[nagdu] "Starting a Dialogue?

Wed May 12 18:54:47 UTC 2010

Hi to all

Albert, I totally agree with your dialogue.  It is very well put.

I don't feel that an individual fumbling through their dinner is going
to gain any real insight about how a blind person lives.  Because that
individual has not obtained skills for eating without sight, I feel,
in a way, they are mocking blind people and making us appear like
funbling idiots.  Surely, they can come up with a more positive way to
solicit funds.

On 5/12/10, Marion Gwizdala <blind411 at verizon.net> wrote:
> Dear All,
>     I fully appreciate the sentiment that "starting a dialogue" is a far
> better approach to this issue than protesting it. As for the Foundation
> Fighting Blindness, I have written to them on a number of occasions to share
> how their view of blindness and the information they disseminate does more
> harm than good to the blind. I also know that, in the case of FFB, some of
> their very involved blind volunteers have also shared their concerns about
> the approach they employ to no avail.
>     In addition to FFB, I have also expressed my concerns to other
> organizations that employ the fear factor in raising funds and "awareness"
> (please notice quotes, as it is not, IMO), including some of the Lighthouses
> for the Blind and Prevent Blindness. Their tactics, however, are very
> fruitful for them, helping raise their much-needed revenue. Furthermore,
> they have the support of those in the blind community who feel indebted to
> them for the help they have received, as well as those who have a negative
> view of blindness and cannot see the proverbial "forest through the trees",
> as they generally enjoy the coddling, having been taught by these
> organizations that this is the best they can expect of themselves and should
> accept the good will of the public who, after all, "are only trying to
> help"! This brings up another applicable proverb: "The road to hell is paved
> with good intentions!"
>     "Starting a dialogue" implies that one has not yet been attempted. Not
> only has it been attempted, the NFB has published information that I have
> shared on this list concerning the dangers of simulation exercises such as
> "Dining in the Dark". Furthermore, as I have also stated on this list, the
> few people who pay $100+ per plate to eat in the dark are not the only ones
> impacted by this inaccurate portrayal of the incapacity of the blind. When
> news releases are circulated by these "experts on blindness" (again, see
> quotes, as they are not!), the media accepts the stereotypes and reports on
> them, not only by reporting on the event, but by believing such inaccuracies
> as our compensatory abilities and heightened senses, using such
> misconceptions in future reporting!
>     Whether discrimination is founded in hatred or in pity, it is founded in
> the same underlying ignorance. If we are to be seen as equals, we must be
> treated as equals. differential treatment founded in the pitifulness
> simulation exercises promote do nothing to bring us to the point of
> equality. Rather, it relegates us to a second-class status in which we are
> seen as needy! This results in many people seeing me, no matter how
> successful I may be, and saying "There but for the grace of God go I!" They
> are really saying, "Oh, poor man! I am glad I am not like him!" They have no
> clue how full and wonderful my life is and, most likely, imagine it to be
> very depressing! After all, "If I were blind, I would kill myself!" How many
> times have we all heard this? I, personally, would rather be blind than
> dead! JMHO!
>
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 2:13 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Carolina Eye Partners With Mira Foundation
>
>
>> And isn't starting a dialogue a great thing and a good step toward
>> dispelling misperceptions about our abilities
>>
>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>> CEO/Founder
>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>> New York, New York  10004
>> www.myblindspot.org
>> PH: 917-553-0347
>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who is
>> doing it."
>>
>>
>> Visit us on Facebook LinkedIn
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>> Of Linda Gwizdak
>> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 12:55 PM
>> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Carolina Eye Partners With Mira Foundation
>>
>> Hey Margo,
>> Look at it this way - the waitors are all real blind people.  Yes, the
>> sighted diners are bumbling around but they do see how efficient the
>> genuine
>>
>> blind waitors are in serving them!
>>
>> It's all just a gimmick that can start a real dialog on blindness.
>>
>> Lyn and Landon
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Margo and Arrow" <margo.downey at verizon.net>
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2010 1:40 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Carolina Eye Partners With Mira Foundation
>>
>>
>>> but while they are in the experience, they must think we're so helpless
>>> because they're blundering about trying to figure out how to dine while
>>> blindfolded.  I do not like blindness simulations at all.  Makes us look
>>> helpless.
>>>
>>> margo and arrow
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Linda Gwizdak" <linda.gwizdak at cox.net>
>>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2010 12:31 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Carolina Eye Partners With Mira Foundation
>>>
>>>
>>>> Hi,
>>>> I never went to a "Dining in the Dark" event - too expensive! But, I
>>>> know
>>
>>>> some people who worked for it a few years ago here in San diego.  I
>>>> don't
>>
>>>> think it is around anymore as those people have moved on to other jobs.
>>>> They never said that the "Dining in the Dark" was bad towards blindness.
>>>> After all, everyone had fun and had the knowledge that the blindfold
>>>> come
>>
>>>> off or the lights get turned on and they go off to live their sighted
>>>> lives. I see this as a gimmick to fundraise with and I have no problem
>>>> with it. I see no harm in it.  the people know that the waitors are all
>>>> really blind and that is something positive.
>>>>
>>>> As far as a "realistic" experinece for sighted people, I think it is the
>>>> same as doing a "White Cane Safety Day" and having people don blindfolds
>>>> to walk with a cane. It makes people aware that they actually have other
>>>> senses other than sight that really do influence their movement in the
>>>> envirnment.
>>>>
>>>> It probably is like a person who is newly blind and hasn't learned any
>>>> skills yet.
>>>>
>>>> Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms out there in NAGDU-land!
>>>>
>>>> Lyn and Landon
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
>>>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Saturday, May 08, 2010 10:07 AM
>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Carolina Eye Partners With Mira Foundation
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>I am curious, as we seem to find fault in the dining in the dark
>>>>>experience
>>>>> has any one of us attended one of these events to find out first hand
>>>>> how
>>>>> blindness is presented at these events? I recall the response to
>>>>> letters
>>>>> sent to Florida highlighting the sensory appreciation of food devoid of
>>>>> sight influencing one's taste or preference over what to try and or not
>>>>> try.
>>>>> It would be interesting   to here from someone with first hand
>>>>> experience
>>>>> with attendance at one of these events.
>>>>>
>>>>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>>>>> CEO/Founder
>>>>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>>>>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>>>>> New York, New York  10004
>>>>> www.myblindspot.org
>>>>> PH: 917-553-0347
>>>>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>>>>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who
>>>>> is
>>>>> doing it."
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Visit us on Facebook LinkedIn
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>>>> Behalf
>>>>> Of Julie J
>>>>> Sent: Saturday, May 08, 2010 12:28 PM
>>>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Carolina Eye Partners With Mira Foundation
>>>>>
>>>>> The article says it was established in 2008.  I suppose that is in
>>>>> reference
>>>>>
>>>>> to the US school, since the one in Canada has been around for a while.
>>>>> That's pretty recent and could be why no one has heard of it before.
>>>>>
>>>>> I think the whole concept of "Dining in the Dark" is not very
>>>>> productive
>>
>>>>> in
>>>>> the long run.  Helpful in raising funds, yes, but pretty low in any
>>>>> meaningful understanding of blindness.
>>>>>
>>>>> JMHO
>>>>> Julie
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>> From: "Buddy Brannan" <buddy at brannan.name>
>>>>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 9:06 PM
>>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Carolina Eye Partners With Mira Foundation
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Why haven't we heard of who? Mira or the Carolina Eye thingy? Mira has
>>>>>> been around a while, but I didn't know they were expanded into the US;
>>>>>> Mira is a guide dog school in Quebec. (They teach their guide dogs
>>>>>> French.)
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
>>>>>> Phone: (814) 860-3194 or 888-75-BUDDY
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On May 7, 2010, at 7:03 PM, Margo and Arrow wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> got problems with this--dining in the dark and why haven't we heard
>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>> them before?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Margo and Arrow
>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Toni Eames"
>>>>>>> <eeames at csufresno.edu>
>>>>>>> To: <gdui-friends at yahoogroups.com>; <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 12:57 PM
>>>>>>> Subject: [nagdu] Carolina Eye Partners With Mira Foundation
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Carolina Eye Partners With Mira Foundation
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Wednesday, May 5, 2010
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>
>> <http://www.thepilot.com/news/2010/may/05/carolina-eye-partners-mira-foundat
>>>>>
>> ion/>http://www.thepilot.com/news/2010/may/05/carolina-eye-partners-mira-fou
>>>>> ndation/
>>>>>>>> Mira Foundation USA, a nonprofit dedicated to providing guide dogs
>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>> children in need, announces Carolina Eye Associates as one of the
>>>>>>>> organization's founding corporate partners.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Mira USA is the only nonprofit providing guide dogs to visually
>>>>>>>> impaired
>>>>>
>>>>>>>> young children in the United States. The two organizations both
>>>>>>>> share
>>>>>>>> the same concern and commitment to providing young children with the
>>>>>>>> resources - and companions - that enable personal independence and
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> freedom of mobility.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Carolina Eye is also the headline sponsor of Mira USA's upcoming
>>>>>>>> "Dining
>>>>>
>>>>>>>> in the Dark" fundraiser event taking place May 14 at the Country
>>>>>>>> Club
>>
>>>>>>>> of
>>>>>
>>>>>>>> North Carolina in Pinehurst.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Mira USA is an organization close to all our hearts, and we admire
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> passion with which they've tackled the huge job of providing these
>>>>>>>> specially trained guide dogs to young children across our country,"
>>>>>>>> said
>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Dr. Greg Mincey, of Carolina Eye Associates. "We are proud to be a
>>>>>>>> part
>>>>>>>> of Mira USA's mission for improving the lives of children in need of
>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>> guide dog and invite other companies and organizations nationwide to
>>>>>>>> join us in supporting their effort."
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Dining in the Dark" is one of many community activities held to
>>>>>>>> raise
>>>>>>>> awareness and funds to support the work of Mira USA. The concept
>>>>>>>> began
>>>>>>>> in Germany and has spread to cities where restaurants offer a unique
>>>>>>>> twist on a normal dinner out: guests gather to wine and dine in
>>>>>>>> darkness. With the complete loss of vision - and the resulting
>>>>>>>> heightening of the other four senses - Dining in the Dark will be an
>>>>>>>> extraordinary adventure.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "This is the first time such an event has been presented in North
>>>>>>>> Carolina," said a spokesman. "Reserved seats are filling quickly for
>>>>>>>> this dinner as the community has embraced both the novelty of the
>>>>>>>> event
>>>>>>>> and the mission of Mira USA."
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "We are grateful to have the support of the distinguished team at
>>>>>>>> Carolina Eye Associates," said Robert Baillie, Mira USA founder and
>>>>>>>> chairman. "There are over 57,000 visually impaired young children in
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>
>>>>>>>> United States and ours is a big undertaking to begin to serve this
>>>>>>>> largely overlooked population by providing specially trained service
>>>>>>>> dogs. I've experienced how the dog can provide a bridge between the
>>>>>>>> child and the community, diminishing the stigma often associated
>>>>>>>> with
>>>>>>>> disabilities, and with the support of the public and organizations
>>>>>>>> like
>>>>>>>> Carolina Eye, we will give as many children as possible this
>>>>>>>> tremendous
>>>>>>>> gift of independence and companionship."
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> MIRA Foundation USA Inc. is dedicated to enriching the lives of the
>>>>>>>> largely overlooked population of young children living with
>>>>>>>> disabilities
>>>>>
>>>>>>>> by providing specially trained service dogs. Mira USA was
>>>>>>>> established
>>
>>>>>>>> in
>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 2008 by Robert Baillie. Having suddenly lost his sight and realizing
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>
>>>>>>>> life-changing difference his guide dog Devon made for him, Bob set
>>>>>>>> out
>>>>>>>> to improve the experience of individuals living with blindness.
>>>>>>>> These
>>>>>>>> special dogs and services are given to children free of charge.
>>>>>>>> Although
>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Mira USA will provide dogs to all who qualify, its main focus is on
>>>>>>>> children 11 years of age and above. Mira USA believes everyone
>>>>>>>> should
>>>>>>>> have access to the tools and resources that enable personal
>>>>>>>> independence
>>>>>
>>>>>>>> and freedom of mobility, and invites you to be a part of it. Learn
>>>>>>>> more
>>>>>>>> at <http://www.mirausa.org>www.mirausa.org or (910) 944-7757.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Carolina Eye Associates is one of the largest eye-care practices in
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> Southeast, with eight regional eye-care centers in North and South
>>>>>>>> Carolina. Carolina Eye was established in 1977 in Pinehurst/Southern
>>>>>>>> Pines, N.C., by Dr. Robert Gale Martin and Dr. George Tate Jr. Since
>>>>>>>> then, patients from across the United States and more than 20
>>>>>>>> foreign
>>>>>>>> countries have come to Carolina Eye for eye care needs. For more
>>>>>>>> information, please visit
>>>>>>>> <http://www.carolinaeye.com>www.carolinaeye.com.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
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