Spring Bouquet for Transit Driver

Yeah, yeah, yeah…it’s Saturday night and I’m going to take advantage of the fact that most people are out on the town, doing important stuff like smooching with their sweeties and I AM NOT! Sigh. Maybe it’s something in the spring air or the effects of drinking the HRM tap water, but I feel a burning desire to give one (I SAID ONE) Metro Transit bus driver a pat on the back, tip of my jaunty beret, nod of approval, and spring bouquet all rolled into one. Given the intense satisfaction I normally derive when I have the opportunity (and there are plenty of them) to blast Transit drivers (see earlier blogs), I feel oddly conflicted and confused about this new-found bus driver appreciation…but here goes; On Friday, I was riding the #14 bus, bound for the UU church on Inglis to rehearse a ‘green opera’ which I am writing and co-directing (don’t ask. I’ll tell you about it sometime). The driver was a little behind schedule, not unusual for a Metro Transit bus. It was past peak hours minutes (This IS Halifaxl) so the bus was not the packed sardine it can it can some times. I lulled into my typical bus stupour but remained minimally alert, which allowed my brain to count the turns that the bus was making (to figure out where to get off…driver had not asked me, and I thought he had sounded a tad frazzled and would probably forget to tell me anyway). It turns out that I need not have bothered. I also did not need a compass or GPS to realize that the collective, “Hey!” from passengers (Oh those eloquent St. Mary’s students!) meant that we had blown by Robie street without making the #14 route’s right hand turn off of South Street. The driver realized what had happened quickly enough (maybe it was the three panicky students who swarmed the guy within 2.749 seconds of realizing that the bus was off route). I listened to the following exchange between the driver and students ( they had quickly lurched forward to stand next to the driver, I-pods temporarily disconnected from their heads to allow their ears access to their cell phones;
Driver: “Sorry, I’m used to working the #41 route…it’s Friday….I’m so sorry.” (#41 goes right up South)
Student A: “Is this the #14 or not?”
Driver: “Sorry, I apologize…it’s Friday”.
Student B: “Are we going anywhere near St. Mary’s? I’m supposed to meet someone in…3 minutes” .
Driver: (sounding very tired) “I don’t know where to turn around”
Student C: “Are we going to go back to Robie Street or not?”
Old geek sitting across from me: “What the hell is going on?!!”
Driver: (to the driver of a passing bus he had waved over) “I have no idea what to do. Where can I turn around? What would you do? I’m ten minutes behind schedule as it is.”
Other Driver: “Just get back anywhere on the route. Happens to me all the time”.
Driver: “I don’t want to leave anyone behind on Robie or Inglis which is what’s going to happen if I blow off the route”.
Other Driver: “Do whatever you feel like” (he then left, helpful soul that he was)
Student A: “Is this the #14?”
Student B: “I’m getting off right now!” (at which point he leaped off the bus as though his pants were on fire)
Student C: “Is we still in Halifax? I’m not from here…”
Student A: “Is this the #14?”
Driver: “Everybody sit down please. I apologize…it’s Friday” (he then drove off as though his HIS pants were on fire).
We embarked on the most unusual of bus trips. We headed east, then maybe south and west…north even? I had no clue where I was, but I did not seem to mind (how unusual for me…hence my feeling of confusion). People cursed and grumbled and sighed and tisked all up and down the bus.
Me: “Can someone please tell me where we are?” (The driver was still busy driving like a man possessed).
Student C: “I don’t know where I am either”.
Old geek across from me: ” The son of a. b..ch is going back to Robie Street to pick up his route where he left off!”
Upon hearing this news, I felt an unexpected appreciation for this driver (who was still apologizing profusely as anyone got off his bus). When we finally reached my stop, (some 20 minutes off schedule by now and way too late for rehearsal),
I said to him: “Don’t worry, stuff like this happens all the time to me too….it’s Friday!”

There’s the (Blind) Rub

My favourite wake up ritual (other than Opal’s hello kiss), is reading my BBC daily e-mail. This morning it did not disappoint. File this under; ‘Interesting stories about the blind’.

The South Korean Constitutional Court has ruled to uphold  a law which states; All licensed masseurs in the country must be registered blind persons.  The 7,100 members of  the Korean Association of Masseurs led noisy protests leading to this victory, even jumping off bridges into the Han River which runs through Seoul. There are 200,000 unregistered masseurs who claimed that the law discriminates against them. The law to restrict masseurs to people who are blind, goes back to 1912 when Korea was under Japanese colonial rule. The US military government abolished the practice in 1946, but it was reinstated in 1963. Non-registered (blind) masseurs can face heavy fines or imprisonment.

The most interesting part of the article was the  statement released by the Korean Constitutional Court:  “Massage is in effect the only occupation available for the visually handicapped and there is little alternative to guarantee earnings for those persons”.  Welfare experts in the country say the law helps blind people make a living in Korea, but it makes employers in other fields less likely to hire the visually impaired, thus adding to workplace discrimination.

In the wake of the 100 jobs lost in Atlantic Canada which resulted from the CNIB axing its Caterplan (allegedly only 14 blind people are no longer being ‘Catered’ to), I thought this might inspire someone to organize a new industry or make work program for the blind. It  sounds like reasonable employment for people who are  blind to me…beats washing dishes at a cafeteria, assembling cardboard meals, or checking coats for drunks at the local Casino, eh?

Hey Bus Driver…Are You Serious?!!!

Com’ on! Give me a break! When I get on your bus next time, and say ” I want  Spring Garden and Summer street please” in a loud and clear voice, do not think for a minute that you can blow my stop again (like you did today) and YELL AT ME, “You didn’t ask!”, as I get off the bus. Sheesh! Even the guy in the back row heard me tell you where I wanted to get off. Next time, you will ANNOUNCE MY STOP, ’cause if you don’t… I (that is, WE, an entire organization of blind, and partially sighted advocates) will REALLY be inclined to use the incident as the basis for a Human Rights Complaint. I have had it. Metro Transit is spending another million + bucks on security cameras on their buses, because the dirivers’ union told them to?  My bus is held up twice this week for 25 and 45 minutes because the RCMP were asked to board the buses by a nervous driver, to remove some cursing kids from Halifax West Junior High?  Are you serious?  The new microphones pick up sound  on buses (how much did THAT cost?). Give the drivers Tazers and get on with it! You will save a bundle, and I bet the kids will behave a lot better. Not only that, but the buses may be remotely close to being on time!

Give Me a Break!

Hey ‘M’! Yeah, you, the clerk at the grocery store (that would be the Barrington Street Superstore, a subsidiary of Loblaw Canada). Thanks a whole heck of a lot, buddy. Maybe I’m being too harsh on you and should really be bitchin about the flaky and shoddy management of the store. Who knows?! Who cares?! YOU’RE in my line of fire. Do ya think I’ve got nothing better to do than wander aimlessly through your store for 40 minutes after I asked the manager (in expectation of a reasonable and truthful response),  “can someone  WHO KNOWS THE STORE help me find five or six items; produce and bread?” The manager’s mistake was 1- to hook me up with a cashier (you) who does not have a clue where 2- the produce is located (why is that?), 3- can’t find a  produce clerk who would know where their own department’s stuff is located, 4- doesn’t ‘get’ that leaving a blind person standing endlessly ( 5-10 minutes THREE times) in the middle of a store while you disappear who knows where, is not a a good thing, 5- does not ‘get’ (despite repetition) that guide dogs should not be petted, 6- does not ‘get’ (despite repetition) that there is no need for ALL THREE of us to walk endlessly, back and forth through the produce department, after I asked you to find bananas, peppers, apples, and tomatoes, you  could (or should) have managed that all by yourself quickly and easily while Opal and I stayed put and out of foot traffic,  7- you really need to learn what a loaf of multigrain bread is and where to find it (or the bakery department clerk)…’com on! bread?! How hard is that?! 8- should not have been shocked when I abandoned this little shopping nightmare (which should have taken 5-10 minutes tops) after 40 minutes ’cause I had a meeting to get to! What an incredible waste of your time. More importantly, it was a gigantic waste of MY TIME! and totally preventable. Someone (that would be the manager) should have simply told me from the ‘get-go’ that no one was available capable of actually locate anything in an efficient and timely manner. I’d rather be refused help, than go through a frustrating and pointless adventure that tired me, my dog and wasted my time AND left me without the food I wanted to BUY. Did I mention that I don’t like to waste my time? Did I mention (you bet I did!) to the manager that they really should have followed up on the suggestion and offer I made last month to provide free training sessions (touchy-feely, warm and cozy,  non-threatening, unlike my tone today) ) with the bean head  Superstore staff who tend to be totally clueless when assisting blind patrons who want to  SPEND MONEY IN YOUR STORE! This is not about being ‘nice’ or ‘charitable’, it’s about business practice and common sense!

Voting Day Blues

I have been very hyped about this election. Why?  I have chomped at the bit in anticipation of dramatically and meaningfully casting my inaccessible ballot at the polling station. Let me remind you about the core elements of a democratic vote; secret, independent and verifiable. I have gone on and on, to EVERYONE who will listen and to some who won’t, about the importance of these elements, the sanctity of the electoral process, and how I am denied this right by virtue of inaction on the part of Elections Canada. I am blind, as are hundreds of thousands of other voters. We do not have electronic voting in Canada. We do not have telephone voting. We do not have voting machines at the polls. We do not have Braille ballots. I thought that today I would be pumped and ready to let loose my schpeel at the Presbyterian church where I would be voting. I ran through my dialogue, my diatribe, my kvetching complaint, like a Shakespearean actor preparing for Stratford.

Here’s what really happened. I made it to the church, and found myself outside with a woman in a wheelchair attempting to open a monstrously large door (no automatic opener). I opened it for her, but it was not wide enough. A worker from the poll came and helped to open another door. I commented wryly about Elections Canada and their accessible voting sites. She commiserated. By this point, I had, for some reason, already lost my oomph.  Maybe it’s the time of year, or ‘my time of the month’.  Some one came over as Opal and I walked into the large church basement. The usual useless pointing and “over there” was followed by an arm-grab which I yanked away.  Someone else gave sensible directions to the table I needed.  My ID was requested and checked.  I did NOT give a long-winded lecture on the difficulty blind people have in meeting ID requirements, given that we don’t have driver’s license and many of us have no passport. Some of us choose not to have or use a charitable ID (CNIB) for reasons which are too numerous and complicated for this blog.  I provided my stunning photo ID cards which have a photo of Opal and me posing together (CGDB and the Attorney General of Ontario), but my Guide dog ID cards do not have my address on them, so I added a phone bill. I had considered bringing a Braille bill, but I did not want to be turned away. At this point, the DRO asked if I wanted a Braille template. My interest peaked, as I thought I had discussed this ad nauseum with Silvestre from elections Canada and had confirmed there would be no Braille on the ballot, and to expect the usual flaky template. Now I had no idea what they were offering me.  I asked (just to confuse them) if it was contracted or uncontracted Braille. The had no clue, so I let them off the hook and told them that I knew both, so it did’nt matter.  The DRO put the ballot into the ‘Braille template’ and then came the offer to “come into the voting area with you”. I said I would pass, given that I had this allegedly accessible Braille template in my hand.  Opal and I parked ourselves behind the privacy screen at a little table. I started to read the template. Numbers. Just numbers! I called out, “um, there’s no names here, just numbers”.  The old lady who had grabbed me when I came in, offered to read the names to me. I said that would not do. The DRO guy came over and offered to read them “as they appear in sequence. then you pick the braille number”, he said with full expectation that somehow this would be acceptable to me. I had PLANNED to make a big ‘to-do’, maybe proclaim myself the Rosa Parks of the voting blind, given that I am repeatedly told that blind people ‘have found this acceptable for years’. Instead, I told him “no thanks”, and ” if I can’t read it for myself”…( in a country where government material must be provided in alternate formats by law),  “I’ll have to  spoil my ballot”. He apologised (as everyone always does). I scrawled multiple X’s in allthe holes in my template and ballot and handed it to the old lady. She wisely did not attempt to go into the  insufferably patronizing routine of allowing me to put it in the box, but quickly disposed of it, stuffing it into the ballot box herself.   I walked out, declining someone’s eager offer for me to use the elevator, saying, “my legs are fine, we’ll use the stairs”. I left deflated.   I did not call the media, or my party delegate, or the PM (who doesn’t give a flying f…k anyway), or the queen, or Silvestre at Elections Canada (who I’m guessing was pretty busy today). Instead, I went for my routine blood work and called it a day. I wish I was one of those clever musicians, ’cause I’d be writing a tune tonight…’Voting Day Blues’.

STOP PRESS!!! Megan Leslie, newbie NDP canditate and personal acquaiantance declared winner of Halifax riding! Go get em in Ottawa, kid…and remember your roots…and your blind friends…

In Preparation For ‘Blindness’

No, I’m not referring to preparation for loss of sight. I’m not referring to the skills-learning that someone “going blind”  might undertake…the hours of O&M (orientation & mobility) training with a qualified instructor where someone learns techniques in  the use of a white cane (example: streamline caning, tapping method, sweeping method) and use of sound reflection to determine position and location as well as learning to judge traffic flow etc., thereby allowing a blind person to travel independently. No, I don’t mean the time spent learning about, and purchasing adaptive devices which allow a blind person to read, cook, write, do math, tell time etc such as talking clocks, tape recorders, tactile measuring cups, talking book players, water level indicator, talking calculators etc… I’m not thinking of the exchange of information and tips with others who are blind which provide one with helpful ideas to make a home  safe (removing scatter rugs, and repositioning furniture …) and allows one to  perform the same tasks as they did before they couldn’t see, only differently (cleaning floors by using a grid system,  marking appliances with bump dots to facilitate cooking and cleaning, using elastic bands and large print labels to distinguish containers….) I don’t mean the hours some people (15%) spend learning Braille, first uncontracted or Grade 1 Braille, then contracted or Grade 2 Braille, so that books, documents bank statements, telephone bills become accessible when available, as well as providing a means of ‘writing’ on the go with a slate and stylus,  or reading storybooks to their children..No, I’m not referring to the assistive technology (Jaws, Guide, Window Eyes and other  screenreading software, Kurswell scanning software and other scan- to-speech programs)  that are available which enable blind people (who can afford or otherwise obtain them)  access to the Internet,  e-mail, document writing and reading etc as well as potentially  obtaining education and employment in a more equatable manner so that they earn a living, raise families…essentially the usual happy story, except maybe there’s no station wagon in their driveway.  Nor am I talking about joining blind sports and recreational organization for the usual reasons one joins them, like  getting  exercise and playing  cribbage. I’m not referring to any of the stuff that a blind person learns over time that provides the skills so that they can lead independent, full, happy normal lives.

What am I’m talking about? I’m talking about preparation to attend a screening of the Canadian co-production of the movie, ‘Blindness’, based on the book of the same name by Jose Saramago. This involves researching the plot summary (very disturbing, depicting a world gripped by a blindness epidemic….trouble is, all the blind people are portrayed as helpless, altered and desperate…), linking to articles on the Net, listening to the BBC production available ’till October 8th on Sendspace, following the protest in the USA by the NFB, sending out a media release to local media and responding to those who have requested interviews following the screening tomorrow, and preparing a statement in anticipation that this movie’s buzz (as one which portrays blind people in a vile and unacceptable manner) is accurate.  The  statement would likely ask the people of Halifax and beyond to give it a MISS altogether, NOT support the  filmmaker and theatre by paying for admission to see it, to look beyond Mr. Saramago’s comment that this is a  “allegorical” film and his dismissal of the blind community (who are widely protesting it) as “ridiculous”, and send a message that this film is NOT OK with the blind community…I’m just preparing for ‘Blindness’, ’cause this movie is sending the wrong message about real blindness, and frankly I don’t care if  Mr. Saramago’s literary soul is crushed in the process. Metaphor shmetaphor!

Sing a Blind Song

Sometimes I get a little bored, so I ‘Google’ stuff. Today, I checked out songs about blindness sung by blind people. It seems there aren’t that many…Phew!!! Thank god we’re not ALL maudlin. I found a few though, mostly from old black Southern men (Sonny Terry, Sleepy John Estes, Blind Gary Davis and Blind Roger Hayes). Frankly, I’d be mortified if I had  to live with a handle like Blind Helen. It’s bad enough that people refer to me as “Helen With the Dog”. Turns out that blind musicians have better stuff to sing about than their angst about being blind…. love,  bad relationships, the world (Mr. Ray Charles does a great job of ‘What a Wonderful World’)  and the city (Little Stevie Wonder’s ‘Living for the City’). As for all the SONGS with LYRICS which include the word ‘blind’ or blindness’….sheesh! That’s a whole different kettle of fish. Just as our everyday expressions use the words blind to mean that one is unaware, purposefully oblivious, uncaring etc. (“blind as a bat”, “turn a blind eye”, “love is blind”, “blind rage”, “blind leading the blind”…) song lyrics use them similarly and just as regularly.  I’m not claiming that it’s not PC and we should immediately run around tweaking and rewriting  all these songs. It might be an idea to think about language and how we use words. As a word nerd, I love to learn about the origin and history of words. I wonder how it came to be that a physical condition morphed into use as a negative adjective and verb.

Opal Goes to High School (again)

Yesterday, Opal and I went back to Citadel High school in Halifax. Our purpose this time was to introduce the 2008  Writing contest which AEBC Halifax (Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians) is hosting with 100 grade 10 students. The last time we visited Citadel, it was final exam time in June. There wasn’t much of anything going on then, except that a handful of kids,  bleary-eyed from all-night studying were getting bummed out about their exams.   A few others were in a tizzy because Security had  hacked off their locks and cleaned out their lockers.  Yesterday was a totally different scenario. In a word, CHAOS!  We handily found our way to the familiar ‘office’. The staff were helpful and made photocopies of some handouts for me. We sat next to a funked-out kid in trouble waiting to see one of the vice-principals.  Opal and I listened to the bedlam in the halls.  Announcements (both for students and teachers) are constantly being cranked out.  Each one is preceded by an alarming ‘alert’ tone, which is reminisant of something you would hear on a submarine …or in a prison. Maybe it was the added destinations in the announcements…”…meeting in ‘D’  block”  that made me think of this.  I ate my tuna sandwich and took in the conversations students were having with the staff…”I DID bring a note signed by a parent, so why am I marked missing?”  “My class is supposed to be in room 208 in ‘D’ block, but they’re not there!”   Today, we were back to meet Marjorie, an English teacher who asked me to introduce the Writing Contest and speak to her class about blindness. She seemed her usual harried self when she arrived.  As we gathered my photocopies, I noticed someone had stopped to pat and talk to Opal. “Don’t touch my dog please, she’s working”, I said automatically. They continued,  oblivious to my words.  I said, “Hey, don’t touch my dog”.  This is when Marjorie introduced me to the offender, Kam the principal of Citadel High. I grinned but  offered no appology. Instead I gave her one of the handouts on Guide dogs. Marjorie and I found our way to the staff lunch room on the 2nd floor where I was to wait for “the kids to settle down from lunch”.  A teacher walked in and screamed, apparently terrified at the sight of Opal. This happens occasionally.  Five  minutes later, we bumped into the same teacher as we entered  a doorway into a lunchroom alcove. He screamed again. This time, I grinned. Opal shrugged off his scream, disregarded him and guided me, as she is supposed to. Our visit with the kids was great. The contest will have them writing about what they think their world would be like without sight.  We talked about blindness too. Questions?  Sure. “How do audible traffic signals work?” When I mentioned blind sports, the restless, surly  kid in the front (I’m guessing Marjorie parks him there to keep an eye on him) blurted out his question, “Is there blind basketball?”.   I told him I didn’t know, but that Goal ball is a huge blind sport,  even a Para Olympic sport. We talked about accessible technology and devices.  I asked them to take out their cell phones. Most of these 36 kids have one and were eager to break the ‘no cell phone in class’ rule.  I urged them to resist actually dialing, but to imagine trying to use it to text message or call, if they could not see. “I can’t feel the keypad or see the display”, some girl complained. “That’s my point”,  I said. Most of the hundreds of models of cell phones,  MP3 players etc are totally impossible to use if you are blind.  As always, the majority of questions were about guide dogs.  Time flew by and soon Marjorie was giving me the hook. We got a round of applause and then Opal and I were escorted out before the buzzer and the ensuing stampede of kids by a pair of girls (teenage girls always travel in pairs, even in 2008). Opal and I managed to get home without causing anyone else to scream.

Hey! Taxi Drivers

Listen up cabbies! I’m going to say this once. Here is the not-so-definitive list of things you need to know when you pick up a customer who is blind or partially-sighted.

• If you drive a radio cab, or if you get your calls through a computerized dispatch system, chances are that the customer will have specified that they are blind (they should ’cause they can’t expect you to guess). So, when you get to the pick-up location, do not sit in your car and expect the blind person to know that you have arrived.  We are not physic.  It is impossible to know if the nearby idling vehicle I hear is ‘my cab’ or just some other vehicle at this busy location (like a pimpmobile or a  Fed Ex courier or a cab from the wrong company). You must get out of the car and identify yourself as the driver from XYZ cab company. If there is something wrong with your legs, attempt to crank open the window and announce yourself from the comfort of your car.
• Notice the guide dog with the person? They will have specified this too upon telephoning. Unless you have a medical certificate which exempts you from having a dog in your car (you would croak from the allergic reaction), then  YOU MUST, BY LAW, ACCEPT THE DOG IN YOUR VEHICLE!!! THERE ARE REPERCUSSIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO REFUSE ACCESS TO GUIDE DOGS…AND FINES.
• Do not charge an ‘extra passenger’ or ‘baggage’ fee for transporting a guide dog (I have experience d this before). If you do so in Halifax, you could lose your taxi permit.
• If the person with the guide dog wants to sit in the front with their dog, do not freak out. It is my practice to do so, as recommended by the school where I received my dog. I know that other schools have differing philosophies, but this is what I choose. Notice (as you always do) when we get in, that there is actually much more room for the dog in the front between my legs…yes, even (especially) in those monster luxury cars… than in the back behind the seat.  The big hump in the middle of the floor in the back is very constricting. Back seat? No way. If we crash, she will not go flying off a back seat, or be hurled to one side of the cab. It is more comfortable and safer for us both to sit in the front. this works for all cars, even the smallest. She is always well-behaved and will not touch you. (she may sneeze, though, ’cause your car is dusty)
• Do not think that because your passenger is blind, that you can travel the most indirect route to get to the destination (boosting the fare), ’cause most of us will notice that you have taken a side trip to Ecum Secum on the way to the corner of Barrington and Duke.
• I miss the old days. Taxi meters ticked back in the day. Now, there is no possible way to determine if the requested fare is what actually appears on the meter…however, do not get the idea that charging $17.50  for a one mile ride is something you can get away with.
• If your client has a charge slip, or you have a charge slip for them, and you want a signature, then think about how tricky that might be to sign. Me? I won’t sign one. “You sign it”, I say… (you  could be asking me to sign up for donating a kidney for all I know)
• When you  get to wherever the passenger wants to go, ask if they need assistance to get to the entrance of the building, or at the very least, give precise directions…”the is 5 meters straight ahead”. As I suggest to everyone, saying “over there”  while pointing is useless (and a bit brainless and thoughtless)
• Alert your passenger if you are dropping them off in a puddle or ice patch. (I once stepped out of a cab, slipped on an icy patch, did a pirouette, landing on my knees, resulting in a bruise and torn jeans)

CNIB AGM and ‘Community Meetings’…be there and be heard

The CNIB is having their Annual General Meeting in Toronto on September 27 th, at least that’s what I was told. I could not confirm this on their website…guess they don’t want anyone to know.  The local Nova Scotia/PEI Division is having its ACM (“Annual Community Meeting”) on Wednesday, September 24th. A community meeting is the spin that the local deadheads have put on an AGM which does not present an annual financial report. I can’t seem to get any accurate accounting for what this organization does with its money…er, that would be the money they suck out of innocent people who donate to their financial campaigns…like the horribly tasteless and demeaning e-mail campaign which caused such an uproar recently. No matter.  I have resigned myself to the fact that accountability, consultation  and transparency are not words in the CNIB vocabulary or philosophy. Imagine my delight when the local whiz kid who just won the NDP nomination in Halifax (Megan Leslie) invited me to attend this community meeting with her. I guess she needs an entourage in the guise of a friendly blind friend who can create a potentially good reason to leave (“Opal has a play date in Chicago! Let’s go, Megan!”).  It will be fun, I’m sure to go to this thing and have a sensible ally. The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians was calling for a cross-Canada series of protests at the CNIB offices on the day that CNIB has their AGM (September 27th, I think). Why? Let me count the ways CNIB merits a slap on the wrists;

1- They must be publicly accountable for the tasteless and demeaning e-mail campaign which was the icing on the nutty CNIB cupcake for many blind people this year.

2- The CNIB plans to change their constitution to allow for a sighted CEO/president. I guess little Jim Sanders is going to be going quietly into that good night. I think there must be a stipulation about employing a percentage of staff within CNIB who are blind.

3- The CNIB services across the country have taken a gigantic nosedive.

4- The current philosophy  of this merry band is a little skewed for many of us (not client centered, not service centered, not democratic), and

5- The monopolistic status of this organization that purports to speak on behalf of the blind.

So, if you are remotely interested in the rights of the blind, the nasty decline of services that the CNIB has taken, or the REALLY BAD IDEA of having a non-client as president of the CNIB (or at least a quota that ensures blind staff, and if you are tired about the dismal road that CNIB is travelling,  then get to a CNIB near you and voice your thoughts on it. Call the media! Call you friends and family and ask for their support in protesting on September 27th in Toronto, or at the numerous protests across Canada at CNIB offices planned that day…or you might go to a fake AGM, like the one here in Halifax which they are calling an Annual Community Meeting.

‘Blindness’ the Movie…Bunch of Blind People Will “Watch”

The movie, ‘Blindness’ opened at the Atlantic film Festival last week.  It opens in wide-release on October 3rd in Halifax. Ya gotta know that a bunch ‘o blind folk are going to have something to say about it.  At least, that’s my hope, idea, delusion, nightmare-to-be… When I heard about this movie, based on the book by Jose Saramago, I thought that it would be a great opportunity to get the Halifax chapter of Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians together for a little outing to view this thing. My plan? Send out a media release to local feature hounds and hope that they might be interested in interviewing the blind ‘Blindness’ viewers for on-the-spot reaction to this movie’s spin on blindness.  I listened to the trailers on the Internet that are pimping promoting this movie. It’s difficult to get a handle on what’s going on in this city where everyone suddenly goes blind. You know it can’t be good…a little chaos, panic, tortured emotional claptrap and the mandatory heroes who shine when their ‘lights’ go out.   I wanted to consult the book in preparation. It’s only fair to compare before you go to the flic, right? Well, bad news. It’s not available in audio within the Halifax public libraries. I doubt it exists in commercial audio format. The ‘charitable’ library (CNIB) might have found some bored Scarbourough housewife volunteer to read/record it on THEIR discs ( the ones they destroy when you return them..but that’s another story and a past blog—-go look), however, I quit my ‘membership’ with that service in protest. No matter. Who needs a book? Full steam ahead, I say! I rang up my AEBC buds to invite them to the ‘event’. Now,  I’m wondering…”What was I thinking!!!???”  It’s bound to be, umm…interesting. I predict the following; A. (with poor O & M –orientation and mobility)  will get lost on his way to the washroom, or worse, fall down the escalator. B will be shocked (devout Catholic) when she hears (despite her hearing loss because the sound will be maxed out for this monster movie on a Saturday) the sex scenes, foul language and violence which ‘Blindness’ promos and  ratings promise (I forgot to mention this to her).  A. (who has a brain injury) will show up at the wrong theatre on the wrong day, or not show up at all.  C.  (a smoker) will get wedged in the washroom stall with her walker as she tries to sneak a smoke that will set off a fire alarm. There will be lots of chatter amongst our group during the film…”What’s going on? What does that mean?..” which will cause other patrons to hiss. Opal will need a pee in the middle of the show, so I will step out (requires 15 minutes meandering through a mall) during which time, A.  will have had a loud fight with J.  (they don’t get along). The reporter (only one will show up from an obscure media outlet) will be awaiting our profound comments and reactions…after all, we are the pros, right? His recording device will fail. That may turn out to be the only blessing, as my motley crew will have no profound observations to make, other than that the sound was too loud and nobody ‘got it’. Oh, yeah…D’s guide dog, the ‘German boy’, that Opal loves so much, will bark incessantly  as we depart the cineplex.

ADDENDUM: It has become evident that the movie, ‘Blindness’ seriously impacts the blind community. It is a graphic and some times horrifying film that portrays blindness as a terrible condition that robs its victims of their humanity. It will compound and perpetuate the existing irrational prejudices of blind people which are based on stereotype. It falsely depicts blind people as incapable of almost everything and even suggests that blindness alters the human personality. The complex decision for blind people everywhere is if they will spend money to see  it (thereby supporting  the film maker) or boycott…or protest…or go, sit and watch until they are disgusted (somewhere long before it ends), disrupt the show as they leave, and demand their money back and then discourage the general public from viewing it…choices to be made.

Hey! Wise Advice For My Goofy ‘Neighbours’

Now I’ve had it with you boorish bunch of anal retentive rejects.  What’s wrong with you people?!!!  The next time one of you ‘neighbours’ in this multi-unit building cannot be decent enough to emit a sound when you are ‘in my space’ as I greet you, I will not be held responsible for what may come out of my mouth. Sheesh! How rude can  you be?  Please tell me if you have some good reason (besides being assholes) for standing by the elevator, or at the laundry machines, or in the hallway, or at the mailboxes and totally ignoring my greeting?  I didn’t think so. You’re as stunned as a sac of hammers! You seem to find your voice when other residents are around and they greet you. You there, big guy with work boot footsteps and smelly clothes…yeah you…do you know how creepy and scary it was to feel the presence of a huge man nearby, and not know that you were NOT an ax murderer or something because you couldn’t even seem to muster a grunt or fart to acknowledge my cautious  “hi” when we met in the hall at 5am as I was going to relieve my dog?  You know I’m blind, you ditz!   And the fat lady with chunky heels who smells like a floral arrangement at a funeral home?  What’s up with you?   I was coming up the stairs to the lobby to get my mail when you were parked/docked/berthed by the elevator door and blocking my path. Do ya think you could move your sweet smelling butt over a bit or say something when you see a lady with a white cane (Opal was on a break) coming straight at you? Nah. You didn’t even say “hey, don’t whack me with that cane” when I ran into you. You stood there like a lummox after I muttered, “excuse me and hello”.  I had just stepped  out of the shower, so I know it wasn’t  my body odour. Then there are the old biddies (yeah, the ones who “don’t like the disgusting sight of that dog on the lawn”) who seem to think that I have no ability to HEAR anything. Hey! It’s really not polite to dish someone WHEN THEY’RE STANDING  FIVE FEET AWAY! …”She’s got a lot of laundry again. Bet there’s dog hair in it” .  Sheesh! You geeks really need to get yourselves a crash course in social interaction 101, or read a Helen Keller bio or something! Anything would help your ability to interact  with blind people at this point.

CNIB Eats Crow

An interesting e-mail arrived in my box today: Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians President, Robin East wrote a searing letter to Jim Sanders (big CNIB cheese) regarding the same distasteful fund raising e-mail that CNIB sent to Canadians, some of them CNIB clients.  It was a paltry plea resplendent with Guide dogs (GUIDE DOG TRAINING IS NOT PART OF THE CNIB “SERVICES”), and an offensive query ,asking people like me and Robin East, what we would sell to save our sight. (see earlier blog I wrote entitled: Why CNIB Leaves Me Flat).  In Robin East’s letter to Jim Sanders, he asked for an apology and that CNIB withdraw this campaign immediately.  Robin forwarded the whole thing to me, therefore, I am delighted to post it here.  Here is Jim Sander’s response to Robin East:

“Dear Robin, I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter and confirm that the e-mail campaign has been discontinued. I can assure you that the content do not reflect the philosophy and service practice of CNIB. I have released the following statement and would welcome any additional comments which you or your members may have.

I do sincerely apologize for the content and also for any negative impact that this letter has had on individuals. Your letter will be brought to the attention of the Board.

Here is the statement:    On behalf of CNIB, I wish to let you know that the fundraising campaign to which you refer has been discontinued. The message it portrayed was inappropriate.

We are reviewing CNIB’s marketing operations and associated creative materials to ensure that future marketing and fundraising efforts better reflect the CNIB philosophy, service, model and the views and experiences of people who are blind and living with vision loss.

Since I am the signatory to the letter, I do take full responsibility and extend my personal apology.

sincerely,

Jim Sanders”

Hmm. Sounds to me that Jim’s eating crow. Did someone say Damage Control? Do I see Jim’s litttle blind butt roasting at the CNIB Board Bar B Q? Do ya think they’ll drop some people (like Robin and me) from the mailing list in the future?

THIS JUST IN!!! Jim Sanders appologizes to angry chief executives of Canadian Guide Dog schools…

Blind Art Day: a minor success!

Several months ago, I dreamed up a plan to hold a ‘Blind Art Day’. My idea was to bring some blind and partially sighted individuals together to create tactile art as part of the Canadian Mental Health Association Halifax/Dartmouth’s annual ‘Mosaic For Mental Helath’ fund raising project. I begged, borrowed and solicited materials to use, including wallpaper samples, glue, fabric and an avalanche of craft supplies (thanks to Marg, Betty, Lee Anne, Gerrard, Acadia and Quigley’s Decorating Centre for donations and to  Michael’s Crafts who gave us a discount).  A suitable location was found without cost (thanks to Keith, the CMHA ’social club’ coordinator who allowed us to use the space and Sylvia who made coffee). A knowledgeable volunteer was recruited (thanks to Gerrard  M. of ‘ Visual Connections’). Of course, the whole thing would have been a bust without some people creating art. The participants included Alfredo, Amy, Alice and Helen (two Helens CAN be in one room together, despite my misgivings).  Bloomfield Centre staff were efficient at guiding and disposing of dog poop bags. The Guide dogs (Jager and Opal) were well behaved and making goo-goo eyes at one another all morning.  As for the art?  Alfredo had some ‘glue issues’,  Alice had ‘centering’ problems with stuff on her tile and the other Helen was her usual chatty self, but no serious disasters occurred  warranting  a trip to the Emergency room (mercifully). My evaluation? a minor success! and next time…we’re having Blind Potters Day!

NUMBERS, NUMBERS, AND MORE NUMBERS

I checked some of the search words that people are using to get to my blogs.  My conclusion is that many people are interested in numbers…’number of blind people in Canada’ for example.  Here is some statistical information. I do not guarantee that it is the most current information, but it will provide a sense of proportion about the population.

• According to Statistics Canada, the last PALS study (Participation Activity Limitation Survey) a total of 4.4 million Canadians (1 in 7) reported having a disability in 2006.
• In 2001, 12.4% reported having a disability, and in 2006, it had risen to 14.3% of the population.
• The Eastern provinces reported higher rates of disabled residents. Nova Scotia checked in at 20% compared to Ontario with 15.5%
• Problems relating to pain, mobility and agility affects almost 3 million adults.
• 5% of the population reports a hearing disability (1,265,000)
• 3.2% report a seeing disability (815,000)
• 1.9% report a speech disability (480,000)
• In Canada, the average number of days lost per worker due to a disability or illness is 7.6
• According to the AFB (American Federation for the Blind), 1.3 million Americans are legally blind.
• AFB reports 5.5 million elderly Americans have vision loss.
• 109,000 Americans use a white long cane to get around. There are over 7000 people who have dog guides.
• There are 93,600 visually impaired students in special education programs.  in the United States (AFB) with 10,800 being deaf-blind.
• There are 55, 200 legally blind children in the USA.
• Only 32 % of working age blind Americans are employed.
• 1.5 million Americans with vision loss use computers.

• CNIB reported 104,184 registered clients in 2002. The important thing to note is that CNIB registration is VOLUNTARY, and reflects only 50% of the actual number of people who live with vision loss.
• In 2001 it was estimated that the number of people in the world affected by  AMD (all age related macular degeneration)  between the ages of 65 and 75 was 2.2 million.
• It is projected that the number of people in the world affected by AMD will increase to 4 million by 2021.
  

Hey Operator!

That’s right, I mean you, the  Bell Aliant operator on duty yesterday afternoon. Watch out lady, ’cause you’re in store for some deep doo dah. Did ya think I’d just ‘let it go’? Not a chance, babe. Sure, it took 30 minutes to go through the complaint process with the customer service department, but at least I have the reassurance that you will be ’spoken to’. Maybe you will think twice before you say something stupid when a PAYING ALIANT CUSTOMER dials and asks you how to go about making a conference call. Maybe you won’t say, “the number for the conference operator is in the phone book” in reply to a PAYING ALIANT CUSTOMER who has told you that the Aliant web site is INACCESSIBLE and won’t cough up the information she needs. Maybe when that PAYING ALIANT CUSTOMER says, “I can’t read the phone book” , your smart ass sarcastic reply will not be, “You can’t read?”  Maybe you won’t mutter to the PAYING ALIANT CUSTOMER, who tells you in frustration (even though it is none of your bloody business) that she is blind, “ok, wait a sec”  and follow that up by shouting, “What did you say?” when the PAYING ALIANT CUSTOMER says “thanks for that”.  Maybe you won’t proceed to grumble and send the PAYING ALIANT CUSTOMER into her own voicemail system instead of linking her to the conference call operator.  Yep, maybe you will just do your job in the first place and provide the PAYING ALIANT CUSTOMER with information instead of going down that murky road by asking, “can’t you read?”. Maybe the reprimand will include reading a fact sheet with statistical information about the 6,000,000  or more Canadians who can not read print because of a visual, perceptual or intellectual disability. Maybe your boss will tell you that it doesn’t matter why the PAYING ALIANT CUSTOMER can’t READ a phone book, or why they don’t HAVE a phone book, or why they don’t WANT to use their phone book…you just do what the PAYING ALIANT CUSTOMER requests.

STOP PRESS!!! This just in: Aliant Customer Service Management tippy-toeing very carefully all over an apology to Wise advice. It seems that the Aliant operator in question is going to have that informative talk with her supervisor this afternoon….

Opal Goes On a Photo Shoot

Opal and I took over a local hospital today. We had an entourage that included; two AEBC (Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians) Halifax chapter members, three Halifax Infirmary staff people, and my friend, Anita a photographer who was armed with camera equipment. We were on a photo shoot for a pamphlet which AEBC Halifax has created in collaboration with the Diversity team at CDHA (Capital District Health Authority).  This pamphlet is being developed for some of the front-line staff of CDHA.  CDHA is made up of several hospitals and clinics in Halifax (10,000 employees in total).  The information in the pamphlet is designed to inform them on how to assist patients or clients who are blind or partially sighted. It includes information on the types of things to say to a blind person in the hospital/clinic setting (identify yourself…offer assistance…explain a procedure…) what NOT to say (“Over there”, “you don’t look blind”…), what to do (elementary guiding,  provide audible cues ie tapping a counter), what NOT to do (grab a blind person, touch a guide dog….), some general information (blind people have different types and levels of vision…some blind people use aids such as long white cane, or white support cane, ID cane, walker,  or guide dog…) information about the AEBC (see link on blogroll) and the Diversity Initiative at CDHA.  This is a phenomenal achievement for AEBC Halifax, a new chapter that no one knows much about yet.  CDHA wanted ‘realistic’ photos for the pamphlet instead of my cheesy Clip Art.   I convinced them to hire my favourite photographer. I also asked Randy (who has a standard long cane) and Joann (who uses a walker, but also brought along her white support cane) to meet us for some ‘action shots’.    The hospital provided three volunteer staff people to ‘ease the pain’ and chaos arising from our little  photo shoot with the ‘hospitalish’ looking staff and employees I needed in the pictures. I wanted Anita to take shots of us in various settings. We posed at the information counter, though we stalled there until confirmation with ‘Security’ about ‘permission’.  We also shot pics in the blood collection services area,  the Infirmary’s hallways, and in the Occupational Therapy department.   Fortunately, I am familiar with the blood lab staff and managed to sweet talk Glenda and Cathy (Cathy stopped long enough to put on her lipstick) to allow us into their department. They took time to pose with us, pretending to draw blood samples. Ya gotta love a phlebotomist! It also doesn’t hurt that I have the ability to steamroll a situation before anyone knows what is happening. A  lovely young woman from New Zealand who works in OT seemed a little camera shy at first, but when she realized that it was her chance at Canadian immortality (she is going back to the land of kiwis soon) she acquiesced and posed too.   We had some technical glitches.  Not the photography equipment…Randy’s cane fell apart and we had to stop and get it taped  up before he could continue. Opal led the parade all over the 4th floor of the Halifax Infirmary, and appeared in a number of shots. You can’t have a pamphlet without a guide dog on the front of it, can you?!

Don’t Sit On the Cat! and Other Advice For Blind People

People ask me all sorts of questions about how I manage to do this,  that and the other thing. Here’s a sample: “How do you cook without burning yourself?”   “How do you know when your period has started?”   “How do you know if the lights are on or off?”  ”Do you ever step/sit on the cat?”  ”How do you know if the food in your ‘fridge is still good?”   “How do you know what bus to get on?” Sigh.  Frankly, I worry about the people that ask these questions. For their benefit, and that of those people with vision loss out there who haven’t quite ‘got it together’ yet, here are a few more tips.  Cooking is fun for me. Sure, it is a bit of a different process. I do not attempt to multi-task when cooking for safety reasons. It is one thing for a sighted person to roam away from a stove-top full of pots to make a phone call or balance their check book, but I like to stick with the task at hand. It is safer to be by the stove and avoid potential a disaster…like setting the kitchen ablaze and ruining dinner in the process. I use larger pots and pans than sighted people might.  This helps avoid overflow when things boil. I use fewer pots, preferring to make many recipes that can be made with one or two pots instead. I prepare ingredients beforehand so that they are ready to add when I need them. My experience as a chef comes in handy some days. I cook effortlessly for the most part. I seem to have an internal guidance system which helps me time things right; set water to boil in huge pot, chop garlic and vegies while waiting, cook pasta (keep lid off and metal spoon to stick in pot  handy to prevent ‘pasta eruptus’ on the stove), drain pasta (into large colander IN sink), put pot back on burner (no need to wash it), add olive oil and garlic (inhale deeply), add vegies in order of ‘cookability’.  OK, I just invented a word, so sue me. I refer to the vegies that take longer to cook, like carrots, celery, turnip… then  stir the cast iron pot (prevents any sticking and cooks evenly), add other vegies (like green beans, zucchini and tomatoes), add spices and minimal vegetable stock.  I  let it simmer for a while. When that’s cooked, I put the multigrain pasta into the mix and stir it up. Voila! I have a big honking pot of tasty, healthy pasta and vegies without need for fuss and 5 hours at the stove. I listen to my talking book or radio while I cook and clean up as I go. If I drop food on the floor,  two things happen; I immediately say “Leave It!” for Opal’s benefit, and then pick it up and toss. Some people find that long oven mitts helpful to avoid burns. I don’t bother, but then I have years of experience. You can buy them through assistive aids sites (like Maxi Aids.com). If I am chopping and need to set down my knife, I slip the blade under the cutting board, so when I come to look for it, there will be no gashed fingers to deal with. I also NEVER put knives or glass items in the sink. These are set aside or washed and put away immediately (Hey! I take blood thinners  and don’t want to spend my day at the ER).  About the funky food in the fridge (FFF). I keep a close ‘eye’ on the contents of my fridge, checking and using items regularly. Like with all my ’stuff’, I keep items in assigned places in the fridge. I label containers of leftovers with a date, though normally, they are eaten within a couple of days or frozen for future use. When in doubt, I enlist someone with sight to scope out the quality of food (usually around the same time they look at my clothing for stains). 

Our cat, little Lucy is a chatty cat most of the time. That’s very helpful for us both. She learned very quickly when she came to live with me, that I can’t see her, and she needs to STAY OUT OF MY WAY!!  Once in a while, she goes incognito and silent (sheesh). You can put a bell on your pet’s collar. I always check the seat which my big butt is about to occupy. This is a good habit for blind people to get into. That way, you avoid sitting on your cat, dog, hairbrush, basket, aunt Mim etc. 

Independent living for a blind person is good and admirable. However, my wise advice? Don’t be an idiot! If you NEED help, ASK for it. Don’t waste your time and elevate your frustration level by worrying about stuff. If you are lost, listen for footsteps and ask the person attached to the legs where you are, or if they can get you  to a point you are familiar with. If you don’ know which bus has pulled up or when to get off it,  ask. If you need to find a washroom anywhere or want a clerk to find something in a store for you…ASK.   Ask with a strong voice, not like a timid mouse. Ask politely but with conviction. It’s OK. 

Lights on or off? check the switches routinely. Or, if you’re feeling wealthy, you can buy a talking light detector. And knowing if your period has arrived? Mercifully, I’m menopausal, but I do remember a time when I used my nose efficiently to detect the distinct odour of blood.

Tips For Maria And Her Blind Friend

I received a comment from a lady, named Maria Begona. I’m guessing Maria is Italian. She read an older blog which I wrote about Blindness. She asked for more ‘tips’. Her specific difficulty is one of communication. Her friend who is blind speaks another language. So, after promising to sleep on it, here a few thoughts and tips for Maria.

• Audible clues are very important for someone who is blind. For example, tapping the edge of the seat, and perhaps placing your friend’s hand on the seat’s surface does not require speaking the same language to him/her. They will know what you are trying to communicate.
• Similarly, you can help them locate things like counters in shops, doorways, etc.
• In public areas, it is very helpful to maintain the audible communication because of ambient noise. If you want someone who is blind to come towards you, keep up a dialogue (“I’m over here to your left…yes a little further…keep coming towards my voice…” ) It doesn’t really matter what language you are speaking because it’s the SOUND that is important, not the words. Avoid an overly-loud display, as this is potentially embarrassing for someone.
• In crowded rooms (like a party or concert hall), it can be confusing and stressful for a blind person to be standing in the midst of this. (Next time you’re at a cocktail-type party, close your eyes and you will soon realize how chaotic the whole thing sounds.) So, find a wall or something which the blind person can use to stand by. It will be reassuring and more comfortable.
• Often, in noisy places, the blind person will not know when someone is speaking to them because of the cacophony of voices. A gentle touch to the forearm before you speak will alert them. Remember to advise them you are leaving them. You have no idea how many times I have ended up talking to myself in a crowded room!
• Buffets seem to be popular now in North America. I don’t know about Italy (if that’s where you live), but if you are with a blind person at a buffet, offer to fill their plate. They might want to walk through the buffet line with you so you can describe the food (if you can translate). If it’s too crowded, find them a seat or standing area, and go through the buffet line collecting the food while they wait.
• When setting plates of food or cups of beverages down on the table for a blind person, the important thing to remember is to caution them if the plate, food or drink is hot. You can say so or if you don’t know the words in their language, you can guide their hand to the area NEAR the plate or cup. Linger over it. they will feel the heat and be prudent.
• Food like chicken, lobster and steak can be difficult for a blind person to eat if the food has a bone. You can offer to remove the meat from the bone. In restaurants, your blind friend probably knows that they can ask the waiter to have the chef do the same. Discretion is important to me, so I guess it might be to other blind people.
• Sticking with dining tips (I love my food), I like plenty of serviettes available at my hand when I eat in a restaurant or cafe.

I once attended a dinner with a Portuguese family in Greece. No one spoke English or French. I did not speak their languages. We had a marvelous time and I enjoyed a good visit. The lady of the house showed me some of her treasures, including pottery, embroidered dresses and more. I enjoy experiencing textures and appreciating art. It’s all relative! while someone SEES art, I sense it differently. Remember that your friend may really enjoy a ‘touch tour’ of your home or a local site (like a museum or park). CAUTION! Not all textures are pleasant to touch. Nor do all blind people enjoy the same stuff. (I hate insects, so walking in the woods is not my cup of tea. I love to walk by the ocean). It’s a matter of personal taste. Also, I enjoy listening to music or comedy routines on CD with my sighted friend. It is something we can share equally.

I hope this was helpful, Maria. I will continue to think about this, and will offer more ideas or tips as they come to me.

Where is it?! I Can’t Find My…..

I do my very best to keep my ’stuff’ where I will find it when I need it. What does this mean? It means a few years ago, I had a ‘moment’, an epiphany if you will. A light bulb went off in my brain. I realised that if I did not become an organized and tidy person, I would lose my mind. At the very least, I would continue to be an  extremely frustrated and unhappy woman. I was tired of wasting half my life looking for a set of keys or my red sweater.  I had lost a great deal of vision, and could no longer find things easily.  I had cultivated a life-long bad habit of not caring where anything was placed.   In my attempt to maintain an artsy-fartsy image as a free spirit, disorganization ruled my life.   I think that I went out of my way to NOT care about having my things in any semblance of order.  I liked the persona of the harried hack with a desk piled high with papers and a kitchen counter filled with dishes (mostly dirty).  I wore forgetfulness like a badge of honour.  Somehow it seem to fit then.  Not so much any more. If you can’t see,  this type of lifestyle will wear you down.  The key ring or t-shirt that I set down willy nilly one minute suddenly began to  ’disappear’ the next.  When I needed that key ring or t-shirt again,  I  often found myself spending hours searching, tossing things around in anger and frustration.  When the big ‘ah ha’ moment happened,  I set about to introduce order and neatness into my life.  What ensued was a month-long marathon of methodical inspecting, evaluating, and sorting out of every item in my possession.  I tossed out my useless trash, gave away and donated unwanted items and found a specific place to put every thing I owned.  Baskets, hooks, bins and boxes became my friends.  I insisted that all visitors to my apartment respect my need for order by NOT MOVING MY STUFF!  For my part, I vowed never again to set an item down that was not in its assigned place. Occasionally my ’system’ failed and I could be heard  shouting in exasperation, “Where is it?! I can’t find my…” (insert missing object du jour).  Still today I sometimes misplace something. All it takes is a momentary distraction for me to set something down and… it’s gone. Opal knows to stay out of my way when I’m upset and ‘looking’ for my stuff. I don’t expect her to find it even if she knows what I’m looking for. It’s not ‘in her job description’.  She has enough to do by ensuring that I don’t fall off a curb or get hit by a car.  My wise advice for anyone with vision loss is to get organized. Your friends may start accusing you of being obsessive or having compulsive tendencies.  Ignore them. Do what you need to do to save yourself the frustration that arises out of chaos.  For a blind person, it’s really about survival.

Art and Blindness

I sometimes get ideas that have potential. Recently, I planned  ”Blind Art Day”.  My idea is to assemble a group of blind and partially sighted adults to create art works in a fun and relaxing setting.  This all came about when I met with the Mosaic For Mental Health committee at CMHA.  The Canadian Mental Health Association Halifax, has had this unique fundraising event going for 10 years. Each  year, hundreds of 6 inch square masonite tiles are distributed to anyone interested in turning them into artistic creations. The tiles are returned to CMHA along with a submission form. In October, the tiles are displayed over three days at a lovely public venue. All of Halifax is invited to browse the art and purchase one or many more for the incredible cost of $10.00.  They can be framed on the spot for a few more dollars.  All of the proceeds go to support this worthy community organization.  As past-president of the CMHA board of directors, I  occasionally get involved in supporting their activities.  I offered to work on producing some promotional writing on this 10th anniversary of the Mosaic.  Traditionally, the art created for the Mosaic has been painted.  At some point, my mind wandered into new territory. Why not include some tactile art in the collection?  Why not get some blind people off their duffs and organize… Blind Art Day?  So, on August 15th, a group of people will get together for a few hours to create some art, have some fun and support a worthy organization.  That’s how it will work in theory. My obsessive need for preparedness led me to the Internet to search for information on how to create Blind art, teach it, facilitate it, what materials to use, what not to  use and so on.  I wandered into a site with articles on teaching art for blind children. Lo and behold, I found a wonderful article written by Martha Pamperin. My Martha Pamperin!  Martha is currently a teacher for the Hadley School for the Blind. She was my Braille teacher. We have never met.  (Hadley offers free distance education to blind people around the world Link on my blogroll). I continue to keep in contact with Martha whenever anything interesting comes up that I think she might want ot know about.  I felt certain that she would have wise advice  to offer me about the upcoming Blind Art Day. Indeed she did!  I have combined my own ideas with some of Martha’s here. If you have a blind child whose creative genius you want to foster  or want to get a Blind Art project of your own going with adults, here are a few suggestions:

Much depends on how skillful and experienced the blind artist is.  Some blind people have not experienced art projects that are not for sighted people. Martha explained that in her experience, some teachers try to get blind kids to create things that look OK, but ignore the whole realm of tactile and kinesthetic features of art. It’s a good idea to get a sense of what the prospective artist’s experience has been. What do they find to be personally moving, evoking a feeling, satisfying to the touch, or just nice  to have and be near?  What makes something attractive?  What materials are pleasant to handle and are not?  One of the most important things to consider is the amount of usable vision that the artist has.  This will make a difference in how they go about creating the art work.  Some materials that I am trying to amass in the arsenal for Blind Art Day, include: florists wire to shape and make lines with. Pipe cleaners are also good to make thicker lines. Heavy string might be used, but it is harder to keep in place. It can be knotted or looped to create interesting designs. Two dimensional shapes can be made from colourful poster board. I plan to bring 8″ square sheets that can be cut into shapes by the artists. Fabric scraps are also excellent. A mix of burlap, corduroy, satin, flannel, wool, velvet, taffeta, and blends will provide a tactile selection to choose from. It is best to have helpers on hand to cut fabric. Paper can be crumpled to create interesting three dimensional effects.  All kinds of interesting objects can be used; buttons, washers, bump dots, feathers (a bit awkward to glue), paper clips, old keys, leaves, foam shapes, old jewelery, beads, notebook rings, cut-up pieces of carpet or textured wall paper… pretty much anything that you can think of. It’s a good idea to ask the artist to bring a small personally meaningful item to incorperate.  One of the first steps on Blind Art Day will be to allow the artists to plan their work. it’s important for everyone to examine the available materials. This can be done by placing some of each material on a tray or two to allow each person to know what is available. Baskets can be used to group the chosen items at each persons work area and to keep materials from drifting into another person’s work space.  Smaller tables are probably best to work at, or desks.  If larger tables are used, use plastic place mats or something else to define the individual work space. The artist should spend time arranging the chosen materials.  A type of clay that starts out soft and sets after a few hours can be used to keep things in place. Martha suggests that there is a type of glue which works well to place things. It is the type used to make post-it notes. I think glue sticks are made of  this type of glue.  Once the material is in satisfactory position with post-it glue, a helper can assist to bond things with more permanant glue. (NO CRAZY GLUE!).  I had thought of glitter. Martha cautioned me against it for use with adults. The result would look like something created by a clumsy child. It’s not pleasant to feel. A somewhat similar effect can be achieved with pieces of unused  sand paper. The advantage is that the shape can be easily defined by touch. Sighted helpers should allow creative juices to flow and not provide excessive direction. Judgemental comments like, “that’s beautiful” or “I like that” should be avoided. The artists need to please themselves.  Instead, they could say, ” are you happy with your art piece?” or “tell me about your creation” or “I notice you have a lot of spiral shapes there”. The helpers should FEEL the artwork before commenting.  All people can be involved in both creating art and appreciating it. The process might be different for blind people, but just as satisfying and enriching. If you are planning a project like mine, you might consider soliciting donations of materials. I have had success with some local paint stores (paint colour sample strips), carpeting stores (swatches of carpet samples), design stores (wallpaper samples), as well as my motley crew of artsy-crafty friends who can stand to part with some supplies.

Accessible Voting–I’ll Vote For That!

The electoral process is still held in high regard by most of society. The right to participate in the democratic process has been hard fought by many groups. It continues to be fought in countries such as Zimbabwe.  Some Canadians take for granted the opportunity to participate FULLY in the democratic voting process.  This includes seeking nomination as a candidate, participating in candidate meetings, informing oneself about the party platforms, voting in secret, and being able to independently verify how one voted.   My parents instilled in me a healthy sense of responsibility about my ‘duty’ to vote. I have done so, at all levels of government, since I reached the age of majority. I have voted by proxy when I was out of the country. I have struggled to the polls on crutches.  There are three components that are essential to voting: 

1. Secrecy: privacy
2. Independent: without assistance from another person to choose and mark your choice.
3. Verification: being able to check how you voted after you have marked it.

Voting has become more accessible for people who are disabled, however, it remains unacceptably inaccessible for most people who are blind, deaf-blind, or partially sighted.  Most often, a template is offered, but this offers no means of verification. Blind people usually must depend on voting with another person to set up the template etc.. Braille ballots are sometimes available, but Braille is not used by over 80% of adult people who are blind.  Some jurisdictions are attempting alternative means of voting for the blind. These include using on-site computers with audio, tactile, sip and puff interfaces which make it possible for people who are blind or quadriplegic to vote independently. Electronic (Internet) voting is also being tried (Halifax’s next municipal election will allow people to vote over the Net or with a cell phone and a pin number which they will receive in the mail). Intelivote Systems of Dartmouth NS is working to convince cities in Canada that electronic voting will increase voting stats, particularly with younger voters.  It also has environmental appeal. Me? I prefer the on-site buzz at the polls. BUT, I want to see the next provincial election here, to be fully accessible to me and others who have vision loss. I want the candidates to provide me and others who are partially sighted with their platform and  ’pitch’ in alternate formats. I want to go to the polls and be given an accessible list of candidates names on the ballot (in Braille, audio electronic or large print) and I want to vote ALONE, and to CHECK MY CHOICE on my ballot MYSELF before I put it in the box. Tomorrow, I meet with my MLA, Graham Steele and a representative from the Elections Nova Scotia. Hmm. 

Wise Advice For Web Masters….on ACCESSIBILITY

Call me wishful. I had an inspired moment yesterday. The web master for our city’s web site contacted me after I had sent in a complaint about not being able to ‘read’ a lot of stuff on the HRM site with my screen reading software. Screen reading software (like Jaws or Guide) enables someone who cannot see their monitor (like blind folk), to listen to a mechanical or synthesized  voice reading whatever is on the screen;  e-mail, web page etc.  At least, that’s what is suppose to happen in  theory. In practice, many web sites are ridiculously difficult or impossible to navigate with Jaws. There is a movement afoot towards web accessibility standards. Retail giant, Target in the USA is in a legal battle with the NFB (National Federation of the Blind) over their inaccessible web site. Hmm.  Here’s my wise advice today for web masters (so that they can  ’test’ their own sites for accessibility): go to the Freedom scientific site…

http://freedomscientific.com/fs_downloads/jaws.asp

 and download a FREE trial version of Jaws software. Learn to use it. Then turn your computer monitors OFF and navigate your own site using Jaws. Try the links, the documents, opening pages etc.  Have fun!

Blind ‘Simulation’ Is a Bad Idea—and here’s why

You hear about ‘awareness’ or fund-raising events that involve blind simulation. Things like ‘Blind walks’ where sighted people are blindfolded and given a cane with which they stumble around with for 10 or so minutes or ‘dinners in the dark’ where people eat a meal blindfolded, are examples of blind simulations.  While these exercises have some shock and awe results….”Oh my gosh! How difficult and frightening it is to be blind!”…they are, in my opinion, the greatest disservice to the blind community.  Oddly enough, it is most often groups or organizations of the blind who organize them.  Why is blind simulation a bad idea?  The people with the blindfold have zero experience and training.  They have not been through proper Orientation and Mobility instruction. They do not have years of tempered and consistent expereince to develop skills. Of course it’s scarey! and totally unrealistic! Even people who lose their vision in an instant (accident victims, for example), are provide with coaching and training over time. They learn to use their remaining senses more effectively. Bit by bit, their confidence increases and they can allow themselves to be exposed to more challenging situations, like walking on a busy sidewalk. It is detrimental to have a bunch of sighted people thinking that my life is a frightening and horrible existence! That is what happens as a result of these ‘blind simulated events’. It focuses on the difficulty of life as a blind person,  and negatively impacts the public perception about blindness and people who are blind. I have a life! A good one at that! I don’t want sighted people erroneously believing that my life is miserable just because I happen to be blind. 

My Guide Dog’s Name is Lucy, Mindy, Rex, Georgie…

Here’s your tip for the day: Do not ask that blind person on the bus or in the supermarket this question: “What’s your Guide dog’s name?”.  Why not?  Chances are, you will be getting an alias.  One of the bits of information I gleaned in Guide dog training, is to answer this question with a phony name.  The rationale behind it is, many people will parrot the name back….”Ooo you’re a pretty dog Mindy!!! Mindy, you are such a smart dog! Hey Mindy!!!”…This can be a huge distraction for the dog. I think the pat fake name given to me at the guide dog school one day in training was, ‘Georgie’.   When I returned home with Opal, and hit MY streets, I soon understood how important it was to have a ’stage name’ for my dog. Trouble was, I had forgotten the pat answer (‘Georgie’) by the time I took that first solo walk with Opal.  We were on a bus going to the ferry terminal, when I  was suddenly faced with this question for the first time.  When a  woman asked,  my brain went numb. What was that name they told us to use, I asked myself.  I drew a blank.  She sounds like a nice person,  I thought.  What difference does it make, I  reasoned.  So, I  proudly announced, “Opal”. The nice lady promptly went ultrasonic in pitch, saying, “Opal, Opal, Opal” over and over using maximum voice output. Opal sprang up like a jack-in-the-box. Needless to say, I decided to come up with an alias for Opal that I would remember for all time.  What easier name to remember than, ‘Lucy’?  Lucy is our cat.  I am certain that Opal wonders why on earth I am always talking about the cat when we are out and about. It may seem unusual, but it is for our own safety.  People we see regularly (neighbours, friends, relatives, committee members) all know her real name.    I  consider that I am entitled to a certain amount of privacy. Therefore, please do not be offended if you later learn that you have been deceived by me or anyone who gives you a fake name when you ask the Guide dog’s name.  Remember, that in public places, there might be others taking notice,  (like kids) who will remember the Guide dog’s name  and one day, start shouting it when they spot the dog working across an intersection where total concentration is required by both dog and handler. 

Opal goes to Sunday school

Actually,  Universalist Unitarians call it RE or Religious Education.  There are no Bible studies and I don’t think there is anything particular religious about it.  UU kids learn about many things with the hope that it prepares them to become good human beings and citizens who care about others.  Today, Opal and I visited with the kids ‘upstairs’.  Our church is housed in a historic building. Originally, it had been two large, private homes with several staircases and many rooms of all sizes.  We had pre-arranged our visit with the RE teacher.  The number of kids in the RE class varies from week to week. Today, there were ten or so. They ranged in age between 2 and 10. Opal knew something was going to be different the minute we entered church.  She wanted to take me to ‘my seat’, but I coaxed her to the front row. We sat on the floor with the young ones during the ‘Story For All Ages’.  Then, when the congregation began to sing, “Go Now In Peace”, to usher the kids out of the room where the service is held,  I asked her to “follow”.  Up the multiple stairways that twist and turn we went  with a backpack full of ’stuff’.  We often go to schools to talk to kids about Guide dog etiquette and also about vision loss and ‘blind stuff’.  The difference today, was the age spread of our audience.  It’s difficult to keep things simple enough for everyone to understand.  Still, I think it was a good learning experience for them.  The first question was, “what happens if Opal becomes blind”?    This, oddly enough, is not the first time I have been asked this or something similar. I was once asked, if Opal’s mom had been blind.   Other questions have included, “Does she take a bath with you?”, “Does she chase cats?”, and “Will she always be your dog?”.  Jordan (the one who asked about Opal going blind) was tenacious.  Her follow up question was, “Would she still be able to work if she was blind?”  Once we established how unlikely that would be to occur, we talked about Opal’s job and why she must be allowed to concentrate.  I must confess, I had an ulterior motive in planning to  visit the kids… I have noticed that several of them come up and pat and talk to Opal as we are walking through the crowded church entry area and fellowship room.  My solution?  Be proactive and chat them up and sort them out as a group.  I offered ourselves as guest speakers, and the RE teacher was delighted to plan for our visit. ( I do most of the talking. Opal is the silent type).  The culprits who pat her, may or may not have been present today,  but kids tend to share their information with each other.   I hope so.  It’s always surprising for kids (and adults) to learn that the approximate cost of putting a Guide dog into the hands of a blind person, is in excess of $35,000.00.  We also brought gadgets which usually interest kids.  The talking calculator drew some “Neat!”s. The Braille kids books were also interesting for some.  I pointed out that blind people do not all know Braille but I find it very useful.  Out came the Braille tags which are used to put on clothing, the labeler to create stick on labels, and examples of a Braille phone bill and bank statement.  They peered through the vision simulator cards I had brought. These are plastic cards with circles to peer through, with each circle providing a simulation of what things might l0ok like with diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts or glaucoma.  Opal, meanwhile had a power nap.  She woke up periodicaly to comfort the little guy (2 years old) who was in the care of a family friend today (not too happy to away from mom).  When the service downstairs could be heard wrapping up,  the kids began to collect their things. Opal and I  packed up and left to find one of the many twisty stairways down to the ground floor.  We ended up in the fellowship room where everyone usually gathers to shares tea and coffee after the service. At least three older ladies and one man asked to pet Opal.   I realized that our work was not done yet!  Finally, I decided to have EVERYONE who wanted, a chance to greet her…”Get it out of your system today” I suggested. The UU church dog lovers gave her a pat or two and thanked me.  They said they would be OK from now on. I’m not entirely convinced.  We may end up having a similar talk on Guide dog etiquette  with the grown ups some time. 

Blind Etiquette 101–vocabulary

We live in a society where political correctness has commandeered the English language.  People get all bent out of shape over nonsense… or is it?  I think it depends on who is saying what to whom, and when they are saying it.  As far as the words used for describing people like me, for example, there is quite a selection: ‘Person who is blind’, ‘partially sighted’, ‘visually impaired’, ‘visually handicapped’, ‘visually challenged’, ‘person with vision loss’, ‘legally blind’, ‘with low vision’.  Some organizations and groups ask on forms, “are you a total?” (totally blind).  I personally do not like to be linked with the word, ‘impaired’.  It brings to mind, ‘impaired driver’ i.e.. drunk, and having done an evil deed by choice of action. It is negative and not a good choice of words, in my opinion,   yet I hear (let’s call them Blind) people refer to THEMSELVES in this fashion,  way too often.  It boggles my mind. I try to be consistent, and go with Blind (note the capital, like a nationality), deaf-blind and partially sighted, whenever possible. These are the words that the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians encourage their members (of which I am one)  use,  as well as  their chapter presidents (of which I am one)  when writing advocacy letters and making public statements.  On my own time?  I go with blind… as in “a bunch of blind folks are getting together at…”  There is, of course, as in every group, a humour and lingo used by blind folks.  There are ‘blind jokes’ .  It’s a little like the permissive dialogue available to members of the gay community, or other social community.  I  encourage EVERYONE to make free use of words like, “see you later” or “look at this” when conversing with blind people.  Please avoid saying, “it’s over there” as you point to something.  That, as I have often complained, is totally ridiculous and a bit thoughtless, especially when it’s coming out of the same person’s mouth  time after time.  Regardless of what’s coming out of your mouth, make it audible and clear.  Use the same level of vocabulary and tone that you would with any one else.  I swear, some people are compelled to speak to me and other Blind folks,  LOUDLY and in a SLOW,  SYROPY tone that they would use with children or intellectually delayed people. 

Guide Dogs: Good Idea For Some, but Not For Everyone

Three years ago, when I started to talk about my plans to ‘get a Guide dog’, with my friends who are Blind or partially sighted (without Guide dogs), something very interesting happened.  A collective movement spontaneously occurred that had them all idly talking or thinking about having a Guide dog in their lives too.  Their family members and friends also started to make statements to them too…”Mom, you should get a Guide dog too”.   While I believe everyone should have the option, I KNOW that some people are NOT good candidates to have a Guide dog.   Now that I have had Opal for almost two years, I feel somewhat qualified to voice my thoughts on this  with more conviction.  Fortunately, there is an intense candidate screening process to go through when one applies for their Guide dog, particularly if it is their first.  Guide dog schools differ somewhat, but all of them screen carefully.  The cost of matching a Guide dog to a blind handler, is in excess of $30,000.00 in most cases.  This sum takes into account: costs for breeding dogs, supporting puppy raiser programs, training by qualified people and the cost of maintaining the dogs in training at the Guide dog school.  The school must cover its overhead, pay a staff made up of trainers, instructors, kennel staff, support and administrative people. The travel costs of the the staff who travel for ‘after care’ (checking on the dogs and handlers), and, sometimes the travel costs of the clients,  must be budgeted too.  Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, (where I trained with Opal), receives no government funding.  The school operates as a charitable non profit organization, totally funded by money received through donations and fundraising activities. Clearly, it is in everyone’s interest (including the dogs) to be selective in determining who should have a Guide dog.   Some of my friends who were tinkering with the idea, would not  be good candidates. Why?  For some, it is absurdly obvious… they don’t like dogs much!  Other reasons include:  

• They have poor mobility skills and no initiative to learn any.  If they can not find their way to a destination with a white cane, it is unlikely that a Guide dog is a solution to ‘getting out of the house’, at least, until they learn to travel independently.
• Their state of general health (poor) would make it unlikely that they could be active on a regular basis. Some require frequent hospitalization.
• They do not have the financial means to support a Guide dog with even basics, like food and veterinary care. (Routine Veterinary care, can sometimes be supported by a school’s program. Emergency Veterinary care is usually the responsibility of the client.)
• They have a ‘free spirit’, hedonistic attitude about life.  This is not compatable with  having ANY dog in your life, including  a pet. If you can not get out of bed in the morning, or think that going outdoors in ALL WEATHER, several times a day, is  NOT for you…having a Guide dog  is probably not a good idea!  

There are sound reasons why the application process to a Guide dog school involves a great deal of paperwork.  I was required to have a family doctor detail my general health, my eye specialist detail my eye condition, and my ex-O &M (Orientation and Mobility) instructor describe my mobility skills.  I provided details about myself.  When the CGDB school received my application package, they determined  that I could move to the next step: A home visit by an instructor. We went for a ‘handle walk’, (called a Juno walk by some schools) which found me leaving my cane behind  and holding, a harness handle, with the instructor leading as the ‘dog’.  This gave the instructor a picture of my walking speed and gait. I learned (to my surprise) that I would be expected to use my arms, voice and learn specific ways to position my feet, when navigating with a Guide dog.  My height was noted (so that I could be matched with an appropriate sized dog). We talked about my everyday life.  What places did I go to?  I explained my busy life, with meetings, church, shopping, groups etc.  My concern about Lucy (my cat) and how her life would change if I was to have a Guide dog, was also considered. We talked about my age (49 then), my income, my family and community connections (I live alone).  I asked plenty of questions and they were all answered.  The instructor left me, and advised that CGDB’s committee would  meet and discuss all this information, and decide if I would be a good candidate for Guide dog training.  She also gave me hope by telling me that, while the decision was made by a panel that take into consideration all of the information,  she ‘felt good about it’.  It was a month or two later that I heard the happy news that I was accepted for training.  I waited to be ‘matched’ with a dog for several months, before being called to class in Ontario for a one month residential program. The Hadley School for the Blind offers a course called “Is a Guide Dog For Me?”. Hadley offers free distance education to blind people around the world (see http://www.hadley.edu). I suggest that anyone considering having a Guide dog in their life, should talk to other handlers about their experiences.  I know some people who have had a Guide dog or two, and then wisely decided that they preferred not to reapply for another guide dog. Their lifestyles had changed, or they relaized that they liked to go home and ‘put the cane in the closet’… something to consider. Dogs need routine and consistent care (feeding, grooming, relieving), love and attention (work, play, health care). Opal is the best thing that could have happened in my life.  It could be that a Guide dog would be equally important to you or your loved one. Do your homework and consider the reality of your lifestyle before you take the plunge. 

Blind people’s smart ass answers to stupid questions from sighted people

Yes, I know.   You all expect us to be polite and forthcoming when you ask us one of those typical stupid questions.  Surprisingly enough, there are times when some of us would like our privacy and space to remain uninvaded.   I have here, free for circulation, some useful smart ass answers to those stupid questions  sighted people ask  blind people. These are to be saved for those inopportune times when blind people find themselves trapped on a bus, train, aircraft,  or when attempting to eat a quiet meal in a restaurant etc.  

1.  QUESTION: Have you been blind all your life?  ANSWER: Not yet.
2. QUESTION:  You blind people have great hearing right?  ANSWER:  Pardon?
3. QUESTION:  Is that a Guide dog?  ANSWER:   No, it’s a drug detection dog. I’m a narc disguised as a blind person.
4. QUESTION:  Is that a Labrador? ANSWER: No, it’s a dachshund.
5. COMMENT:  I’d have to kill myself if I went blind.  REPLY:  Why wait?
6. COMMENT TO GUIDE DOG (working):  You’re sooooo beautiful. REPLY FROM HANDLER:  Thank you, but I’m spoken for.
7. QUESTION:  Those dogs are smart, aren’t they?  ANSWER: No, it’s pure luck that we get anywhere.
8. QUESTION  (directed to the person standing next to the blind person in a store): Does she need something? REPLY (from blind person): Yes, ’she’ needs to speak with your manager.

‘Guide Dog’ and ‘Seeing Eye Dog’…the difference

My girl, Opal (IV) and I, are happy graduates of Canadian Guide Dogs For the Blind in Manotick, Ontario, Canada.  I am proud of my canine partner.  Most of the time, I am happy to answer questions  or reply to the numerous comments I receive from the strangers we meet on our treks.  And there are plenty of them! 99% of the time, I don’t mind, as long as Opal can get a rest if she needs it, or I’m not having an indulgent, “don’t bug me, I want to be incognito” moment.  Here’s a recent transcript of recent conversations I had one day at the mall. These all occurred within a half-hour time frame.  We were sitting quietly in a carpeted public seating area, resting,  and just enjoying the moment.  Stranger one: “That’s a lovely seeing eye dog you have there”.    I smile and say to the woman, “thank you…but she’s actually called a Guide dog.  Seeing Eye dogs, are guide dogs that come from The Seeing Eye school in Morristown, New Jersey.  My dog is from Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind in Ontario.  It’s a little like the difference between Kleenex and tissue.  Seeing Eye is a ‘brand’ name. There are many different American and Canadian schools where Guide dogs are graduated, like Guiding Eyes, Leader Dogs, Canine Vision, MIRA, etc.  A tissue can be a Royale, Puff, store brand or a Kleenex etc. but we inacurrately use the term kleenex, when referring to any tissue”.  She seems to have grasped this.  Seconds later, a man with a thick Cape Breton accent comes by and says, “Lady, you’ve got one handsome seeing eye dog there”.   Once again, I launch into my explanation.  This guy is quite surprised and goes on and on about how he had never realized the difference.  ”yes”, I say.  ”All Seeing Eye dogs are guide dogs, but not all guide dogs are Seeing Eye dogs”. He says something about getting to the pharmacy and leaves.  A mom with a couple of kids hovers, and says to the kids, “look Justin and Corry! there’s a lady with a seeing eye dog!”  I  try to blurt out my pat shpeel, but I’m more concerned with ‘Justin’ who seems to be slithering on the floor, creeping up very close to  Opal.  I sort the kid out and the mom hauls them both away.   The sound of chunky heel approaches.  The newcommer it turns out, is meeting up with the lady who is sitting nearby. The new lady says,to her pal, “Hi Raylene…hey! Look at the seeing eye dog right there next to you! She’s a beauty…looks a little like Mike’s dog”. Then to me, “How long have you had your seeing eye dog, dear?” I sigh, and say, with a momentary sense of defeat, but my ever-present pride, “almost two years”. 

Blind Etiquette 101: For Transit Drivers

It could be that your town or city has a wonderful training program for its public transit drivers. Ideally, it would include a ‘people skills’ component. In other words, bus drivers, and subway, trolly car and ferry boat operators would be provided with a set of guidelines, which outline how they should interact with their passengers…the sort of ’sensitivity training’ that keep them from making total goofs of themselves. An additional part of driver training, would specifically outline appropriate responses, behaviour, and interaction with passengers who have disabilities.
They seem to have missed that part of training here in Halifax. So, if I were Queen of Halifax for a day, I would mandate our transit drivers to comply with this set of guidelines. It is not a complete Wish List. I leave it up to others to suggest other aspects of training.

1- When you pull your bus up, and someone asks, “What number bus is this?”, YOUR ANSWER is: “Number 14″ or “Number 81 downtown”,etc. NOT, “Can’t you see?” or “Look for yourself”. The person asking, might have a visual, perceptual or intellectual disability. It’s not up to you to make a diagnosis or comment. Please say it nice and loud too, because there may be ambient noise outside your bus making it hard to hear you.

2- On the same note, drivers (and EVERYONE) should know that there are DEGREES of Blindness and vision loss. Therefore, learn to recognize the standard white cane (long cane typically used), the white ID (identification) cane, the white support cane (used by someone who has both vision loss and mobility difficulty…often an elderly person), or a sign on a walker indicating the individual has a visual disability. A person with a Guide dog, by the way, should be a clue for you, that the person is blind. FYI Some people are Partially sighted (legally Blind) and might be wearing corrective lenses. Comments such as, “you’re not blind, you’ve got glasses” are NOT appropriate.

3- Now that you know how to spot the person who has a visual impairment, and you have appropriately identified your bus number, you should check the front area of your bus and then indicate to the person, where they might find a seat. example: “there’s a seat on your left, by the door”, or “there’s a seat behind me”. “Over there”, is not helpful. I realize that there is no OBLIGATION to force any other passengers from the front area seats on a bus, but, if there are no available seats, you should, POLITELY REQUEST that someone give up their seat. (Many blind people, or people with other disabilities, prefer to sit up front to facilitate any communication with the driver.)

4- The next appropriate action is: Ask the person who is Blind or partially sighted, “What stop do you want to get off at?”. (They may ask you first). Unless your city has automated voice system technology on buses and subways, the person with vision loss, has a difficult time to determine where they are on the route. Your city may or may not be required to ‘announce’ major stops on the route, though many Human Rights challenges have been fought and won over this issue.

5- Try and refrain from pulling away from the stop the second the passenger is aboard. Give the Blind person a chance to sit down before taking off. Doing so, averts risk of them falling and getting injured.

6- Remember to announce the requested stop. Do it in a loud, clear voice. DO NOT FORGET! Blowing by a familiar stop, may reek havoc for a Blind person. It can be difficult to get oriented when the blind person is even one block off the stop they wanted.

7- When the blind or partially sighted person is getting off your bus, advise them if the bus is a distance away from the curb, or if there is a snowbank or icy patch where they are about to step down onto. At a stop congested with people who are about to board, you should call out that they should step aside, if they are not clever enough to do so on their own.

8- If you are driving a bus that “kneels on request” (Accessible Low Floor or other), OFFER to lower the bus (boarding and getting off). Some people have Guide dogs that object to the high pitched lowering ‘alert’ noise. Other people just don’t require or want it. Some NEED it.

9- Be aware of the Guide dog Access Laws that protect Guide dogs and their handlers, allowing them to board the bus, subway etc. Do not talk to the dog, pet it etc.

10- In most cities, it is against policy to stand and chat with the driver while the bus is moving, unless there is a valid reason. It is distracting for the driver. It also blocks the bus aisle, making it awkward for a Blind person to get on or off, especially with a Guide dog (require wider space to pass). Mindless conversation might also distract you, (the driver) to the point where you forget to announce the requested stop.

11- If your blind or partially sighted passenger asks you a question, such as, “Is this Main Street?”, reply loudly and clearly. Do not nod your head, or grunt.

Announcement about Announcing….Bus stops

Transit companies in small and major cities all over North America are having a shakeup and a bit of a meltdown.  Why?  Because  people (mostly Blind) are advocating for policies that direct bus, trolly car, and subway drivers to ANNOUNCE STOPS on all routes.  Why should they announce stops?  Consider this;  People who are Blind or partially sighted, as well as ANYONE who is unsure of the area they are riding through (including tourists),  have a right to get to their destination safely and also to have assurance that this will occur consistantly.  Not only that, but announcing major stops AND all requested stops is being ruled a right, and not a hit and miss courtesy provided by transit drivers.  The Human Rights Commission ruled (twice) in favour of David Lepofsky in Lepofsky vs The Toronto Transit Corporation.  Mr. Lepofsky, a blind lawyer, won both challenges.  The ruling has ordered TTC to announce ALL stops on transit routes.  Then, in Ottawa, a similar case was launched and won by another individual (also a blind lawyer).  Winnipeg, has directed its transit drivers to announce all major  and requested stops on bus routes as of January 1 of 2008.  There is resistance by Transit Unions.  Some drivers are whining that it announcing stops is onerous.  Gosh, I recall riding buses in Montreal as a child…a time when drivers DID announce major stops.  Not only that, but they also kept busy making change, helping women onto the bus with their strollers, giving directions and bus route information, handing out transfers and more.  And they usually had time for a pleasant word with their passengers.  OK, this is 2008 and the world has changed, but drivers’ jobs are usually no longer involve making change.  Buses are more comfortable and easier to drive. Drivers are unionized and get a good wage. Admitedly, they do face instances of verbal and physical abuse in these modern and complicated times.  Regardless, they choose to do the job, and should comply with the conditions of that employment….including announcing major and requested stops.  In some cities, automatic sytems which are looped into the GPS of the transit company, have been installed.  As the bus or subway moves on its route, the GPS tracks its movement and an audio system automatically announces stops. This is ideal, but very expensive.  The cities that don’t have fancy gadgets that can do the transit drivers’ job of announcing, will have to deal with the reality:  Drivers must announce major and requested stops.  I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  It’s a lovely mid-sized city with quite a large group of Blind and partially-sighted residents…lots of seniors.  We are a tourist destination as well (come see our ‘quaint’, seaside city!).  I am often directing tourists, especially on the buses and ferries (come ride the world’s longest running salt water passenger ferry!).   On several occasions, when I have asked the driver (I wait till I am sure I am near my stop ,if I can) to announce my stop, they have blown by it…for no apparant reason, except “I forgot”…gee, I think, I just asked you two minutes ago….totaly unacceptable. I also chair the Halifax Regional Municipality Advisory Committee for Persons With Disabilities. Our committee has asked the city Legal department to urge Metro Transit to announce major and requested stops. In a personal stab at it, my legal aid helper is eager to launch a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, as we are getting nowhere with attempts to reason with Metro Transit.  I have suggested driver training include a specific component about passengers with disabilities. They should recognize a white support cane or ID cane as an indicator of someone who is visually challenged, and not just the traditional white long cane or guide dog team as indicators.  When a bus pulls up and someone asks, “what number bus is this?”, the answer should be “#4″ or “#19″, NOT, “can’t you see it?”  There is presently no obligation on the part of the driver to oblige people to ‘give up’ their seat at the front, for a person with a disability, but could it not be policy for the driver to politely ask if someone would do so?  Would it not be reasonable to have all buses cary the courtesy ‘please yield seat to handicapped’ stickers, instead of the select ones that actually do? Would it be too difficult for drivers to consistantly,  say to the blind person getting on, “there’s a seat behind me” or “there’s a seat by the door”?   I have heard people who are legally blind, but wear corrective lenses  say that drivers have been known to say things like…”I thought blind people wore dark glasses” and other gems.  I am the first to say that there are many great drivers out there who are courteous and respectful to everyone.  I don’t think a driver should be turned loose on the public until they get the proper training.  Handling a bus is more than just  driving.

More Blindness 101

•  Do not assume that the blind person you are talking to knows who you are. When you meet a blind person (let’s call him Max), let him know you are there (and not a passerby) by identifying yourself. Contrary to popular belief,  blind people do not Carry a foolproof audio Rolodex in their head. It is especially difficult to recognize someone’s voice, when it appears out of context. Max might be accustomed to hearing Mary at the church social every Sunday, but if Mary runs into Max at the grocery store one day, Max might not be able to figure out who she is.  Her voice is out of context. In a place where people are all about, Max can’t be expected to know who wants to say something to him unless you single yourself out. Max may be blind, but he is not necessarily deaf or mentally challenged. There is no need to shout or use monosyllabic words.
• PSST!!! Not all Blind people read Braille. In fact, it is estimated that only 10 to 25 % of Blind adults read Braille.  With technology offering ‘talking’(screen reading) software programs such as ‘Jaws’, and ‘Guide’, Kurswell  software for audible scanning, and DAISY (digital audio information systems) discs revolutionizing ‘talking books’, Braille has been given a run for its money.  Personally, I like Braille. It is like the old days…me and my book in silence.  But it is huge….literally.  Braille books are bulky and take up a lot of shelf space. Not only that, but if you pile heavy stuff on top of your Braille book or magazine, the raised dots will compress.  That makes it difficult to read.  Braille has two forms or levels: Uncontracted (formerly known as Grade 1 Braille) and Contracted Braille (formerly known as Grade 2 Braille).  Uncontracted, to put it simply is longhand.  Each letter (Braille cell comprised of a different combinations of six raised dots) is used to spell the word.  Contracted Braille is like traditional penned shorthand, and just as complicated!  I find it very handy for labeling bottles, c.d.’s and everything else I need in my life.  One more item on Braille…it travels ‘post free’ or ‘free matter for the blind’.  Yeah, a good deal. I’ll tell you all about Access to Information Rights sometime.    

Blind Etiquette 101

Sure, you’ve seen Blind people before. Maybe you’ve watched a guy walking down the road using a white cane. One day you were at the food court in the mall and you observe someone with a guide dog eating their lunch a couple of tables over. Maybe, one day,  you spotted a Blind person getting onto the elevator in the office building where you work.  Some sort of vague thoughts pass through you’re mind. Hmm, you think. I wonder how the heck he knows where he’s at.  You stare, with guilty fascination at the lady eating in the food court.  Your eyes move from her, to the dog lying quietly under the table.  You sit at your desk with your computer screen displaying the latest work project and your mind goes back to the guy getting into the elevator.  If he can’t see a monitor?… And one day, quite unexpectedly, you have your first up-close, face-to-face, gotta-interact-with-a-Blind-person situation. Oh, my gosh!!! What now? You’re clueless.  You want to help, but your mind is blank.  You’re worried about doing or saying the wrong thing.  You’re out of your comfort zone and nobody enjoys that.    In these days of excessive political correctness, and the hype about “inclusion and rights”, it can be daunting. Relax!!!  I’m here to ease your mind and to provide you with an ongoing course in ‘Blind Etiquette 101′. I’m not the Voice Of The Blind, but I can help you out. Let’s begin with some general facts, opinions and suggestions. 

•  Some people with visual impairments have no vision, however, other people who are legally Blind, have some useful residual vision (RV). I’m going to use ‘Blind’ to refer to all of the above. 
• Blind people are multi-dimmentional, with unique and varied personalities, backgrounds, knowledge, skills etc.
• It’s OK to use words like: watch, see, read etc.  when you are with a Blind person. (I ‘read’ audio books)
• Blind people do not have better hearing. We just use it more effectively.
• Sometimes, Blind people require assistance, sometimes we do not. Do not pull on a sleeve or grab at an arm.  Use your normal tone of voice to inquire if the person wants assistance.  They will tell you the best way for the situation.  If guiding, let the Blind person know about steps and curbs and if you are about to step up or down.
• If you are asked for directions or the location of an item, do not say, “over there”.  That is useless. Be as specific as possible.  Indicate the number of blocks, or estimate the distance in length (10 yards, 20 metres), or  use an imaginary clock to indicate position, from the Blind person’s perspective (“it’s at your 2 o’clock). That works for food on a plate too.
• When helping a Blind person find a seat, approach it with them and allow their knees to lightly touch.  Tell them if it is an arm chair, bench or other. Perhaps you could tap the seat area with your hand.
• Personally, when someone is passing or overtaking me on the sidewalk or hallway, I appreciate an audible indication…”passing on your left” or any sound…not essential, but pleasant. I find it a little creepy when people slink by me.
• In a crowded space, like a  meeting hall or party with a blind person?   Let them know if you are wandering off. Also remember that it is preferable to provide them with a tangible surface as a reference point, like a chair or wall. It’s more comfortable than standing in a loud,open environment.
• Honking your car horn at a Blind person is usually not at all helpful because they don’t know if you are honking for them, or another car, or indicating that they should cross the street, or indicating that they should stay put!

That’s it for today’s class in BE101. Come back for more tips this week. 

QUIET CARS = ANOTHER PROBLEM

I am an environmentally conscious person. I Recycle, Reuse and Reduce…the  three R’s rule my world.  Noise pollution? I’m right there complaining about the excess racket in our world.  Concerts and movies are not part of my scene. I want, and need to keep my hearing intact.  However, when it comes to the topic of hybrid cars (you know…the little fuel-efficient, vehicles that whisper as they run), I have a BIG PROBLEM. Actually, anyone who is blind or partially-sighted takes issue with these cars. Imagine: You are at the corner of a busy city intersection. Your goal is to cross the street safely. Maybe you use a white cane, or perhaps a guide dog is by your side. No matter. Your challenge is to know when the flow of traffic is moving in the same direction as you are.   There are the occasional audible pedestrian signal to assist you in making the decision, but there are not at every street corner. In fact, in most cities they are few and far between.   Your guide dog, if you have one, can’t decide for you.  Ideally, the dog will stop you if you make a bad choice, ie. you say “forward” when a car is coming (Intelligent Disobedience).  But they can not realistically be expected to see and hear everything at all times.  So, you do the best you can, and make a choice to navigate across the intersection.  WHOOSH!!!! A hybrid car runs you down, in all it’s environmentally appropriate, and EXTREMELY QUIET glory.  Do people who are blind or partially-sighted want to rid the world of hybrid vehicles? NO!!! We just want them to be required, by law, to emit sound at an adequate level, so that people who can’t SEE them, have a fair chance of HEARING them.  A minimum standard must be set for vehicle audible emissions for the automobile manufacturing industry.  Every Orientation and Mobility instructor from every organization in the world, that assists people who are blind or partially sighted, has become vocal in the struggle for such legislation.  I don’t think that sighted people realize this problem exists when they are in the showroom at the auto dealership, looking at the hybrid cars they are considering to buy.  If they did, they would say;  ”gee, it’s really nice, fuel-efficient, clean and environmentally-sound, but…it’s TOO QUIET, AND THAT’S NOT SAFE!”  Buying a hybrid?  Please express my concern and walk away until that little car makes a bit of noise while operating.  You might even consider writing to the Auto Industry people about it. Thanks.