Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!cs.utexas.edu!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!203!11!Vixen
From: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: SOMETHING REALLY SILLY
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Date: 8 Jun 90 18:14:22 GMT
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Index Number: 8738

Hi,

Well, I agree with you that "arguing" with the store manager about
the sign would not be be beneficial or serve a positive purpose.
However, I disagree with you, "in the extreme", that I should just
keep it to myself and "chalk it up as another annoying"
experience.

When we do things like that, we then allow others to "walk over" us
and pretend that policies set to assist us are meaningless. While I
need not argue, I refuse to be "silent" about such things, for this
type of silence is poison. I may be blind and hearing impaired, but
I will be damned if I will be further handicapped by becoming
invisible!! No, one thing I have learned, if people do not speak
out, they will not be listened to, ever.

As for the placards. I understand that you do not find them
necessary as a "blind" person, but do keep in mind, that that is
you. There are those of us blind who do need them.

For example, I am a low vision blind and hearing impaired, I do not
"hear" traffic. Traversing a busy city parking lot is not always
very easy even when being guided. (Afterall,  not all of our
friends are that skilled at guiding.) even though I can "walk" fine
and for quite a distance (if my respiratory or hip problems aren't
acting up.) and I find my placard provides a little bit of a
"safety net" for me.

We are not qualified to judge which individuals do or do not "need"
a placard, rather, we know only whether "we" as individuals need
them. I think the majority of concern in this area is the use of
Placards by able bodied friends and family members of the disABLED
person (rather than the disABLED person).

Keepin' the faith!

.                        Vixen

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