[nfbwatlk] FW: [List] Blind Ex-minister & Guidedog barred from paralympic games

[Mike Freeman]

So much for the Paralympics! I tell you: people with disabilities should
settle for nothing less than the regular Olympics! Read on!

Mike


-----Original Message-----
From: list-bounces at cfb.ca [mailto:list-bounces at cfb.ca] On Behalf Of
list at cfb.ca
Sent: Monday, September 03, 2012 3:28 PM
To: list at cfb.ca
Subject: [List] Blind Ex-minister & Guidedog barred from paralympic games

I just read this on a post on my facebook page from Shawn at Blind
Beginnings.

Heere's the article, it really shows... well a lot really:


Barred: Former Home Secretary David Blunkett was prevented from taking his
seat at the Paralympic opening ceremony because he was with his guide dog
Cosby

It is the world's biggest showcase of equality for the disabled.

But that didn't help David Blunkett when he arrived at the Paralympics
opening ceremony with his guide dog.

The former Home Secretary, who has been blind since birth, was unable to
take his seat because he had his dog in tow.

Mr Blunkett was shocked and angry after a 'stroppy and insensitive' Games
official refused to let him sit in his allocated spot.

After a frank exchange, a makeshift seat was eventually arranged for the
Labour MP on an 'exposed, blustery gantry' for the three-and-a-half hour
show.

Mr Blunkett, 65, one of the country's most high-profile guide dog users,
decided not to 'have a hissy fit', insisting he did not want to detract
from the spirit of the Paralympics and its 'demonstration of equality of
opportunity'.

But he has now spoken out to ensure that others with guide dogs do not
endure the same humiliation.

He told the Daily Mail: 'This isn't just about me. This is about getting
it right.

'I want Games organisers to learn a lesson for the future so that people
with guide dogs can be treated as equals.'

Mr Blunkett said he had to 'bite his lip' after he was told that his seat
was unsuitable for assistance dog Cosby, a black curly-coated retriever
cross.

He said that up until that point, Games officials and volunteers had
treated him with the utmost respect - but things changed when he tried to
take his seat.

He added: 'What happened highlights how far we still have to go in
changing attitudes towards the challenges faced by people with
disabilities.'



Retreived from:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2196551/Games-jobsworth-bars-ex-mini
ster-Blunkett-Paralympic-opening-ceremony-GUIDE-DOG.html


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