[Travelandtourism] Travel Independence how do we feel about this, please read all of the e-mail

[Cindy Handel]

I think Dr. Jernigan is exactly right in his speech.

When I was younger and a new member of the NFB, I believed that independence 
meant I must do everything myself and do it as well or better than a sighted 
person.  In some ways, maybe that was good, because I made myself strive to 
be the best I could be.  But, I failed to realize the benefits of allowing 
others to help when they really wanted to help and had good intentions.  I 
also overlooked the fact that sometimes something like traveling through an 
unfamiliar area when time was a factor could be done more efficiently on the 
arm of a sighted person.

Due to age and experience, I've come to understand that I am still an 
independent blind person, even when I do take someone's arm or agree to ride 
one of those electric carts through an airport to my next gate.

However, I do think we need to be aware of how much assistance we're 
accepting or seeking.  If we're always taking someone's arm when we could 
navigate efficiently on our own, or if we always ask a neighbor to take us 
somewhere when we could walk, take the bus or a cab, then we might not be as 
independent as we once were.  So, I think there's a fine line.  We can't say 
one way is right all the time or the other way is right.  It all depends on 
circumstances.

Cindy----- Original Message ----- 
From: "cheryl echevarria" <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
To: "travelandtourism" <travelandtourism at nfbnet.org>
Cc: "David R. Stayer" <davidrstayer6 at gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 3:26 PM
Subject: [Travelandtourism] Travel Independence how do we feel about 
this,please read all of the e-mail


I have just finished listening and watching the video of Dr. Jernigan at the
Dallas, 1993 Convention. The Presentation called The Nature of Independence.

Which I think all should try and make a point of listening to this, I am
always learning about the history of the NFB.

This is in reference to traveling independently, which may mean taking an
arm if it is being offered.

It doesn't mean you are not a good cane traveler, but it might be needed,
especially in an area that you may not be familiar with, etc.

Talking also about people getting testy to other who are offering the arm,
even if the area is a dangerous area they are in.

What this means to me?

It bring things to life, that yes I don't have to be ashamed to ask for help
if needed, also I am a guide dog, and as a guide dog, the dog is guiding, he
doesn't know a new area unless I have been there.

Case in point, Orlando Airport at this past Convention.  My dog has never
been there before, and I have been there but with other people, but I was
traveling alone, I asked for the help, knowing that I would need to meet my
shuttle at a certain time, where it was, how to get my luggage, etc.

These are things that we will be focusing on in this division independent
travel and NFB Philosophy.

Let's hear from you.

This video/audio will be available also on the nfb-travel.org website once
it is up and running.

To listen to this audio/video or to read the speech itself.

go to.

http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Speeches_and_Reports_Banquet_Speeches.asp?SnID=1806709198#Kenneth




Leading the Way in Independent Travel!

Cheryl Echevarria
http://www.echevarriatravel.com
631-456-5394
reservations at echevarriatravel.com

Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Superior Travel, located in
Baldwin, NY. www.superiortravel.com

Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Absolute Cruise & Travel, Inc.


_______________________________________________
Travelandtourism mailing list
Travelandtourism at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/travelandtourism_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
Travelandtourism:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/travelandtourism_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40verizon.net