[IL-Talk] Where do people get a license to put their hands on us?

[Leslie Hamric]

Good morning Federationists. Today I was going to an eye doctor appointment. And from the door of the building to the elevator, and then up to the office, I had a total of three people grab my arm. Of course, they thought they were helping when they really weren't. So I decided to try a new approach. Instead of saying, please don't grab, I said, please don't grab it's not safe. You should see how they back off when they hear the words it's not safe. And then, of course, each one got all apologetic. So, of course, I did some educating and then they got it. And then, when I got down the elevator back to the main entrance, a fourth person said, can I help you and they grab my arm. So I started the process all over again. All we ask for as blind people is an assumption of competence. Where did the cited people get off thinking that they can just put their hands on us? I wish I knew. But until then, I will keep educating.

Leslie Hamric
Cello and Braille Music Teacher
Board member of National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division