[nabs-l] Out of curiosity

[Arielle Silverman]

Yes-it's all in the way the blindfold activities are handled. For
example, it seems like in almost all blindness simulations
participants aren't given canes. This may seem obvious, but without a
cane or other mobility aid, it is very difficult to get around safely
in a crowded, unfamiliar space-in fact, I'd say most if not all of us
who are totally blind would never walk around independently in an
unfamiliar place without a cane! So of course the blindfolded folks
will have trouble getting around, and conclude that's how it is to be
blind.
Arielle

On 5/8/11, Kirt Manwaring <kirt.crazydude at gmail.com> wrote:
> Patrick,
>   Very, very well said-although I can understand why a lot of us don't
> like the way a lot of activities where people "pretend to be blind"
> are handled.  Maybe the specific one you're talking about is better
> than the norm-I'll trust you on that.  But, the vast majority of such
> exercises I've seen firsthand just, from my observations, increase the
> stereotypes a lot of people already have about blindness.  They wonder
> how we can do common things and, since they are usually blindfolded
> without getting real propper training about how we do them, they leave
> with the impression that (a) being blind must be really hard and (b)
> those of us who manage to live independently must be extremely gifted
> because, of course, most people couldn't do it.  We know better, but
> that doesn't mean everyone does.  I'm not saying the idea of
> blindfolding sighted people is inherently wrong-I've also seen how it
> is a benefit if it's handled the right way.  But usually it isn't.
>   Just my thoughts.  I do agree with the main message of your last
> post.  Too many people look at other groups and condemn them as a
> whole when, in reality, they are mostly doing the best they can, as
> they see it.  I have friends in the Council- I have friends in the
> Federation, the individual people really aren't that different
> although policies vary.
>   Warmest regards,
> Kirt
>
> On 5/8/11, Patrick Johnson <pajohns1 at vt.edu> wrote:
>> Group,
>>
>>     It's a little absurd to compare the NFB with the Foundation Fighting
>> Blindness.  The two have distinct missions and attract different
>> memberships.  The FFB focuses on the medical and scientific aspects of
>> blindness.  Take a look at their web site and the web site of their
>> upcoming
>> conference.
>>
>> http://www.blindness.org/
>> http://www.blindness.org/visions/
>>
>>     As for "Dining in the Dark", yes it is a fund raiser, but it is more
>> than that.  The wait staff is completely blind and the food is served in
>> the
>> dark.  It is also an opportunity to educate the public.  The wait staff
>> instructs the diners on how to orient themselves to their place setting,
>> locate, and identify their food and drink.
>>
>>     To me this is educational and promotes the the vision that the blind
>> are
>> capable of living independent and productive lives.
>>
>>     It is wrong to make blanket comments about other blindness
>> organizations
>> such as the FFB.  The NFB, FFB, ACB, and dozens of other organizations
>> whoo
>> advocate for the blind are all striving to improve our lives.  Whether you
>> or I disagree with a specific policy or goal of a blindness organization
>> is
>> completely understandable.  But by making a blanket statement about an
>> entire organization makes the speaker  sound uninformed and could alienate
>> the listener.
>>
>> $0.02 worth from someone who is afiliated with both the NFB and FFB.
>>
>> Patrick
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nabs-l:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kirt.crazydude%40gmail.com
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nabs-l mailing list
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nabs-l:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>


-- 
Arielle Silverman
President, National Association of Blind Students
Phone:  602-502-2255
Email:
nabs.president at gmail.com
Website:
www.nabslink.org