If you see me walking down the street…

A few weeks ago my family and I went to the Bronx Zoo. This was not the first time there and will probably not be the last. It was however, the first time we have gone as a family since I lost my sight a little over two years ago.  Apparently not many blind people go to the zoo. Well at least not based on the reaction of many of the thousands of people visiting the park that specific Saturday. Fortunately for me I don’t have to deal directly with the stares pointing and even whispers that my family must put up with. This reaction and behavior is not unique or isolated to the zoo. This is something that we deal with on a day to day basis.

My wife and I are grown ups and we usually try to act mature. She rarely mentions these things to me anymore. Occasionally it may reach a point with her where she needs to let it out. It’s one thing when she and I are alone, but why in the world would people point and stare when children are involved. My oldest daughter is just cool as can be. She rarely says anything out loud regarding the on lookers, but occasionally she asks my wife, why-- why do people stare at Daddy?

Within the last two years I have done a great deal of mental exercise to get to a state of mind where I am not thinking about other people and their misguided perceptions of blind people. Most of them probably have legitimate questions that have never been answered. Some have stereotypes of the blind community that maybe conflict with the image of my family and me enjoying a day together. Frankly, I don’t care that much about their issue. I care more about my family and the effect this has on us.

My wife and I were talking about going away for a family vacation. It was her idea to attend the ACB (American Council of the Blind) convention in Florida this summer. Okay, let me explain. My wife’s first idea of a vacation would never have been the ACB convention. She is more of the cruise, Caribbean, Polynesian Islands type. Get the point? When it comes to vacations, my oldest daughter takes a lot from her Mother. They both love to talk about going various places. I think in a few years my daughter will be just as good as her Mother in planning the events.  It is therefore, just as shocking to me to hear that she too is interested in going to the convention. Not for the information but simply to be in a place where we have shared experiences with others and we are not on display.

I remember when going on vacation meant getting away from everyone relaxing and enjoying a new place. Now it seems we are trying to just be anonymous.

My family is strong and will never let anything like idiots staring stop us from living our lives. So, to all who are fascinated by my family and I, please do like the song --

……Walk on by!

NFB aims at Target

NFB sues Target

The author ends this article with a comment that suggests the issue of accessibility to web sites is unimportant. There are some who have even left comments that suggest the blind have no business on the web.

While the web is a source of income to many in the development field and a convenient way to find information, for a blind person it can mean the difference between remaining independent and signing over many routine activities to a stranger.

The web for a blind person provides them with the ability to shop, perform banking tasks, obtain information that is otherwise inaccessible and for many even socialize.

It amazes me that readers of a technology based website would have such an attitude. They must forget the true purpose of technology is to solve a problem or fill a need.

What’s it All About?

On Friday May 5, I had the pleasure of participating in “What’s it All About Day” in my daughter’s school. This is a more inclusive version of career day. Parents can choose to discuss careers, hobbies or any activity that is applicable to children.

I was very happy when my daughter asked me to sign up for the event. After losing my sight, I was insecure and wondered if my daughter would still be proud of me.

She was excited about me attending the event, but she also made sure I would follow her rules.
Don’t tell any stories about me as a child.
Don’t bring any baby pictures.
Don’t be boring.
These were her three main rules. The other two pertained to my attire. She knows I would never purposely embarrass her, but it sure is fun telling her about the many ways I could.

After getting my daughter’s approval on my clothing selection for the day, my wife dropped us off at the school. I was too happy being with my daughter to get upset by the ignorant things people tend to do around a blind person. I had to sign in so my daughter and I walked to the table setup for the speakers to get their classroom information. “Can he sign in?” “Will you be able to show him to the classroom?” These are some of the questions one of the women asked my daughter. Usually I interrupt the question and the person will realize their mistake. However, this day I simply said “we will be fine and moved on.  That is actually a very big deal for me. I can’t tell you the number of times people make comments to my daughter like “Do you take good care of your Daddy? Anyway, let me move away from that subject before I get fired up.

I spoke to a total of four 3rd grade classes. My presentation was not only about a career as a computer programmer, but mainly about blindness and what it means compared to the many myths. The kids were very cool. They really enjoyed when my computer screen reader spoke to them. We talked about different technologies and how they assist people to accomplish many ordinary tasks that others may take for granted. One boy said he was going to invent me a car that will drive itself. He was stone cold serious. I think he may be the one.

Exposing children to a variety of careers, cultures and challenges will eventually produce a new inclusive way of thinking. Gone will be the days when companies are adapting technology or trying to build accessible versions of popular software or other devices. Inclusion from the start will allow everyone to access information.

--That’s what it’s all about!