[Blindtlk] Refusal To Use A Cane

Mon Dec 17 02:12:01 UTC 2012

It is "The Nature Of Independence."

Judy

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Diane Graves" <princess.di2007 at gmail.com>
To: <blinddog3 at charter.net>; "'Blind Talk Mailing List'" 
<blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 8:22 AM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Refusal To Use A Cane


>
> 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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