Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!caen!umich!yale!bunker!wtm From: cmfaltz@phoenix.princeton.edu (Christine Marie Faltz) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Re: Paratransit Message-ID: <16376@handicap.news> Date: 24 Jun 91 19:31:51 GMT References: <16367@handicap.news> Sender: wtm@bunker.isc-br.com Reply-To: cmfaltz@phoenix.princeton.edu (Christine Marie Faltz) Organization: Princeton University Lines: 81 Approved: wtm@hnews.fidonet.org Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference Index Number: 16376 Good for you, Tom; I agree completely. Of course, there are elderly people who are blind who have bad hips or are otherwise unable to move about with ease. But inadequate mobility skills or an unwillingness to walk several blocks to a bus stop is not a valid reason for paratransit. In the first case, paratransit is only superficial protection for someone whose travel skills are inadequate. Spend state oney on getting better mobility training, don't rob the mobility impaired of their accessible rights because we need better cane instructors or because you're lazy. While we're discussing those who believe they deserve preferential treat,emt because their sight is minimal or nonexistent, I want to say that I agree with -- I believe it was Tim -- on matters of Free Matter, SsI, etc. As far as half fare or free transportation, why should the econmically disavantaged blind get something single mothers, homelss children and adults or other unemployed folks don't get? If one argues that these people have ore opportunity to better themselves, -- I'm sorry, but you're wrong. As far as SSI, why should I, the dependent of a two-income family, be given money because I'm blind? I take my checks, but I am keeping careful track of what the state has and continues to spend on me. Why? Because I intend to find a way of spending that amount of money over a period of years on a person or persons who deserve my investment. There is no reason why people should be paying my way for anything, but as long as I am "entitled" under the law, I am going to pay it back. I intend to look after myself; I don't want the money of those who refuse to admit that I am capable of makimg it for myself. Free Matter. As far as mailing books, I think it is fair for us to have the Free Matter regulations, since ths ighted have access to books without mailing. However, we should be required to pay some fee for textbooks, since sighted college students pay quite a bit for theirs. (May I point out that most college students are not wealthy, so using the economic argument is bogus.) I NEVER use the Free Matter privilege for personal mail. As for magazines, why aren't we paying a subscription fee for those we wish to receive? Sighted people pay for their magazines. Someone made the point that they can copy magazines at a library; not legally, my friend. I agree that subscription fees should not be equal, since we do get themagazimes late. But did you ever stop to think that if we paid a little for what we get, quality would be better. It would take several days, instead of weeks, forus to get our magazines. There are sighted people who are not well enough off to afford the luxury of magazines. They must go to the library if they want to read those magazines or watch television or go to a public access computer number -- if theyown a computer andmodem Why should we, simply because we are blind, get all this "assistance"? Even if I disagree with some people on this echo, it is clear that you are intelligent people and there isno reason why each and every one of you should not be able to convince an employer that you are capable of gainful employment. SSI offers no incentive for getting off? Excuse me, but I intend to make far more money than SSI offers me, and I'm certainly not going to let my mind rot doing nothing but reading my handouts. I know that many blind people are elderly and do not wish to try to get work any longer. I am talking to those of us who are young and still have spirit. Why should my taxes be going to pay for some blind person who thinks the world owes him or her something? The world owes me nothing but respect and the acknowledgment that I am a capable and competent human being. If it continues to refuse to give me that, I will smply have to fight it to the best of my ability -- I am winning now, and I will continue to win. The rest of you -- and I know most of you already are -- can win, too. We are equal to the rest, not special, and not needy. I'm tired of hearing how dependent the conomically disadvantaged blind must be gon the handouts society offers us. If you became sighted tomorrow, all your little handouts would disappear. Of course, you might argue: "If I got my sight tomorrow, someone would hire me." Really? I've got news for you: motivation and skill get you employed. ATtitude, perseverance, and determination get you what you want. There are plenty of sighted people who are kept outof the job market because they believe that they aren't worth anything, that they aren't capble or that they, who are women, blacks, gays, learning disabled, etc. will not get hired. Sooner or later, people begin to realize that just because you're white and male, doesn't mean you're competent and the best worker for the job. People don't want to go bankrupt; they will hire you if you're the best, or at least one of the best. Become one of the best. I intend to, and I hope all of you come right along with me. -- | Poor is the person whose permission | Christine Faltz 33 Prospect Ave. | | depends upon the perceptions of others | Princeton, NJ 08540 | "Who is John Galt?"