[misc.handicap] accommodation

Beth.Hatch-Alleyne@f207.n260.z1.fidonet.org (Beth Hatch-Alleyne) (06/28/91)

Index Number: 16512

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Mary; I understand how you came to the conclusion that I think we
should not change the world and make it better.  What I should have
said was that I don't believe we should ask for "special" treatment
from our sighted peers to make the world, "better" for blind people.
 We should ask and demand, equal and fair treatment in order that
blind people can gain full participation and access to the world to
become productive citizens.  Although the ACB and the NFB may have
different ideas of what the world is supposed to be, we are trying
to change the status quo, we just maydisagree on what, and how
things must be changed.  Are we, as blind people, going to live in a
world where we are equal partners with our sighted peers, or are we
going to demand special treatment because we are blind.  This may
not be any clearer than before, but we can always continue the
discussion, Beth.

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Mary.Otten@p0.f1089.n261.z1.fidonet.org (Mary Otten) (06/28/91)

Index Number: 16539

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

I think the question comes down to what is considered to be special
treatment. Not that long ago, a blind person with a guidedog couldn't
get into a store, restaurant etc. And there were those blind people who
thought the guidedogs were not necessary, and why didn't people just use
other methods that were accepted by the sighted folks. All technology
etc that we use that is not normally used by the sighted is special. It
helps us compete, but it is special, read different, from the norm. So
the argument boils down to the question of how much special
accommodations are needed and also, does one group or individual have
the right to tell another group or individual that the things they want
are special treatment, whereas the things the first group is using are
just aids to help us compete on an equal footing. That was a long
sentence, but I think you get the point.

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Beth.Hatch-Alleyne@f207.n260.z1.fidonet.org (Beth Hatch-Alleyne) (06/28/91)

Index Number: 16581

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Gary; no, we should not take the extra time on our SAT's.  I have
never taken the extra time offered me on standardized tests.  With
the proper training, a blind person can use Braille, or taped tests,
and if necessary, use a reader, and finish the tests in the standard
time allotment.  I find the extra time allotment insulting, since
people areassuming I'm going to take longer taking a test, just
because I'm blind.   Brailling or taping a test is equal access, or
if a reader is needed to color in the circles on an answer sheet,
this is also equal access....., B H A.

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