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From: Kit.Thomas@f31.n105.z1.fidonet.org (Kit Thomas)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: school for the blind
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Date: 16 Aug 90 19:16:10 GMT
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[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

> as for creating a generation of wellfair blind,
> i think that that has always been the temptation
> of most commisions for the blind or equil athorities.
> worse than that, i think the students that attend our public
> schools
> are in for a lonely and frustrating schoo experrance.
 

Well, yes and no.  I attended a school for the blind for a whine,
and then a public school.  Both had some positive and negative
impact.

The School for the Blind taught me some good study habits.  I
learned that I was able to progress well despite my vision and was
not limited in academics, as long as I was willing to work at it.
But I also reacted badly to the institutional setting and rigidity
of the system.  The ability to express oneself or be different was
quashed for expediency.

In public school, I met lots of rejection and outright hostility
from students and teachers.  I also found more to occupy my time.
More academic opportunity, sports (besides wrestling) and social
diversity.  Overall, it was more difficult, but worth the effort to
me.

Please note that this is only my opinion and, as such, is
subjective.

Take care,

Kit

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