[Blindtlk] "Its not safe for someone who can't see"

[cheryl echevarria]

can I ask why you mentioned your son is blind for, don't tell them next time. Just show up.

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Cheryl Echevarria
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  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Penny Duffy<mailto:pennyduffy at gmail.com> 
  To: Blind Talk Mailing List<mailto:blindtlk at nfbnet.org> 
  Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 9:10 PM
  Subject: [Blindtlk] "Its not safe for someone who can't see"


  I am still very upset over this but I want to know what a good response
  would be.

  Today I had a wonderful visit to an historic site that is part of the
  National Park service with my son Sam.  My daughter Abby who is blind is
  away this week at the Perkins School.   There was an artist in residence
  there.  She was a little odd but i heard her mention that they where having
  a class there for children .  the children would make casts of their hands.
   It seemed like a great activity for Abby.

  The artist didn't know if there was space or if they where even having the
  class (due to no enrollment) really she didn't know anything (there is a
  number you call to make reservations)  When I mentioned my daughter who is
  blind would really love to go to this class she told me she would NOT
  recommend it.  That it was unsafe for blind person and said but your son is
  welcome to take part if there is space and its sill going on.  I should have
  responded right away  I should have went right to visitor center and
  complained.  I was shocked. I am still shocked.  The only reason I didn't
  talk to someone there is the day was about my son Sam and having an "Abby
  Free" day.  That and honestly I was so taken back by what happened. I spoke
  with Sam in the car so he understood that what  was said was WRONG.

  I really don't feel this artist was projecting official national park policy
  but she is still an employee of the park so she should have just not said
  anything.   I would never have mentioned Abby's blindness when making
  reservations because I would have seen it has irrelevant.  If its safe for a
  sighted child 6 to 11 then it would be safe to a blind child 6 to 11. We are
  talking about an art class not driving a car over a single lane bridge over
  glass.

  We are not really interested in the class anymore (we have a lot of stuff
  going on) I am just really upset over comments by this artist.  I have never
  had any one say Abby couldn't do anything.  I know there was people who
  thought that but no one ever pretty much implied "Your child is not welcome"
    Mind you I am only been dealing with Abby being blind for a year.

  I feel I should say something.  I just don't know what is a proper response
  and what is me over reacting.
  -- 
  --Penny
  ----------
  Adventures with Abby - visionfora.blogspot.com
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