[nagdu] airports and security

[Sherri]

Marsha, Hope you recovery from your injuries soon! I regret you had such a 
bad airport experience.
Sherri in Orlando
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marsha Drenth" <marsha.drenth at gmail.com>
To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2010 1:32 PM
Subject: [nagdu] airports and security


> Hi folks,
>
>
>
> On Monday, my hubby and I flew to Texas for thanksgiving. I did not have 
> my
> pup with me, as last Thursday, I fell yet again, and sprained my ankle and
> tore a ligament in my leg. So I am on crutches and wearing a splint,
> probably for at least 2 weeks. So I used a wheelchair to go through
> security. Well lets just say, my experience was not pleasant. I was 
> subject
> to the pat down. The pat down was with another female in a private room.
> Lets just say that my personal space was totally violated. Their hands 
> went
> in areas that a stranger is not suppose to go. I felt so dirty and
> disgusting after wards. I saw all the reports on the news, facebook and
> twitter, about women being vilated through security checks, and I didn't
> believe them, or atleast I wanted to give them the benefit of doubt. But
> they are true. By the time it was all over, I was crying. I set off alarms
> twice, from different parts of body being swabbed. So then they had to go
> through all my stuff and my husbands. I can't imagine what it would have
> been like if I had gone through with my dog. It took us 45 minutes to get
> through security. I know, I know, I know what you all are saying, the
> security is there to protect us. But come on people, me, a totally blind,
> hearing impaired, sprained ankle sort of  person in a wheelchair is the
> least likely person to do anything. Hell I can't even walk at the moment.
> The people being targeted for the pat downs are the people like elderly, 
> the
> disabled, and children. I know we can't be too careful, but there has to 
> be
> a better way.
>
>
>
> This was just my experience. If anyone else wants to hear more graphic
> details, email me off list.
>
>
>
> I know this is off topic, and not talking about guide dogs, but since I am 
> a
> guide dog user, thought I would share my comments and experiences.
>
>
>
> Marsha
>
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