[Blindtlk] Refusal To Use A Cane

Mon Dec 17 05:56:23 UTC 2012

Hi, Judy,

After putting it like that, all this yammering about it, in some way 
seems a little superfluous, does it not?/2012, Judy Jones wrote:
>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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