[Blindtlk] The Cost of Independent Travel
Bryan Schulz
b.schulz at sbcglobal.net
Wed Aug 25 22:49:52 UTC 2010
hi,
if you really believe that theory, look how jaws software has never
decreased a penny since 1995.
Bryan Schulz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marion Gwizdala" <blind411 at verizon.net>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 5:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] The Cost of Independent Travel
> Bryan,
> Though the car is expensive now, perhaps it will not be so much after
> the R&D is recouped. In addition, it may not ever be something I will see
> manifested in my lifetime, but perhaps in my blind nephew's lifetime.
> Furthermore, as the blind gain the independence that comes from this sort
> of technology, other forms of technology that will level the playing field
> for us may come out of it!
>
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion Gwizdala
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bryan Schulz" <b.schulz at sbcglobal.net>
> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 5:50 PM
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] The Cost of Independent Travel
>
>
>> yea right,
>> if she can barely get by now how is she supposed to take an extra
>> mortgage to help cover a 75+k car?
>> are our heads in the sand?
>>
>> Bryan Schulz
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Peter Donahue" <pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net>
>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 2:19 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] The Cost of Independent Travel
>>
>>
>>> Hello Mary and everyone,
>>>
>>> This is exactly why the Blind Driver Challenge is so important and a
>>> project to be persued now. If you didn't see it earlier here is the link
>>> for
>>> the new Blind Driver Challenge Web Site:
>>> http://www.blinddriverchallenge.org
>>>
>>> I've all ready linked our chapter Web site to it and will add the
>>> link
>>> to our home page. What really thrills me is the vast amount of content
>>> all
>>> ready on the site and not a single page on witch do the words "Coming
>>> Soon"
>>> appear. Great work Jernigan Institute and NFB!
>>>
>>> Peter Donahue
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Mari Hunziker" <marihunziker at gmail.com>
>>> To: "Marion Gwizdala" <blind411 at verizon.net>; "Blind Talk Mailing List"
>>> <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 1:55 PM
>>> 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%40panix.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/marihunziker%40gmail.com
>>>>>> >
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
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>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
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>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>
>>>>
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>>
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