[Travelandtourism] Discusssion Blind people can travel anywhere with the right planning

Sun Aug 4 13:25:25 UTC 2013

Good morning Bibi and Odie:
You don't have to travel to be part of this division. It was what you like to hear about, and we also need to know about the issues with the Paratransit as well. That is what we work on. I know that Margo Downey was appointed by our Governor Cuomo as Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority's board of Commissioners  here in NY. Margo is our Secretary of this Division. Also Jemal Powell of Illinois  has been an active member of the NFB of Illinois for 21 years, and I have a resume in with my local legislator to sit when there is an opening for the Suffolk County Board of People with Disabilities.
Why do I mention this for Bibi, is because you have rights when you ride the para-transit, it should be an affordable transportation for you and not a burden. We did have a raise in our services this past spring, to go from $2.50 to $3.00 each way, and we haven't had a raise in it since I started using the program which was in 2001, so that is over 11 years.  But I also use the public transportation when I can, it is only $.75 when I use that one, it is also less waiting and aggravation. 
I do not suppose to know you own income that is not any of my business of those on this list.  But I hope you get information on hearings in your area so you can go and speak up at them if you can, I know many who cannot. Is there someone in your state that either sits on a transportation board with the NFB or maybe even call your state president and let them know about the issues.
I do want to remind everyone that on Para-transit that other people with disabilities ride the bus and not just the blind. 
So in this case, it was a person on the regular route bus, they should just mind their own business and you should not let it bother you either. I just say thank you and have a great day. Yes, many times we all don't think before we open our mouths. I don't know if people who are sighted think that we are stupid, uneducated or just like to be big bullies.  I also say, "What goes around, comes around". I don't wish ill things on people. But God doesn't like nastiness.
Your sister in the NFB
Cheryl Echevarra, PresidentNFB Travel and Tourismhttp://www.nfbtravel.orginfo@nfbtravel.org

Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 of NY StateLeading the Way in Independent Travel!
Cheryl Echevarria, Ownerhttp://www.echevarriatravel.com631-456-5394reservations@echevarriatravel.comhttp://www.echevarriatravel.wordpress.com
Affiliated as an independent contractor with Montrose TravelCST - #1018299-10 FL CST T156780Your old car keys can be the keys to literacy for a blind child.  Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking https://nfb.org/vehicledonations or call 855-659-9314.Echevarria Travel has partnered with Braille Smith. http://www.braillesmith.com for all her braille needs.Gail Smith is the Secretary of the NFB of Alabama

> From: orleans24 at comcast.net
> To: travelandtourism at nfbnet.org
> Date: Sat, 3 Aug 2013 19:23:36 -0600
> Subject: Re: [Travelandtourism] Discusssion Blind people can travel anywhere	with the right planning
> 
> Sadly, it seems that disrespect and rudeness is becoming more common.
> I have seen it on both sides of the coin.
> All of that can create lots of emotional damage or even, enemies.
> Although this may not be related to the topic directly, but just an example...
> Yesterday while Odie and I were returning home for a short time before doing anything else, I was on the route0 bus.
> I always try to stick with using public transportation for the most part if I can do so.
> Paratransit is getting too expensive and I find it becoming more inconvenient, given that they expect people to be on the van under five minutes.
> When Odie travels with me while I'm out and about, I have him wear shoes to protect his paws.
> Some lady sitting next to me had the nerve to tell me it was too hot out for Odie to be wearing shoes.
> I told her no it wasn't and that either my partner's feet stay protected or get burned.
> I let her know that if I have to wear shoes, then so should my working partner.
> He also wears them when I use my power wheelchair so if he should accidentally get his paws caught under the wheels, his feet don't get hurt as badly.
> Cheryl, keep on doing the best you can and if I should ever do any other type of traveling, I'll be sure to let ya know.
> I just hope that one day, I'll be able to get over the discomfort of flying again, as I'm not fond of flying that much.
> I have dealt with Greyhound in the past and also used Amtraak last year which Odie and I both liked and enjoyed a lot.
> The experience was great.
> Bibi and son Odie
> who wish if it is going to storm,
> that it would do so
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