> child, or take a child's friend home. It just blows me away. I'm like "give me a break."
>>
>> My sister-in-law is like that. She always wants me to come out into
>> the suburbs to her house, but never wants to come into the city to
>> pick me up or visit me.  I'm thinking, "hey lady, you're the one who drives!"
>>
>> But see, even if you are sighted you get locked into a routine, and
>> are frustrated by the little unexpected inconveniences that come up.
>> Inconveniences that seem almost ridiculous to a blind person who
>> would love to be able to drive independently and take care of some of
>> those things without the  hassle of planning.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Diane Graves
>> Civil Rights Specialist
>> Indiana Civil Rights Commission
>> Alternative Dispute Resolutions Unit
>> 317-232-2647
>>
>> "It is service that measures success."
>> George Washington Carver
>>
>> Confidentiality Notice: This E-mail transmission may contain
>> confidential and/or legally privileged information intended only for
>> the individual or
>> entity(ies)
>> named in the E-mail address. If you are not the intended recipient,
>> be advised that any unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution,
>> or acting in reliance upon the contents of this E-mail is strictly
>> prohibited. If you have received this E-mail transmission in error,
>> please reply to sender to arrange for the return and proper delivery
>> of the transmission.
>> Subsequently, delete the message from your system immediately.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>> [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mari Hunziker
>> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:23 AM
>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grilling question
>>
>> Thank you Diane and Gary,
>>
>> Your words of wisdom have left me to ponder about what the Lord has
>> in store for me as a mother of two wonderful children. I know that I
>> was given this opportunity for a reason. I know that being visually
>> impaired will only enhance my life. Yes, Diane I wish as well that I
>> could spend $1000 in an afternoon and not think twice. Being
>> financially secure does help make life a bit more comfortable but not
>> necessarily happier. It takes a lot more self assurance of oneself to
>> be happy. That is what I think my real issue is. I want to be happy
>> with all that I have. I am most of the time. Its that emotional
>> roller coaster that I don't enjoy riding at times. But for the most
>> part life is good. Thank you for your words of wisdom. I really
>> appreciate it.
>> Mari Hunziker
>>
>> On Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 8:43 AM, Graves, Diane <dgraves at icrc.in.gov>
>> wrote:
>>
>>  Hi Mary,
>>>
>>> First, please know that I do understand your feelings and
>>> frustrations all too well. I have definitely been there before, and
>>> occasionally still go there. I think there was a lot of wisdom to be
>>> found in Gary's post, and so I'll just second it with a couple of
>>> points.
>>>
>>> I don't care how well adjusted and accomplished you are as a blind
>>> person, there are times when having sight would simply be more
>>> convenient. It does get frustrating sometimes. But if you think
>>> about it, this is true in many areas of our lives. I often find
>>> myself feeling envious of those who  can go shopping, spend $1000 in
>>> an afternoon, and not think twice about it, while I am struggling to
>>> make sure all of the bills are paid. I am frustrated that the
>>> members of congress charged with making our tax and economic
>>> decisions, are the people making more money than most of us will
>>> ever see.
>>>
>>>  I am often disgusted by the women who complain and refer to
>>> themselves as "fat" because they can't fit into a size 4 dress, when
>>> I would give anything to see a size 14 again .  These are just some
>>> small, maybe silly, examples, but my point is that blindness is just
>>> one of the many frustrations that life has to offer.
>>> Life
>>> has dealt us all a partial deck of cards, and we just have to learn
>>> to play the best game we can with the cards that we've been dealt.
>>> But, as any skilled card player knows, the more you practice, the
>>> more skilled you become.
>>>
>>> Just know that while you are concerned about transportation issues
>>> where school is concerned, some other mother is agonizing over how
>>> she is going to get new shoes for her child, or pay for the after
>>> school childcare.
>>> Another
>>> mother is worried about how she is going to get her wayward,
>>> rebellious teenager through high school in one piece, and on and on.
>>> This is not to say that your concerns aren't frustrating and
>>> understandable. Please don't think that that is what I am saying at
>>> all. I'm just saying that the blind community is not the only
>>> population that encounters these frustrations.
>>>
>>> I hope this makes a little bit of sense, at least. Gary did a much
>>> better job than I. If you are able to attend an  NFB Training Center
>>> I think it would be great for you. It is always something that I
>>> wanted to do, but never had the opportunity.  All the reports I have
>>> heard though have been amazing, and, if nothing else, it would offer
>>> you support and build your level of self confidence. I know that
>>> having a child would pose concerns in this area too.
>>>
>>> Feel free to vent to us any time. We are all here to help you.
>>>
>>> (big cyber hug for you)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Diane Graves
>>> Civil Rights Specialist
>>> Indiana Civil Rights Commission
>>> Alternative Dispute Resolutions Unit
>>> 317-232-2647
>>>
>>> "It is service that measures success."
>>> George Washington Carver
>>>
>>> Confidentiality Notice: This E-mail transmission may contain
>>> confidential and/or legally privileged information intended only for
>>> the individual or
>>> entity(ies)
>>> named in the E-mail address. If you are not the intended recipient,
>>> be advised that any unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution,
>>> or acting in reliance upon the contents of this E-mail is strictly
>>> prohibited. If you have received this E-mail transmission in error,
>>> please reply to sender to arrange for the return and proper delivery
>>> of the transmission.
>>> Subsequently, delete the message from your system immediately.
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>> [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>> On
>>> Behalf Of Mari Hunziker
>>> Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 7:13 PM
>>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grilling question
>>>
>>> Thank you so much for sharing that Mike. I would love to learn more
>>> about the NFB centers. I am now needing more assistance in finding
>>> creative ways of finding transportation for my son to get to and
>>> from school each day.
>>> Not
>>> being able to drive or to do other things is a constant struggle. I
>>> wish there was someway to get over the emotional roller coaster I
>>> ride every day.
>>> Some days thinking its a blessing to be blind and other days it is a
>>> curse.
>>> How have you all gotten over this?
>>> Thanks,
>>> Mari Hunziker
>>>
>>> On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 4:35 PM, Mike Freeman <k7uij at panix.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> > As a matter of fact, one of the things done at our NFB centers is
>>> > to do some grilling and other chores that involve working with
>>> > fire precisely
>>> to
>>> > get people over their fear of being burned. It's not thatanyone
>>> > wishes to
>>> be
>>> > burned but (a) blindness doesn't increase one's risks assuming one
>>> > is careful and (b) we want to turn that fear into what might be
>>> > termed
>>> healthy
>>> > respect for fire which still allows one to work with it. At the
>>> > end of
>>> the
>>> > day, it becomes another lesson that blindness need not prevent us
>>> > from leading normal lives.
>>> >
>>> > Mike
>>> >
>>> > ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Andrews"
>>> > <dandrews at visi.com>
>>> > To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>> > Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 1:22 PM
>>> > Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grilling question
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >  A totally blind person can grill or smoke.  i have a gas grill,
>>> > and a
>>> >> large off-set smoker and use them regularly.  I have also grilled
>>> >> with charcoal -- although the gas grill is easier.
>>> >>
>>> >> There are lots of techniques to do stuff.  One good source is our
>>> >> >>
>>> blind
>>> >> cooks list
>>> >>
>>> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-cooks_nfbnet.org
>>> >>
>>> >> Dave
>>> >>
>>> >> p.s.  You mentioned a "fear of getting burned."  Just like with
>>> >> an >>
>>> oven,
>>> a
>>> >> pot of boiling water, a gas stove etc., you can get burned if you
>>> >> >>
>>> don't
>>> do
>>> >> stuff carefully and correctly, but like with the other things
>>> >> there >>
>>> are
>>> >> ways.
>>> >>
>>> >>
>>> >> At 08:42 AM 8/24/2010, you wrote:
>>> >>
>>> >>> Was anyone of you grillers afraid of the fire and the potential
>>> >>> for getting burned. That is what keeps me from doing it. We have
>>> >>> a charcoal grill/smoker. My brother, father and husband have
>>> >>> mastered the great taste of grilled food. I have always thought
>>> >>> that I could not grill or do things of that nature because I am
>>> >>> blind(visually impaired). I now think it might just be a fear of
>>> >>> getting burned. I do cook fairly well in doors, I
>>> never
>>> >>> thought about trying it outdoors. The next time we grill out. I
>>> >>> will
>>> have
>>> >>> to
>>> >>> pay more attention on how it is done so that I may someday try it.
>>> >>> Who
>>> >>> knows, I may like doing it.
>>> >>>
>>> >>
>>> >>                        David Andrews:  dandrews at visi.com Follow
>>> >> me on Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/dandrews920
>>> >>
>>> >>
>>> >> _______________________________________________
>>> >> blindtlk mailing list
>>> >> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>> >> for
>>> >> blindtlk:
>>> >>
>>> >>
>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40pa
>>> nix.com
>>> >>
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > _______________________________________________
>>> > blindtlk mailing list
>>> > blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>> > for
>>> > blindtlk:
>>> >
>>> >
>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/marihunzik
>>> er%40gmail.com
>>> >
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>> for
>>> blindtlk:
>>>
>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/dgraves%40
>>> icrc.in.gov
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>> for
>>> blindtlk:
>>>
>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/marihunzik
>>> er%40gmail.com
>>>
>>>  _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> blindtlk:
>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/dgraves%40i
>> crc.in.gov
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> blindtlk:
>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/blind411%40
>> verizon.net
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindtlk:
>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/marihunziker
> %40gmail.com
>
_______________________________________________
blindtlk mailing list
blindtlk at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindtlk:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/david.hyde%40wcbvi.k12.wi.us