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From: Linda.Iverson@f10.n130.z1.fidonet.org (Linda Iverson)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Way too expensive!
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Date: 21 Dec 90 05:11:01 GMT
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[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

Hi, James!
 
Well, I'm not sure I completely agree with your position on the kids 
with no disabilities pretending they have one.  I see what you're saying 
and guess I agree overall.  If the people who plan the programs would 
come to us with disabilities and ask how we do things and what can 
we share to make the experience more real I could agree to that.  However, 
generally, and I realize there are exceptions to every rule, they don't 
ask us.  When I lived in North Dakota, a guy with cerebral palsy had 
begun a program where people with different disabilities would go and 
talk to schoolchildren.  However, for some reason--probably money--the 
real people were replaced with volunteers bringing puppets.  Well, 
even if a volunteer is familiar with a disability they can spout "facts" 
as they have heard them, but they can't recount personal experiences. 

 I don't recall ever being teased in school--maybe I forgot.  I'm not 
saying it doesn't happen, but I believe the parents' should be educated 
ahd have a good attitude about their child's disability so that child 
will already be strong in his self-image by the time he gets to school. 

 I know some blind people who won't bring braille books or magazines 
to bus terminals, doctors' offices, etc., because they know people 
will stare.  Well, I figure that's their problem.  I would rather read 
than sit and get bored.  Occasionally I've gotten into some interesting 
conversations because someone asked me about braille.  Anyway, good 
point, and I think we all have to look for ways to let groups know 
we're willing to share our knowledge.
 
Take care,
 
Linda
 

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