[nagdu] pedestrian etiquettte

[Emily Michael]

Hi, all,

The conversation about discourteous encounters at conventions has got me rethinking a recent scenario I experienced. I’d like your thoughts. 

On the college campus where I teach, there is a rehabilitation facility for blind and visually impaired adults. I've trained and taught there, so I’m familiar with most of their staff and clients. As I was getting onto the elevator last week, I noticed someone else on the elevator with me, but he didn’t seem to notice that I had a guide dog or that I was heading his way. Assuming he was sighted, I didn’t make my presence known verbally—other than talking to my dog.

When I emerged from the elevator, after awkwardly edging out of this person’s way because he tried to step out of my way not very successfully, I finally recognized the person. He was a client of the upstairs facility but wasn’t using his cane. An O&M instructor and mutual friend later told me that this student doesn’t use his cane on campus because he knows the area so well. 

Next time I have any doubts about whether the person on the elevator can see me, I’ll just verbalize my presence. But the whole situation caught me off guard. I’m used to hearing canes or jingling harnesses. 

I’m not offering judgement on this student’s choices at all. Though I can’t imagine going anywhere without a cane or a guide dog, if he feels comfortable doing so, that’s his business. My question to you is, have you encountered a situation like this? If so, what do you do?  I imagine that the convention would offer a spectrum of traveling options, and I’d love to hear your travel tips!

Best,
Emily, with York

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Emily K. Michael
emily.k.michael at gmail.com
Blog: http://areyouseeingthis.wordpress.com/

"Nowhere, Love, will world exist but within."
- Rainer Maria Rilke