[Blindtlk] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in the Dark"

[David Andrews]

Steve:

You ask a good question -- how do you educate employers.  However, 
role playing, in my opinion, particularly in an uncontrolled setting 
like Dining in the Dark, probably does more harm then good.  If you 
dump someone into a new setting, like total darkness, with no tools 
for dealing with it, or no one to help very much all you are going to 
do is reinforce negative attitudes and just scare the person.  If 
they can't cope they will think blind people can't cope 
either.  However, we know we have tools, learning, experience, the 
help of each other through the NFB and this list, and other places 
etc., to help us with new situations.  I think role playing can be 
useful sometimes, but in a situation like Dining in the Dark it will 
only perpetuate stereotypes of helplessness.

Dave

At 07:11 AM 3/13/2010, you wrote:
>Here is a serious question for those on this list who do not agree 
>with my opinion on this topic:
>
>How would you educate employers concerning the abilities of a blind 
>person or persons with other disabilities.  Do you believe role 
>playing has any part in the education process.  how would you 
>educate a group of employers who no very little about individuals 
>with disabilities.]
>
>Steve