[misc.handicap] Still more thoughts

Linda.Iverson@f10.n130.z1.fidonet.org (Linda Iverson) (12/21/90)

Index Number: 12537

[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

Hi, Jay!
I thought your message to James was interesting, so decided to comment. 

 I agree with what you said, but I am coming into it from a blind person's 
viewpoint.  Anyway, what do you think Helen Keller meant when she said 
blindness cut people off from things?  I personally have a lot of respect 
for Helen Keller and think she advanced education and opportunities 
for the blind, deaf, and certainly deaf-blind in many ways, but she 
had many opportunities that the average deaf and blind person never 
have.  I wonder if the average uninformed and non-disabled person compare 
us to her?  I have had people speak very loudly to me on occasion and 
have wondered if they somehow thought all blind people couldn't hear 
well.  Even if you can't, I don't think shouting is the answer.  I 
was glad to hear you and a co-worker had established a friendship. 

 I think you're right; for the most part, again this is my opinion, 
many disabilities don't get as much as others.  I think the mentally 
handicapped get more than any of us.  While it is true that there are 
Commissions for the Blind and separate rehab sections, I can tell you 
many of them provide very little service.  From what I've read blindness 
is the disability that people fear the most, but then maybe they don't 
think as much about a disability that can't be seen.
Take care,
Linda

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