[nfb-talk] Extra Tax Exemption

[T. Joseph Carter]

My opinion, generally unasked-for though it may be, is that we worry 
sometimes far too much about what people might think if they see 
something.

Over on the NABS list, someone asked about the notion that she might 
need a single dorm room for herself.  The immediate response from the 
list was that she must at all costs refuse this on the grounds that 
she should not wish to be seen as needing something.

How insecure in oneself must one be to constantly assume that 
something as simple as asking for more than half a shoebox as a 
living arrangement somehow connotes inferiority? I gave the most 
logical advice I could:  If you want a roommate, do not allow the 
school to isolate you.  If you don't, ask for a single.  If someone 
asks if it's for your disability, answer honestly that it is simply 
your preference.

Being a bit older than the average undergraduate, not a small person, 
and having more possessions than comfortably fit in half a shoebox, I 
greatly valued my single room.  I paid for the privilege, as did half 
of the students on my floor.  I did move eventually into a graduate 
student apartment, which required special approval, but the request 
was based on age and personality, not disability.

Joseph


On Sat, Apr 24, 2010 at 10:49:18PM -0700, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote:
>In my experience I have never heard or run across any negative 
>feelings about it on the part of society as a whole. The benefits of 
>it for idnividuals outweigh any alleged unproven detriments as a 
>whole.
>Chuck