[stylist] Canes and dogs

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

At the risk of being taken out of context and accused of intolerance and
asserting my way is the only way, I will make a comment on this topic.

In fact, perhaps I should point-blank state that I only speak from my
personal experience, but I'm not suggesting or implying my way is best.
Hopefully this is good enough for some who like to interpret my post on
alternative skills as being close-minded and not allowing others to
express their opinions.

For those of us who use a cane, it is the only way we know how to to
travel with an independent tool.  I learned the cane and have never used
a dog- the cane is what I am familiar with.  I'm not so arrogant to
assume that another method is not as effective though.

I've met many blind people who believe a dog is not an effective tool
nor can a person be truly independent with a dog.  These people are
ignorant of how a dog is used, and to be honest, anyone unwilling to be
open-minded is hurting themselves and society.

The person who wrote into the editor obviously is a moron who is
intolerant and probably not a great example of a competent, positive
blind person.

Of course when I make recommendations to people, I will tell them to use
a cane with the small metal tip and make sure it is at least up to their
chin, but only because this is what I know and what has worked for me.
None of us can speak much on any method we are not familiar with.

My goal is for any blind person to be as independent as possible, and if
a dog, or some other method, works to accomplish that for you, then
there is nothing wrong with it.  Judgment does go both ways, but no one
should question a persons motives and claim they can not be independent
due to a tool or method.  To be honest, I see way to much judgment and
intolerance among blind people, especially in the NFB.

In the Federation, our ultimate goal is suppose to be independence and
reaching our full potential.  If we are doing that, why should it matter
what tools and methods we use?

I believe officially supporting one tool, method, skill, is just opening
the gate to prejudice and judgment.  Obviously you have to use what is
most efficient, but if you are reaching independence and success, no one
should be stating that one way is better, or the only way.  We just
create more problems by these attitudes.

I think it was good a response was made to this fools comments.  There
are cane and dog users who are great, and there are others who could use
some help to learn each respective tool better.  But don't assume one is
better than another.  Both are viable, efficient tools when used
properly.

Bridgit