[blindkid] Cutting lines and accepting help at airports

[Steve Jacobson]

Eric,

It is not possible to say exactly what each person should do about accepting help because we all have differing abilities.  I think, though, that we need to 
keep in mind that society is constantly thinking we need assistance to a greater degree than we do.  This is a part of society's view of us as helpless.  We 
will never change that if we don't try to do as much as we can independently.  It is often easier to accept assistance than to do it ourselves, but if we do 
that, we will never learn what our real capabilities are, and just as important, neither will the general public.  

I won't tell you I have never taken the easier road by accepting help, because probably most of us have.  However, there are so very many things I 
thought I could not do that I have found that I can do by simply trying when it was a little scarey or inconvenient.  I believe that learning what I can about 
my capabilities is part of my work as an NFB member, and it usually works out.

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson
  
On Fri, 11 Oct 2013 22:18:32 -0500, Eric Calhoun wrote:

>Hi Arielle, it's Eric.  I just read your response, and I was always told
>that while in a group, do what the group does and be quiet.  This could
>also mean skipping lines at theme parks.  When I was at Disney's California
>Adventure, I was by myself last year, but I had some assistance getting on
>and off rides.  To this date, I have very strong objections waiting for a
>ride longer than an hour.  1.  It could be a hot day, and I could get
>sunburned.  2.  I get aggravated standing on my feet for long periods. 
>Luckily, I would need assistance for this reason.

>Arielle, I took a trip to Nashville this year, and took all assistance
>offered.  The only things I didn't accept were offers to sit in a
>wheelchair.  Since Southwest Air Lines doesn't have assigned seating, I
>accepted pre-boarding arrangements.  I also had 2 objections: use of the
>straight cane and holding up the planes.

>I'll say, for the record, that only a few of you know my birthday, which
>is March 21.  I'll be 40 then, so I have endured a lot of fights for and
>with advocacy.  I've learned to be militant, pro-active, and to stand up
>for myself.  To everyone on blindkid, thank you for bringing this topic up.
> And Arielle, you've taught me alot, too!  Cynthia, thank you, too.  I hope
>Jack is doing well.

>Eric
>..

>..

>Eric from Los Angeles.  Live life!  Love community!  Eric on Facebook:
>eric at pmpmail.com.

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