[nagdu] independence

Sun Apr 29 12:08:33 UTC 2012

Independence has its own meaning for everyone. How someone might
define the word, someone else could define it differently. So as long
as someone is happy with their life the way it is, I guess that is all
that matters.

Yeah so, some might have more self-independence than another but, that
doesn't matter because it is their choice to make for themselves.
Even sited people have different levels of independence. Like my
sister for an example, doesn't do anything without her husband either
knowing or doing it with her. I personally would hate to have someone
control me as much as he does her but, this is what makes her feel
safe, so let her enjoy what she desires. As long as it is not hurting
others then it should be fine.

I am a very independent person to most. I live on my own; I cook and
clean without anyone coming in to help. I rarely have to ask for help.
Just mainly with my mail since my scanner is broke, and the bit at the
stores. Went I do go to the stores, I meet the bus, get on, go to the
store with my bags and list in hand. At the store I get help and we go
around the store to get my things. Then I go back home and the drivers
will usually help me carry my things inside. Since I live so close to
a stop, just about half a block away and this is a small town so they
just take me back to my apartment.

To be honest, since I had eyesight as a child, I feel as if what I do
is not all that independent. Yes I do a lot on my own but, if I were
able to go get my own things in the stores, then I would be much
happier. I prefer to shop in the small stores up town a lot more than
a larger store because I can go in and wonder about and there is
always someone available to ask to describe something. Much more in my
control verses someone walking me all about the stores and taking me
to what I want. At least I can look about much more on my own in the
smaller stores. Unfortunately, the smaller store that I have near me
only sells things like clothes.

But this only goes to say that independence is each owns own deffinition.

On 4/29/12, Mária Orovcíková <maria.orovcikova at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi list,
> I thought I'd post my opinion on this topic.
> I would not go anywhere without my dog because I also have ballance issues
> and my dog helps me keeping a straight line.
> When I am walking just with a cane, I have a problem going straight.
> I hope my post makes sense.
> Have a wonderful day.
> Maria
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Shannon Dyer" <solsticesinger at gmail.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2012 11:37 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] independence
>
>
> Hi, Rox'e.
>
> My situation is different from yours, in that I'm not deaf/blind. However, I
>
> cannot just leave the house without a dog or a person. Very bad things would
>
> happen were I to attempt this.
>
> The belief that not having good cane skills makes people less independent is
>
> narrow-minded, in my opinion. It's fine for people to have good cane skills,
>
> if that's what they feel is important for them, but their views should not
> be foisted onto the rest of us, who lead different lives with different
> strengths and weaknesses.
>
> Shannon and Caroline
> Shannon Dyer
> Alumni Council Member,
> Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc
> ®  and
> America's VetDogs®,  The Veteran's K-9 Corps Inc ®
> Providing "Second Sight" ® since 1946
> 371 E. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
> Office: 631-930-9000, Toll-free: 866-282-8047
> solsticesinger at gmail.com
> To make a donation that can change a life...contact the Guide Dog Foundation
>
> at
> www.guidedog.org
> or America's VetDogs the Veterans K-9 Corps at
> www.vetdogs.org
> Visit us on facebook at:
> www.facebook.com/GuideDogFoundation or www.facebook.com/AmericasVetDogs
>
> On Apr 28, 2012, at 2:11 PM, The Pawpower Pack wrote:
>
>> Cheryl,
>>
>> The issue here is that not everyone can use a cane.  For some of us, we
>> cannot leave the house without either a dog or a person.  This is not me
>> not being independent, it is me being Deaf, Blind, and unable to walk
>> without assistance from something-- be it dog, person, or walker.  It is
>> physically impossible for me to just grab my cane and leave the house.  If
>>
>> I didn't get killed crossing a road by myself, I'd probably fall down and
>>
>> break something.  I am not alone in my limitations and abilities.  There
>> are others, for reasons other than mine, who cannot leave their home
>> alone.  Maybe they have a mental illness and have a dog to help with that.
>>
>> Maybe they're in a wheelchair and need assistance with other tasks.
>>
>> To make broad statements about people's independence isn't helpful.
>>
>> It may be important for you, yourself to have good cane skills.  I know it
>>
>> is important for many people.
>> But understand that this is your life, your skills and your choice and
>> that not everyone can or will make the same choices you do, and this does
>>
>> not mae them less independent.
>>
>> Rox and the Kitchen Bitches:
>> Bristol, Mill'E, Laveau, Baylee,!
>>
>> "Dance, even if you have to warn others to get out of the way first."
>> http://pawpower4me.blogspot.com
>> pawpower4me at gmail.com
>> AIM: brissysgirl
>>
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>
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