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. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!260!207!Beth.Hatch-Alleyne Internet: Beth.Hatch-Alleyne@f207.n260.z1.fidonet.org
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. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!261!1089.0!Mary.Otten Internet: Mary.Otten@p0.f1089.n261.z1.fidonet.org
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. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!260!207!Beth.Hatch-Alleyne Internet: Beth.Hatch-Alleyne@f207.n260.z1.fidonet.org