[Nfbk] Situation at KSB

[Cathy Jackson]

It is hard to believe that in 2013 staff at KSB have the audacity to require blind high school students to hold a rope so they wouldn't get separated from one another. I was also told that once the two staff members started hearing back-lash, they were claiming it was a "team building exercise." Give me a break! That's an excuse to cover up their mistake. I wonder how they would feel if they were asked to hold a rope to get around? I can't imagine how these students must have felt? Degraded and humiliated only begins  to describe this situation. I applaud the young man who stood his ground and refused to obey. He is a champion for all blind people. These staff members should receive a stiff punishment for their part in all of this. Is there anyone at KSB who has the backbone to resolve the problem? Or, is this the attitude at the school in general?
Cathy Jackson, President
National Federation of the
Blind of Kentucky

 

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 27, 2013, at 9:05 AM, "Nickie Pearl" <njp at twc.com> wrote:

> Hello!
>     This Tuesday during Summer Enrichment at KSB there was a situation that happened that I would like to share with everyone. The back story is that on Monday the Middle school kids went out on a field trip & one of the kids got lost/separated from the group.  On Tuesday when the High School kids were going to swim, when departing the bus they instructed the kids to hold on to a rope so no one get lost/separated. Yes, you heard that correctly, they were instructed to hold onto a rope.  One young man refused to hold the rope & ultimately the kids were put back on the bus and returned to KSB without swimming.
> There was a veteran staff member & a new staff member present & as I understand, it was the new staff member who cam up with this rope idea.
>     The actions of these staff members are inexcusable, disrespectful & down right degrading!  Parents send their kids to KSB to learn independence, life skills, O&M & confidence, not to be lead around like animals or criminals!  This action was a slap in the face to all those kids, other staff members, alumni & all blind persons of this community.
>     We need to spread the word about this situation, call or write KSB & express our disgust & disappointment in the actions of these staff members.  Let them know that using a rope is unacceptable &  that the members of the National Federation of the Blind will not tolerate this sort of degrading behavior.  Also, we need to make sure to applaud   the actions of the young man who refused the rope!
>  
> Thank you!
> Nickie
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