[Blindtlk] The Cost of Independent Travel
Mike Freeman
k7uij at panix.com
Thu Aug 26 02:32:48 UTC 2010
Mari:
When I lived in New Mexico during the 1970's, I didn't think twice about
walking five miles in 105-degree heat: I just drank a gallon of ice tea when
I started and another when I arrived at my destination.
I truly don't want to come across holier-than-thou but I confess to
wondering sometimes if we -- every one of us -- have gone wimpy over the
last few decades! Look at it this way: if you and your children walked both
ways, you'd both be in far better shape than am I right now! (grin)
Mike
----- 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 11:55 AM
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
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >> _______________________________________________
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>>>> >>
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> > _______________________________________________
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>>
>>
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