[Blindtlk] The Nature of Independence was RE: Buffet Lines

Tue Apr 2 01:43:52 UTC 2013

Peter and all,

If you are interested in reading this speech, which I strongly recommend
doing, here is the link to it:
https://nfb.org/Images/nfb/Publications/convent/addres93.htm.

Thanks,

Chris

Chris Nusbaum, Co-Chair
Public Relations Committee
Maryland Association of Blind Students
Phone: (443) 547-2409

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Peter
Donahue
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 9:36 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

Good evening everyone,

    Actually that was an address given during the convention general
session. It was not a banquet speech. Its called "The Nature of
Independence."

Peter Donahue

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Tardif" <markspark at roadrunner.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 7:28 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

Absolutely true.  And buffets are one of those situations in which I find it
more reasonable, if I am by myself, to ask restaurant staff for assistance
in knowing what there is on the buffet line.  I think making several trips
can also be a great way of handling this situation.  I also think you
touched on something else that is important, when you ask for help, how
should you do it?  I think in an assertive, confident non-passive, but
pleasant and nonthreatening manner as well.

Mark Tardif
Nuclear arms will not hold you.
-----Original Message----- 
From: cheryl echevarria
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 11:40 AM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

Being independent is also knowing when to ask for help on your own terms and
not someone elses.
Dr. Jernigan's book goes into that as well.
He even did a Banquet Speech, again before I became an NFB member maybe some
of you old timers LOL. Who knew Dr. Jernigan would know this one where he
got letters from some blind students asking him why he goes sighted guide
and doesn't use his cane.
He of course did a few jokes about it, but when he got down to it he told
the young person who wrote him, sometimes he has to go sighted guide to get
there faster than using his cane, or he might be late for a meeting or
something.
He said it is no shame in asking for help, we all need it sometimes, even
those that are sighted.
It is funny when I used to be able to drive before the gps where in place,
that if i got lost I asked for help.
Or if I couldn't find something the store I asked for help.
It's just knowing when to ask for something, then people assuming you need
the help.

Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 of NY State
Leading the Way in Independent Travel!SNG Certified - Accessible Travel
Advocate!Cheryl Echevarria,
Ownerhttp://www.echevarriatravel.com631-456-5394reservations@echevarriatrave
l.comhttp://www.echevarriatravel.wordpress.com2012
Norwegian Cruise Line University Advisory Board Member.
Affiliated as an independent contractor with Montrose TravelCST -
#1018299-10Echevarria Travel and proud member of the National Federation of
the Blind will be holding a year round fundraiser for the
http://www.NFBNY.org after Hurricane Sandy and other resources. Any vacation
package booked between November 6 2012-November 6, 2013 and vacation must be
traveled no later than 12/30/2014 a percentage of my earnings will go to the
affiliate.  Also is you book a Sandals for couples or Beaches for families
and friends resorts vacation, $100.00 per booking will go to the affiliate
as well.  You do not need to be a member of the NFB.org, just book through
us.

> From: julielj at neb.rr.com
> To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2013 10:27:00 -0500
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines
>
> Justin,
>
> If it is at all possible I find an employee or someone I'm with to tell me
> what's what on the buffet.  I'll wing it alone, if I can't find anyone,
> but
> I don't like doing that.
>
> I did receive blindness training at the Nebraska Commission for the Blind.
> I learned a lot of stuff there, but I also learned how to learn.  I mean I
> learned how to ask for the information I need, how to advocate for myself,
> how to problem solve and how to have dignity left when what I tried
> flopped
> miserably!  *smile*  I had most of those skills to one degree or another
> before training, but daily intense practice sharpened, refined and
> enhanced
> them in rapid fashion.
>
> I learn by trial and error and necessity.  I have failed at many things
> I've
> tried.  Some I tried again and had better luck.  Others I decided weren't
> for me.  There are still things I can't do, but would like to master.
>
> I read Braille at a miserable 30 words per minute.  I cannot cook fried
> chicken to save my life.  I am freaked out by airports.  I have worn
> mismatched socks! *smile*  I still use and practice Braille.  I still try
> cooking fried chicken every now and then.  I still travel through
> airports,
> even though I don't like it.  I have learned better methods of matching
> socks, so I think that is pretty much solved.
>
> You have to just keep putting yourself out there.  It's a process and
> nobody
> is perfect, sighted or blind.  We are all learning.
>
> all my best to you,
> Julie
>
>
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: justin williams
> Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2013 9:58 AM
> To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines
>
> Sometimes, I see you guys on here and feel like I missed out on some
> valuable  skill training somewhere.  I'm not under these illusions that
> I'm
> the best because there aren't very many blind people with my skillset n
> columbia.  If you listen to the sighted, as they heap praise that you
> don't
> really deserve  upon you you may think that.  I hope you folks have
> learned
> as much from me as I have you.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J.
> Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 10:51 AM
> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines
>
> Kelby,
>
> I've found that if I have a choice I prefer to go through a buffet on the
> side that puts my guide dog furthest from the buffet.  I'm not worried
> about
>
> him being inappropriate, sniffing or snatching food, but if he is in
> between
>
> me and the food, it means that I have to reach over and it's awkward.   He
> always positions himself parallel to the buffet, so as I'm facing the
> buffet
>
> he's at a 90 degree angle to me, standing behind me.  When I'm ready to
> move
>
> I turn to line up correctly with the direction of travel, tell him to
> "step
> up" which is something I taught him which means that he should proceed
> only
> a step or two.
>
> At buffets with regular plates I have filled and carried them myself.
> Put
> small items like napkins, utensils and straws in a pocket if you can, it
> saves valuable hand real estate!  I make multiple trips to get a drink,
> soup, dessert etc., rather than trying to make one mega trip.
>
> The only place I've encountered the tray type of buffet was on a college
> cafeteria last summer when I was attending a leadership training thing.  I
> found it best for me to ask for assistance in that situation to carry my
> tray.  There were lots of little islands, some self service, some with
> staff
>
> behind the counter who would take your order.  I think if I were a regular
> college student I would have figured out what was what and been able to do
> more myself, but for the three days I was there it worked out fine.
>
> Oh, almost all of the time I find a sighted person to let me know what the
> food choices are, but generally I fill my own plate.  Working my guide dog
> with food in my other hand hasn't been a problem.  Of course I can't use
> hand signals so I have to be mindful to be clear with verbal directions.
> He
>
> knows both, but responds a bit better with hand signals.  Still it hasn't
> been a problem.  As much as is possible I try to keep my plate held in
> front
>
> of my body, not off to the side, because the guide dog isn't going to
> factor
>
> in the additional width.  Of course a dog can be taught to account for
> something  additional on your right side, like a large bag or a baby
> stroller you are pulling, but this requires training and practice.
>
> Anyhow that's how I manage.  I hope others will share some ideas.  Buffets
> are not one of my favorite things.  Some more ideas would be great!
> Julie
>
>
>
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: Kelby Carlson
> Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 7:26 AM
> To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines
>
> (This may have already been sent; e-mail is glitching.)
>
> I wish I could come to Maryland, as I'd love to know how y'all do
> buffet lines.  (Especially when their are trays and guide dogs
> involved.)
>
> Kelby S.  Carlson
>
> Vanderbilt University
>
>
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