[Blindtlk] Refusal To Use A Cane

Sun Dec 16 15:36:46 UTC 2012

Couldn't have said it better myself, Diane!
for today, Carly07:22 AM 12/16/2012, Diane Graves wrote:

>Hi Guys,
>
>Does anyone remember the article Dr. Jernigan wrote about this dilemma? The
>name of the article is escaping me at this time, but I remember that at the
>end, the gist of the writing was summarized by a statement along the lines
>of "whether dog, or cane or human arm" the choice belongs to the individual,
>and the overall objective is to get where you need to go and do what you
>need to do.
>
>In the NFB, we meet people at all levels. Some are newly blind, others re
>blind people who have been sheltered all of their lives, others are people
>that are so independent that they think they could climb a skyscraper and
>survive. (A little over the top there, but you know what I mean.)
>
>Anyway, our job is not to judge them or dictate to them. Our job is to meet
>them where they are and do our best to help them. Whether or not they accept
>that help is up to them. The behavior that you are describing is one reason
>that many blind people don't want anything to do with the federation.  It
>sounds to me like the members are refusing their friendship on the basis of
>his decision. Do you really think that is going to help him?
>
>If one is so uncaring that they would call someone a cab and send them home
>at their expense, then why in the world would they have to take anyone to
>the emergency room? Call an ambulance.
>
>With conditional friendship like that, I'm not sure why anyone would want to
>visit these members or be a part of the chapter anyway. He could,
>incidentally refuse to get into the cab and ride home at his expense.
>
>For the record, I think it is a foolish decision myself, but I wouldn't
>refuse friendship on that basis, any more than I would refuse friendship on
>the basis of whether someone was too thin or too fat, or of another culture
>or any number of other characteristics. When you think about it, maybe
>actually being escorted/lead by a few blind people would teach this guy that
>he could, in  fact, learn to travel himself.
>
>Finally, I would just point out that, while there are a good many sighted
>people who have a healthy perspective about blindness, there are some
>sighted people who have some ridiculous ideas. It may very well be true that
>some crazy neurologist did tell him that a cane might aggravate his seizure
>disorder. You just don't know.
>
>Diane Graves
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Steven
>Johnson
>Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 8:37 AM
>To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
>Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Refusal To Use A Cane
>
>Peter,
>Although I am not an attorney, I am well-versed in the ADA, and with all due
>respect, I do not believe the ADA has any application here as the concept of
>direct threat, applies to Title I, covering provisions of employment; not
>Titles II or III.  It's a choice by this individual to go out into public
>without the use of an aide such as a cane, or guide, but their choice is
>sighted guide.  They are not posing a risk to anyone but themselves, but I
>can assure you that if this person was employed, the application might be
>viable.
>
>Steve
>-----Original Message-----
>From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Peter
>Donahue
>Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 6:53 AM
>To: nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
>Cc: NFBnet Blind Talk Mailing List; Daniel Carr; NFBnet Blind Law Mailing
>List; NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
>Subject: [Blindtlk] Refusal To Use A Cane
>
>Good morning everyone,
>
>     An who belonged to our Florida Affiliate recently moved to San Antonio
>and wishes to join our chapter. This person is totally blind and absolutely
>refuses to use a cane. They recently showed up at our Christmas party and
>had to be helped in to and out of the meeting room we used for this event.
>Members were surprised when they discovered that this person showed up
>without their cane. When later questioned about this the person began giving
>us all manner of excuse. They told us that their neurologist and past O&M
>instructors recommended against the use of the cane due to this person's
>having seizures. This individual attended Perkins along with a number of
>other schools for the blind. I know for a fact that at least while at
>Perkins this individual lived in a cottage with another person who also has
>seizures and is one of the best travelers I know. Like this person, the
>confident cane user is totally blind and is someone I came to know well. The
>individual in question undoubtedly met many other successful blind cane
>users with other disabilities. I myself have seizures and sleep apnea and
>use both a cane and a dog depending on the situation.
>
>     The individual refusing to use their cane has all ready been told by
>several members in the area that if they wish to visit them the/she must
>bring their cane and use it to get from their transportation in to our
>residence and if necessary use the cane during their visit.
>
>     When attempting to reason with the person in question members have been
>accused of "Bullying" them and have heard all excuses in the book why he/she
>cannot use a cane proficiently. The individual has been told that
>neurologists are not qualified to determine whether or not the use of a
>travel aid can effect one's seizures. The evidence to the contrary is over
>whelmingly against this horsepuckey. As we also know not all blindness
>professionals have true belief in the capabilities of the blind. This
>individual obviously had a few such persons in their life to sell them short
>on their ability to travel independently and on the importance of using a
>cane or a dog. The individual has been told that if they show up at any of
>our homes without their cane we will call them a cab and promptly send them
>home at their expense something they can avoid simply by listening to reason
>and using their cane whenever traveling. We're busy people. The last thing
>we need to have to do is take someone to the emergency room when we know
>that an individual has complete disregard for their personal safety and as
>negligent. It seems like direct threat provisions of the ADA may apply in
>this situation where public venues are concerned. The lawyers can help us
>wit this one.
>
>     We want to help this person achieve a higher degree of independence and
>be an active member of our chapter. While we won't prohibit them from
>joining us they'll be a more effective contributor to the cause if they
>would embrace the alternative techniques of blindness and use them
>regularly. Thanks for your help and suggestions.
>
>
>  Peter Donahue
>
>  "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper."
>Isaiah 54:17
>
>  "While for our princes they prepare
>In caverns deep a burning snare,
>He shot from heaven a piercing ray,
>And the dark treachery brought to day."
>Anonymous
>
>
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