[Faith-Talk] serving and connection
Ericka
dotwriter1 at gmail.com
Sat Aug 10 21:38:17 UTC 2024
Where are you in Canada specifically?
Ericka Nelson
> On Aug 10, 2024, at 4:31 AM, andrew edgcumbe via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> well there is transportation but the specialized vans don't do
> transportation in the evenings. they do friday evening and saturday
> evenings but no churches do anything on those nights except for youth
> groups which i am to old for.
>
> The cnib i have not gotten anywhere with them there is no blind groups in
> my area at all.
>
>> On Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 5:14 AM bruce&joy breslauer via Faith-Talk <
>> faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Do you have a service or a program that can teach you orientation and
>> mobility skills, or is there somewhere you could go to learn daily living
>> skills like cooking, cleaning, laundry, hygiene, handling finances, reading
>> Braille, using computers, learning job skills, or whatever it is you need
>> to learn or need to build up your confidence doing? I don't know if
>> blindness is your only disability. I don't know what you need so I'm just
>> including a random list. You say you live in a small town, so I don't know
>> what transportation options are available to you. Some places have busses
>> or vans for the elderly or handicapped, and some have busses that anybody
>> can ride if you know the schedule. Are there any groups who help the blind
>> learn things they need to learn in order to be on their own successfully?
>> You say there aren't any other blind people around, so you can't learn from
>> someone as a mentor. But I know there is a Canadian group for the blind.
>> I just looked it up and there is more than one. The first one I came to
>> was the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. They say they have
>> local chapters all over Canada, and they might even have at large chapters
>> which meet by phone or by zoom if you are too far from a local chapter. If
>> you look up your province on the list, they will tell you the phone number
>> to call. I don't know if that interests you, but if they can't help you,
>> perhaps they can point you in the direction of someone who can.
>>
>> I just came across a really cool thing on their web site. They have a
>> mobile van that they can bring to your community at no cost. Here is what
>> their web site says about it:
>> Meet the CNIB Mobile Hub – a new program delivery model where we visit
>> your community to deliver in-person programming at no cost to you. Drop in
>> to meet CNIB staff and learn more about free programs and resources for
>> people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. Enjoy a day of
>> recreational and social activities, technology workshops, and much more.
>> Experience the latest breakthroughs in assistive tech from CNIB SmartLife
>> and connect with other members of the sight loss community.
>>
>> To see where we’re headed next, check out our tour schedule.
>> https://www.cnib.ca/programs-and-services/live/cnib-mobile-hub
>>
>> I hope some of this helps.
>>
>> I think some of the changes you're seeking may start with you. You're the
>> one who knows yourself best and knows what you need. Joy
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of andrew
>> edgcumbe via Faith-Talk
>> Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 2:16 AM
>> To: Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion <
>> faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: andrew edgcumbe <rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection
>>
>> Hi I know I guess the thing that stops me is not only self confident
>> end of thing that is stopping me but in my area i wouldn't be welcomed on
>> to most construction sights I think that kind of is really well I don't
>> know.
>> My family never has never pushed me to advokate in anyway.
>>
>> While I for most part moved out on my own most cases my family has
>> never whatever I think that even they don't know what blind people to do
>> because they have never bothered to educate themselves.
>>
>> I have conversations with people from latest c latest church i currently
>> go to and they say it is to bad that or say they understand i want to do
>> more but no effort was ever made for me to help out.
>>
>> There is no hiking groups in my area at all. I tried to look for them and
>> look for stuff along those lines.
>> With trips and stuff i just don't know how to even find way ways to go to
>> these places i would want to go to. going on these adventures to me is not
>> a problem but it is finding people to do these things with Water parks
>> would be harder to do if person doesn't ride water slide because I wouldn't
>> know my way around in water parks and stuff.
>>
>> I really far as youth group did go on few of the trips actually as well
>> like he did accomidate way in a sence.
>>
>> There is hardly any other blind people seen in the community here. So i
>> live in a smaller town in a sence.
>>
>> allot of people around here don't have the blind person can do it attitude
>> and for me to be advocating for myself totally alone or like the lone
>> ranger trying to advocate myself is very hard or would be very hard and to
>> me it is hard to and very tiring to explaine to people i cn can cross a
>> street and stuff like that for example.
>>
>> Not every place in town is excessible I can only get to one grocery store
>> in town out of the 2 or 3 others bu by myself because of the
>> inexcessibility of the parking lots no way for pudestrians to get in there
>> without dealing with bunch of cars in and out I can't go to a sub place at
>> all one of them because there is no safe way to get there at all even o and
>> m never could figure it out.
>>
>> part of me really wishes that somebody could at least help me with the
>> advokating part of things at the very least that is the thing.
>>
>> Like I do go to a day program for people with disabilities but most times
>> i am just sitting there doing nothing. I am always left out of the games
>> they are doing and left out of video games and i used to be in another day
>> program last year but they didn't do very good at getting me playing games
>> because these certain ones were playing the card or board games I never got
>> a turn or anything like that.
>>
>> Also they never gave me chance to know my way around at all they never
>> gave me chance to They never whatever I never used the bathroom while
>> there because I didn't feel i could be independent over independent
>> because they were almost treating me differently like you need help with
>> this and that type of thing.
>> even their vollunteer drivers especially one in particular ansisted on
>> putting my seatbelt on but that was only one he put it on before i had
>> chance to say anything so when I was coming home and he was doing something
>> else i quickly put it on.
>>
>> So i ended up leaving that particular program.
>>
>>
>> People around here really don't want me to help out with stuff each time
>> i mention it to my mom she is like i don't know what to tell you.
>>
>>
>> I just feel so alone in my struggles and i hate being so alone in the end
>> of advocacy and i know i need to do it probably but i don't know how to
>> really build that self confidence when people are not as open to me doing
>> things or blind people doing things.
>>
>> It feels like i am always being watched and stuff.
>>
>> I don't mind people helping me but when they help me to much just because
>> i am blind it can really be over whelming.
>>
>> I don't know how to use discord I can never get it to work for me and i
>> been trying to figure it out on my computer but it is very hard because
>> allot of the time i don't know how to make it work and how to whatever. as
>> allot of things are not excessible.
>>
>> I have a real hard time finding out about events in my area weather it is
>> restaurants or web sites not always info is even excessible and miss stuff.
>>
>> I had been trying to fix that events thing by having a facebook group
>> somebody else helped start but facebook becao became un became the option
>> that is out the door because i have not been able to log in for whole month
>> because i kept getting error messages like sorry we will fix it something
>> went wrong usually it fixed but this time it is that way for 4 weeks now or
>> a month i use facebook on my computer so i can't access the group on
>> facebook. i even tried resetting passwords and everything so no go.
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 2:38 AM Ashley Bramlett via Faith-Talk <
>> faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi,
>>> That is too bad you did not feel too included as a Christian teenager.
>>> Well, its too bad you did not have your mom or family member advocate.
>>> It sounds like the adult leaders had misconceptions and did not seek
>>> to educate themselves about inclusion and that is real sad.
>>>
>>> When I was in youth groups, I did most things but not other activities.
>>> Like you though, I went to because I wanted to be out of the house and
>>> my parents just said it was available and I should go like my brothers
>> did.
>>> I think they told the youth group leaders about sighted guide and to
>>> describe things to me such as when they served dinner or snacks to
>>> tell me the options before serving me; but not too much else.
>>> I was finding myself as a teen like all other teens and did not know
>>> all of what I needed but did do some advocating.
>>>
>>> If the group did sports, I was left out, but for most activities, I
>>> went to them. It was a long time ago so I do not even remember what we
>>> did. I think we did some prayer, stories, drama, simply socializing, and
>> singing.
>>> We also had some fun outings and some I attended such as bowling.
>>> I have some memories of youth retreats too.
>>> The adult leaders did accommodate me sometimes.
>>> At the time I did not have a braille Bible so when we did our Bible
>>> story time, I think one of the leaders read to me.
>>> Much of the retreat was to hang out and talk and have plenty of food.
>>> I remember having a good time overall.
>>>
>>> I think you need to advocate for yourself! Maybe you can find other
>>> friends with your same disability to hang out. In my area, there are
>>> day programs for people with developmental disabilities so maybe try
>>> to find one. If you use a Ipad or Iphone, there are apps to chat with
>>> people who share your interests such as the clubhouse app. Oh and
>>> there is discord too. Not the same as a real place to hang out but it
>>> would give you the connection to talk to people.
>>>
>>> You can certainly go to adventure activities such as amusement parks,
>>> Andrew!
>>> In my area there are clubs for that. There is a hiking club and a
>>> running club and some others. Maybe try finding a club to do this with.
>>> Just go sighted guide and have someone tell you the rides they see
>>> around and pick some to go on. Its fun.
>>>
>>> If someone told you that you cannot work with the elderly, that is
>>> real discriminatory and you should absolutely not have to bring
>>> someone with you to perform that task of being a friendly visitor.
>>>
>>> Finally, you can certainly do hands on activities. I do not know what
>>> is stopping you still. I just think you lack self confidence.
>>> So, look for a service project and go for it. Fill out the
>>> applications and steps for it and go for it.
>>> If they tell you no, go to the head of the organization. If no
>>> resolution, if it were me, I'd blast them! I'd go to the media, write
>>> letters to the editor about me being barred from serving and working
>>> for no money expected, and then get the equivalent of NFB involved. I
>>> know you have something like the NFB in Canada
>>>
>>> I've not done much hands on work and moving around tables and chairs,
>>> but I know blind people who did do it. I also have heard of several
>>> blind people doing it from NFB articles and lists.
>>> You could serve on a house project with the equivalent of Habitat for
>>> Humanity. You could serve at a soup kitchen. Some nonprofits here have
>>> projects to move in donated furniture and beautify houses and you
>>> could do that.
>>> I'm sure your country has something similar.
>>> Blind people have done these things. Just have someone show you what
>>> to do. If its hands on work, that can be done by touching the tools.
>>> You could perhaps start by organizing items or participating by
>>> handing group members tools or help lifting things assuming you have
>>> the strength to do it. For instance, if you are bringing in supplies
>>> to repair something in a home, you can help carry it and unload supplies.
>>> If you go on a campfire outing and you want to help get the fire
>>> ready, carry the supplies over for it.
>>>
>>> These service projects are doable and you should not be stopped. I'll
>>> send a few links to articles about people serving in ministry to help
>>> the homeless and other vonerable populations.
>>>
>>> I have some vision and use a cane. So, I have to first tell them a
>>> little about what I do not see since I look normal. Sometimes it seems
>>> like totally blind people are accepted less. If you have blindisms,
>>> like rocking, try to stop. That is off putting to people.
>>>
>>> It can be done. These articles speak of overcoming the misconceptions
>>> other sighted people had but they did it and participated.
>>>
>>> HTH,
>>> Ashley
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of andrew
>>> edgcumbe via Faith-Talk
>>> Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 1:20 AM
>>> To: Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion
>>> < faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: andrew edgcumbe <rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection
>>>
>>> I have even asked my mom and stuff about vollunteer opportunities and
>>> she has no idea's for me either.
>>> I did go to youth groups and stuff earlier and I like Ashley was left
>>> out of some activities in fact I was all by myself when they went to
>>> play their games in the Gym.
>>> They often didn't include me in much but i still went to get out of
>>> the house.
>>>
>>> I also asked some young people to hang with me as well at times and i
>>> always found that they just didn't seem to want to and it was like
>>> they didn't care to hang with me.
>>>
>>> People don't seem to want to do much with me I don't know if it is
>>> because they trh think they need to help me or they think there is or
>>> it is to complicated to hang out with a blind person I just don't know
>> what it is.
>>>
>>> or if it is because people don't want to deal with those with
>> disabilities.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 11:45 PM Brian Hatgelakas via Faith-Talk <
>>> faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>> you said it 100 percent correctly!
>>>>
>>>> On Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 11:15 PM Ashley Bramlett via Faith-Talk <
>>>> faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Hi,
>>>>> It sounds like you are lonely.
>>>>> It sounds like you want someone to assist you with walking and
>>>>> getting
>>>> out
>>>>> in the community for fitness participation and social activities.
>>>>> I'm going to a church with my dad which is also small and most
>>>>> members
>>>> are
>>>>> older or maybe adults middle age with families.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have not exactly asked to serve but I suspect they would be fine
>>>>> with most activities. I have considered helping out with the youth
>>>>> group.
>>>>>
>>>>> I am also seeking a fitness buddy to have nature walks with or
>>>>> simple
>>>> trail
>>>>> walking or tandem biking.
>>>>> But, so far I did not find anyone. I asked our nearest chapter of
>>>> Achilles
>>>>> international, dc chapter,
>>>>> But did not find anyone; no response yet.
>>>>> So, I know what you mean about needing a guide to do activities
>>>>> with and finding no one. I can and do exercise alone at a gym such
>>>>> as by using the seated bikes or treadmills but I do so much desire
>>>>> to do some outside
>>>> walks
>>>>> or biking and go with someone so I can focus on the walk and
>>>>> exercise,
>>>> not
>>>>> my mobility skills.
>>>>> I also want more social connections either from the church or
>>> elsewhere.
>>>>>
>>>>> It sounds like you have other disabilities given how this is
>>>>> written and how you write here. I do not know your full situation.
>>>>> I'm just speculating.
>>>>> It would be helpful to know what you really mean. So far your
>>>>> emails are vague saying that You simply are not accepted and you
>>>>> are not finding connections.
>>>>> What do you want to do? Some examples? What were some things you
>>>>> tried
>>>> and
>>>>> were rejected from?
>>>>> Saying you have lack of opportunity does not tell us much.
>>>>>
>>>>> I do not mean to be critical but you have written things like this
>>>>> before and it comes up year after year.
>>>>> Only by getting specific can we help some.
>>>>>
>>>>> Writing things like this
>>>>> " It is like people have been so hazatant to do anything or to
>>>>> support me or help me find those opportunities either as part of a
>>>>> church or even ministry and stuff like that."
>>>>> Does not say much.
>>>>>
>>>>> Have you tried finding connections through a community website?
>>>>> Here we have www.meetup.com, but I'm not sure you have that.
>>>>> I've not used this myself, but I know it's a way to find groups to
>>>>> meet
>>>> up
>>>>> with.
>>>>>
>>>>> I do hope you find something. If there is a Christian ministry for
>>>>> the blind in Canada where you are, maybe you can help them, even
>>>>> if its remotely.
>>>>> Here in the USA we have Christian Record Services and Lutheran
>>>>> Braille Workers; both are far from my home of VA but I've
>>>>> considered trying to do something with them remotely. Maybe
>>>>> writing something or conducting something over a video platform like
>> zoom.
>>>>>
>>>>> You have to educate people about your abilities too. You may not
>>>>> be asked to help as they do not know what you can do or how you
>>>>> can do it, so do educate them.
>>>>>
>>>>> Anyways, with more specifics, maybe we can give more suggestions.
>>>>>
>>>>> Ashley
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
>>>>> andrew edgcumbe via Faith-Talk
>>>>> Sent: Friday, August 9, 2024 10:27 PM
>>>>> To: Faith-talk, for the discussion of faith and religion
>>>>> <faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Cc: andrew edgcumbe <rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com>
>>>>> Subject: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi
>>>>> My name is Andrew for those who don't know me.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have just had struggle after struggle with just being able to
>>>>> serve as part of a church body and stuff like that other then
>>>>> maybe music and
>>>> stuff
>>>>> like that.
>>>>> To me the experience is they don't know what to do with me because
>>>>> of my blindness and stuff like that.
>>>>> It is like people have been so hazatant to do anything or to
>>>>> support me
>>>> or
>>>>> help me find those opportunities either as part of a church or
>>>>> even ministry and stuff like that.
>>>>> The answer I always get is just pray about it while we should do
>>>>> that
>>>> and i
>>>>> been doing that all along but faith should be followed up by
>>>>> action to
>>>> and
>>>>> stuff like that.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> While I don't know other area's speciffically my church is a very
>>>>> small church so it is limited but I want to find christian
>>>>> ministries who actually let blind people serve even if it is from
>>>>> home or some other way.
>>>>>
>>>>> The other area is that i have trouble making connections that
>>>>> really
>>>> foster
>>>>> into more then just sunday morning fellowship.
>>>>> I have tried to find hiking partners and finding other things.
>>>>> i reached out to couple of the other churches for walking buddies
>>>>> and
>>>> stuff
>>>>> like that and just other people whom perhaps i can really make
>>>>> connection with from a church to do coffee with or do other things
>>>>> with and I don't know they are afraid of the fact i am blind I
>>>>> don't
>>> know what it is.
>>>>> I just been really looking for answers as to what to do with
>>>>> myself like
>>>> i
>>>>> have few people in building i connect with but they have
>>>>> disabilities
>>>> that
>>>>> keep them from doing walks with me or other adventures I would
>>>>> like to
>>>> be
>>>>> able to go on and stuff like that.
>>>>>
>>>>> I struggle making connection through or church or community like
>>>>> I said even a buddy of mine has tried to talk to t others about
>>>>> others about walking with me or what not but there is great
>>>>> hazatation and never had
>>>> any
>>>>> luck weather it is walking or ki hiking and stuff like that. or
>>>>> even people to really connect with.
>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>>
>>>>> --
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>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> *Brian P. Hatgelakas | *
>>>> 318 Washington Road, #212, Pittsburg, PA 15216
>>>> C: 412.862.8644 *I* E: bhatgelakas at gmail.com
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