[Blindtlk] rides from church members

Tue Dec 10 14:13:24 UTC 2013

Also, I am a full time college student working as a volunteer until I can get a part time job.  

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Campbell
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 9:10 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

Hello all,

I know transportation is a difficult issue, but what about thinking of ways to help with projects for the church, such as writing an article for the newsletter or helping to make phone calls when necessary? Maybe an offer to volunteer will lead to meeting people who want to help with rides and so forth.
Also, I've found it's  helpful to find out who is in my zipcode, or one close to me. Again, it's always a good idea to help with gas money or taking someone to lunch.
My church which is Unitarian is also quite liberal, and I get impatient at times that the congregation doesn't seem to always get it when it comes to disability issues, but if people don't deal with what we deal with on a daily basis, how will they know what we need unless we continue to educate? I do get frustrated, but we have to keep trying.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of justin williams
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 6:58 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

I am having the same problem; my church is liberal also.  I've pretty much stopped going to church; the decision to go to lunch or not after church is awkward, and sometimes, rides to church fall through.  If you want me a part of the congregation, it seems like there would be a little more cooperation. I might ask, who is going to lunch, and literally, get no response, or a bbunch of I nots.   I have pretty much stopped going. 

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lauren Merryfield
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 1:06 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

Hi,
I know my church has a volunteer committee. I emailed, suggesting that we have a transportation committee, but I might be about the only person needing a ride. 

I did have them put a notice in the bulletin and on the bulletin board, but we didn't get any responses. I don't think some of them see me as valuable, but as someone who is broken and not healed; that kind of thing. It is a more liberal church, so it seems like they could be more disability-oriented. I think they are working on improving things, with our new minister. She always stops to say hi to me, which is really nice. But when Marilynn isn't available, I really don't have other options except to take a cab.
Thanks
Lauren

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ericka Short
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 5:09 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

Depending on how large your congregation is, you might want to start by sitting down one on one with the pastor and explaining your needs.  He/she can either direct you to some names to contact personally.  They might know 
of hidden services in you area also.   If you know people from adult 
classes, ladies aid or parents who have kids in Sunday School with your kids you can find a common connection.  Bigger churches have either a parish nurse, Family  concerns or social concerns committee/team .  These can be a good resource too.  At first you will have to schedule rides but later people realize you really need help and don't take advantage of them, you should have a few that will be reliable in a sticky situation.  I put a note in the bulletin and church newsletter.  That helped.  The more involved you are in the congregation the more they are willing to help you.  People like to help those they care about.  People don't help strangers so often any more probably for the same reason background checks for drivers is a good idea.  Some days I think some congregational leaders wish I'd leave the church because I’m pushing them to  be more disability accessible in facilities and in attitude.  That won't happen!  Good luck.  I hope I was helpful.

Ericka J. Short
262-697-0510

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13

"No hand is too small or too big to do good in this world." EJ. Short 

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