[Blindtlk] Inferiority complex withdisabilityvsnondisabledsociety

Mon Jun 7 02:03:37 UTC 2010

Hi, Mary.

I can certainly empathize. It's a bit of a pain without a crosswalk. 
Nevertheless, where there's a will, there's a way. Put another way, if 
sighted pedestrians cross more-or-less safely, so can you. I realize that 
isn't necessarily comforting -- no one wishes to risk life and limb -- but 
with practice and, admittedly, a bit of chutzpah, most intersections -- even 
tough ones -- can be tackled. It may take some work with a O&M person from 
the Texas Commission for the Blind but I'd bet they'd do it.

That's not to say a crosswalk wouldn't be nice. But it would be nice for 
*everyone,* not just you. (smile)

I know some will take what I've just said as meaning that I either have 
superior training, don't care or both. Both statements would be false. I'm a 
decent cane traveler but there are many who are better than am I. But 
practice and a proper mixture of boldness, courage and cautiousness 
generally will get almost any blind person through almost any 
intersection -- that and lots of practice.

For many years, I had to cross a four-lane freeway at the bottom of a long 
hill where the cars picked up speed and were loath to stop at the crosswalk; 
in fact, there was no pedestrian signal -- just one activated by traffic 
from the side road I needed to walk up once I'd crossed the street. Although 
I didn't like it, I got fairly used to waiting for a relatively quiet 
interval and then crossing one lane at a time, holding up a llane of traffic 
by boldly stepping out.

Eventually, thank goodness, a push-button signal was installed so 
pedestrians had equal rights with the cars. But I made it clear I wouldn't 
use it if an audible sigbnal were installed; it was not.

Incidentally, I am not opposed to audible signals if they beep once and then 
shut up. But signals that blather on, obscuring other sound are an 
abomination.

Anyway, there may be no easy fix but with determination, I suspect that you 
and we together can find a way.

Will you be at the national convention?

Mike

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mari Hunziker" <marihunziker at gmail.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2010 6:10 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Inferiority complex 
withdisabilityvsnondisabledsociety

> Hi Mike,
>
> The street does not have crosswalk. It is really unsafe without one due to
> the traffic pattern. Light traffic at the main entrance of my subdivision.
> But heavy traffic with the intersecting street. I have to cross it to get 
> to
> restaurants. a gym, etc. Really difficult without a crosswalk and 
> especially
> with two young children. Any suggestions on what to do. Plus, Summer is
> hibernating season in TX. It is extremely hot midday.
>
> Thanks,
> Mari Hunziker
>
> On Sun, Jun 6, 2010 at 5:01 PM, Mike Freeman <k7uij at panix.com> wrote:
>
>> Mary:
>>
>> What problems have you crossing the street in front of your subdivision?
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mari Hunziker" 
>> <marihunziker at gmail.com
>> >
>>
>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 9:43 PM
>>
>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Inferiority complex with
>> disabilityvsnondisabledsociety
>>
>>
>>  Gary, I haven't had the STRENGTH to respond to Peter's message. I too,
>>> have
>>> suffered greatly. I used to receive transportation services here in my
>>> city
>>> but a few years ago they built a Park & Ride several miles away. And
>>> because
>>> of it I am no longer in the ADA service area. I have become a burden to
>>> friends, family, and my husband. My kids and I are trapped in our home,
>>> until some generous sameritan drives us to the store, the park, etc. I'm
>>> not
>>> even able to cross the street across from my subdivision. I have
>>> contacted,
>>> TXDOT, Travis County, and the city to have them install safe pedestrian
>>> crossings. They have not taken any action yet. I also was on a committee
>>> to
>>> purchase new park playground equipment for the park near my home. The
>>> board
>>> of my HOA said it would be in by April. It is now June and they still
>>> haven't put any playground equipment in at the park. It makes me sad,
>>> because I do not drive, obviously since I am legally blind. I want to 
>>> make
>>> a
>>> difference in the world but sometimes feel like Peter, inferior to my
>>> circumstances and environment. It is very frustrating. I want so hard to
>>> be
>>> independent but where I live it is impossible to get anywhere
>>> independently.
>>> I however, am proud of the fact that I can walk to my son's school, to 
>>> the
>>> DQ and Taco Bell and Walgreens near the school as well as a few other
>>> places
>>> like the Post Office that are on the same side of the street that my 
>>> home
>>> is
>>> on. How do I get the local governments and other organizations willing 
>>> to
>>> make accommodations so that I may become an independent patron of the
>>> establishments across the street from my subdivision? Oh and by the way,
>>> cabs/taxi's are extremely expensive to call on just to get across the
>>> street. Please help!  Please give me some advise.
>>> Thank you,
>>> Mari
>>>
>>> On Fri, Jun 4, 2010 at 8:21 AM, Gary Wunder <gwunder at earthlink.net>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>  Peter, I disagree with your characterization of the notes written to 
>>> you
>>>> as
>>>> arrogant or conservative.  No one has told you to just go do it 
>>>> yourself.
>>>>  People have put their hearts into words for you and in thanks for that
>>>> you
>>>> have told us what a small list we make up and how small minded we are.
>>>>
>>>> Julie wrote to you a wonderfully constructive message.  The same is 
>>>> true
>>>> of
>>>> Steve and Dave and others.  You have to decide whether you are content
>>>> being
>>>> angry and figure out how to channel your anger into something positive.
>>>> If
>>>> you need help convincing Alabama rehab to send you to a Center, we can
>>>> try
>>>> to help.  We can't promise results, but we can promise our best 
>>>> efforts.
>>>>
>>>> If your area has no chapter, then we need you more than ever because
>>>> there
>>>> is hope the NFB isn't offering which you can bring if you will.  If you
>>>> have
>>>> suffered more than most of us, then perhaps you will have more 
>>>> compassion
>>>> than we for people who really need you.  Your inspiration may inspire
>>>> them,
>>>> your perseverance may give them strength, and your willingness to give
>>>> some
>>>> of yourself to them will make all of us better.  Are you interested in
>>>> talking about problems and solutions or in just putting us down for
>>>> extending ourselves to you?
>>>>
>>>> Gary
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>
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>>
>>
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