THOUGHT PROVOKER 1


Blindness and Sharks


Last Updated June 23, 2004
To Provoke Thought Is The First Step To Beyond




     The torpedo shaped fish circled and circled in the desktop Aquarium. My friend was showing me his new pet shark. "He is not a true miniature. He is small because of the size of the tank I keep him in. If we let him go out to sea, he will grow to his species normal size."

     "Interesting." I said, thinking I'd tell him all that I thought; Weird or not. "This puts me in mind of some blind people I know."

     "What do you mean?" My friend asked.




RESPONSES

e-mail responses to newmanrl@cox.net

**1. "It could be that some of the blind people we know, and maybe even Ourselves to some extent, stay at home too much doing the same routine things over and over again every day, and face less challenged. If we or our Society would encourage us out more, we could do and be more and grow to function more to our potential."

FROM ME: "Yes to your observation of limiting ourselves by not getting out and taking on new experiences/risks and all That. Do you think we can do it to ourselves without knowing it?"


**2. "I wonder about your thoughts. What happens when the fish gets out, would it be like a guy getting out of prison. I had to put that in there."


Henry Vetter (Omaha, Nebraska, USA)

pr>FROM ME: "A prison" would be one way to characterize the aquarium to the shark; get rid of the barriers to the shark's movement and he would grow. So for a blind guy who also experiences barriers in society (at home or school or in the neighborhood or looking for a job or on a job) then his growth would be Stunted. But, are all barriers found on the outside of a guy?


**3. "Thank you for the thought provoking tidbit. I like little shorts like that."


Nancey Coffman (Lincoln, Nebraska, USA)


**4. A. "I'll bet your shark story made reference to the fact that blind people can be bigger than they are if they choose to get out into the big wide world. Just be careful not to get sucked into any whirlpools."


B. "HI all, I found the discussion of blindness and sharks very interesting. I do wish everyone would put their names in each statement, so all of us know who contributed each point of information."


Ryan Osentowski (Lincoln, Negraska USA)


FROM ME: "It was I who did not insert the name of the contributors. I will ask the writer to tell me if they do or do not want their name added."


**5. A. " Well Robert, now we know. You have actually noticed that many blind people just circle a small area, never growing or expanding their horizons. I am glad some sighted people can be accused of that as well."

FROM ME: "Yeah, like it can happen to anyone who becomes limited by one characteristic. Especially if they get down on themselves."

B. I probably shouldn't jump in on this one again but I found some goodies in the responses you sent out.

The story of the bird that out-grew its cage reminded me of myself and other blind people I have encountered. We have been in a small, relatively confined area for so long that we don't recognize the barriers that hold us captive. When our horizons expand, we do eventually "fly into the cage" and find new limits. I guess my biggest hope is that I will just have to keep finding a bigger cage. The bigger cage will put less limits on me and make those limits less obtrusive. I think everyone has limits, both self-imposed and placed upon us by society. Our greatest hope is that our big cage will have a door on it and propped open so that we can find a way around the barriers.

When it comes to reaching into the bowl and getting bitten by the shark, I caution each of to offer a gentle nudge and a "tail lashing" before we become aggressive. Sometimes people who invade our space, telling us how to do what we do or what we should be, need an assertive communication about the barriers we encounter and the ways we are working to take them down. We need to remember that everyone faces some barriers in life. Teaching patiently and consistently is the best way to begin pushing these barriers aside."


Pat Conrad (Dunlap, Iowa USA)

FROM ME: "As for your entry, I read it again and again. There was something there I know I needed to grasp (the point that I felt was there for me was what made me read and reread; not a problem with your writing). It was the realization of how we move from one size of risk or set of barriers or cage to another of larger size and once we graduate from that one we move to another one and hopefully larger and larger as we grow and gain independence and progress in all things in life. Then can it be said that there is always a cage, some being more restrictive than others?"



**6. "The object lesson of the shark applies to all human beings, sighted and blind alike."


Mike Floyd (Lincoln, Nebraska USA)


FROM ME: "Yes, it does apply to all humans. But for we the blind to not allow these restrictions to be too harsh, what might we do to keep them as lose as we can?"



**7. "I think you should tell your friend that most blind people are not going to stick their hand into a tank with a live shark in it if they know that is what is in the tank."


Amy Clark (Lincoln, Nebraska USA)


FROM ME: "Your answer was one I'd hadn't come up with in my own head; I like it! So yes, what you say is correct; we are not dumb."



**8. "I would answer this question but I don't know what this story means. What does it mean?"


: "Read what some of us say about that; read this document. I say this story represents only one angle to one little segment of life; neither positive nor negative. But worth looking at. Discussing blindness, people-ness, behavior and learning is what we can do best for one another."



**9. "I once had a bird that was small when I got it. It grew and the cage became limiting. I put the bird in a bigger cage and it was so frightened that it wouldn't eat and it flew around and crashed into the bars. It had gotten so used to the limits, it did not know what to do when the limit wasn't there. I see that in both sighted and blind, but more in the blind because they limit themselves and don't want to go farther out of fear. Fears of all different kinds. Some how we must all get the pioneering spirit so that we do not limit ourselves and our lives are bigger and more full."


: "The pioneering spirit is a good one; for those who are adventurous; also to be self-reliant. But alas not all persons have these qualities to the same degree. Either way, there are crossover elements found in what it takes to be a pioneer or a "stay-at-home" or a blind person; like guts or bravery or the ability to take reasonable risks and handle stress. How much we individually have or have the opportunity for developing and/or can be encouraged to take on is truly individualistic. Nevertheless what I usually find is that all can do better than they first think they can."


Rory conrad (Dunlap, Iowa USA)



**10. "Yes, I can relate to that shark, as you know, living in this small rural town. The world is not as hostile as our fears lead us to believe. Negativism abounds in the world and especially to those of us who others perceive as "handicapped." We are handicapped by our attitudes, mostly. What is freedom defined by? Our parameters physically or socially or mentally???"


: "Freedom's parameters;" physically or socially or Mentally. Yeah.....all of these are strengths; just depends on when and how you use them, right? (Otherwise, yes there is that proverbial "last straw which can break the camels back and we are not all super people.)"


B. "The question you posed about the new age of sightlessness piqued my interest. It seems to me, being a rather newly blinded person, that the World turns it's head away from us and gawks at us as we have passed. But It is starting to become> interested as we attain goals that perhaps they are even afraid to broach. This shall continue as we stop hiding in our condition and forge our way. Thanks for the forum."


Pamula McVeigh (Herman, Nebraska USA)


: FROM ME: "For a newer person to blindness you picked up on a major factor of what we the blind can do to assist the sighted to take notice and give us space on the line of life; we getting out there and showing them that we are still capable contributors."



**11. A. "I loved your parable about blind people being like sharks in an aquarium. Or maybe sharks in an aquarium are like blind people. Here is The scenario that I see.


When a shark is a baby and in a small aquarium and a blind person is just starting out, he too is like he is in a small aquarium. But there is a way out. They are both happy where they are, if they venture out, they love the new freedom. They grow and grow many times their younger size. Then they are caught and put back in a small aquarium by others. Then they can not find their way out. (It can also make them both angry and bite anyone who comes near them!) It can happen to a shark and it does happen to a blind person. We have to learn sometimes to except where we are at, so we can make things better wherever we are."


FROM ME: "Accept where we are at." Well yes and no. Yes strive to change that which can be changed and don't waste time on those things you can't change; more importantly know the difference between the two. And yes, once you find that you are where you are and aren't going to move for a while or not for ever, do strive to make that place work for you. Finally....how many of us are angry with where we are?"


B. "I was trying to make a special point yesterday and I didn't have time. When sharks or the blind are turned loose in the world, they grow. But if they are put back in the aquarium for some reason, in my case, it was the accident in 1976 and not the blindness. As the full grown shark now, I too do not fit into my aquarium. I try to make things better all the time, and maybe someday I will be back out of my aquarium. But, right now I do have to be content where I am and keep swimming so that I do not drown."


Pat conrad (Dunlap, Iowa USA)


FROM ME: "In your first reply to "Blindness and Sharks" Yes, I did see that point; true for you and for some others. Back in the aquarium again, as you say and I believe mean, doesn't mean you've resigned yourself to be just an aquarium swimmer, right? This movement of yours signals waiting, learning, building strength, scheming, and all that positive stuff too, right? Granted, now your swimming style has changed (after the accident), even weakened in some ways, yet "smarts" can many times beat the strong."


C. "No, I am not going to stay in the little aquarium. I am still working on getting out, but not crying and cussing that I am here. That is important. I am not resigned to it either. I am going to work to broaden my horizons and grow so big that I flop out of the aquarium and hopefully fall into some nice deep water. The accident, took away the success I had gained and the respect. It will take a while to get it back but I am working on it all the time."


: FROM ME: "Then you sound like your pretty well gotten this "do good where your at thing" down. That is what we strive for. To help others to think and explore, give us some specific examples on what it took to get there and how did you do it. Don't get preachy). Can't beat peer counseling. How about anyone else?



**12. "Your shark story could be taken either negative or positive. I do see that most of the responses are on the positive side, "we will over come." But even then you wonder if these people "Walk the Walk," after "Talking the Talk?"


: FROM ME: "As for "Blindness and Sharks" being taken either negative or positive, sure; like they say "A picture is worth a thousand words" and so is a story a vehicle for provoking thought. And as for are we/these people walking the walk they talk; I know that for me, at times I find it hard to keep up the pace, put one positive foot in front of the other. We NFB'er are not in the organization because we are perfectly adjusted and always strong; I get depressed, I get negative and I need help that I can get by only being here in the NFB."



**13. "Those are great responses. sorry i didn't get one off to you."


Cheryl Livingston (Lincoln, Nebraska USA)


: Good to hear from you. It is not too late to add a response to my gathering of comments provoked by "Blindness and Sharks."



**14. Imagine placing the fish tank into the ocean where the shark can have access to the vastness of it's surroundings. The shark may swim out and find it likes his newfound Universe. Or perhaps, it may swim back and be happy in the confines of the tank. It has chosen the place of it's liking.



**15. "Thanks for the story about the shark. It was certainly "food" for thought. I would also like to respond to the story. Many times society puts us into a fishbowl of sorts. People look at us with a very narrow view. Either we are something weird and different or something to be stared at in wide wonder. If society would let go of the "fishbowl" mentality and look at us as whole people, with all the eccentricities and normality's that others possess, we would be better able to go out into the sea, so to speak, and reach our full potential."


FROM ME: One of the feels I get from your contribution is in how you speak of the way we are treated, as if it is wide spread and accepted. If you were to give this segment of our present era of acceptance a name, what would it be?"



**17. "As for that silly little shark in the aquarium, the explanation of its metaphorical connection with blind folks is plain. When the little shark gets out into a more natural habitat for sharks, it grows into a significantly larger shark, though not a very big one. Among other features, it grows much larger and sharper teeth. With these teeth, it can inflict considerable harm on victims, and even devour them. Now, it often happens that when constricted blind folks break out, or et released into the larger world, they also acquire sharper instruments in their mouth; the difference is that this is often the tongue rather than the teeth.


Now, we have both met blind folks with pretty sharp tongues when they get out into this world. This instrument can also inflict considerable psychic harm on their victims. Perhaps one difference is that the victims often deserve it, but it is not clear how much they benefit from this sharp tongue assault. Moral of the story: a softer, rounder tongue will often win more real nutrition than a sharp tongue and sharp teeth."


James Nyman (Lincoln, Nebraska USA)


FROM ME: "For peer counseling sake, give us an example."



17. "Thank you for sending this. I really enjoyed reading different messages.


I think we can apply this story to any aspect of our lives from our Blindness to relationships to raising kids."


: FROM ME: "Right on>"



**18. "Nice story. It reminds me of a novel by Richard Bach" called "Johnathan Livingston Seagull". The main character found his possibilities expanding once he began challenging personal and societal expectations regarding what he could or could not do. It is Something we all could probably do more of that. Thanks for the story."


Bob Deaton (Lincoln, Nebraska USA)


FROM ME: "Thanks for responding to "Blindness and Sharks." I'm sitting here thinking of your Mr. J. the Seagull and early explorers of our country, wondering what drove them, what stressed them, what they did to keep going. Wondering how they gained their first measure of confidence and what they did or who was there to assist them to develop even more. Lifting a partial sentence out of your message and pasting it here "his possibilities expanding once he began challenging personal and societal expectations". Moving into the unknown makes it known and territory for possibilities expand. But alas, to have more you must be willing and capable of taking and giving more. I hope I am up to the challenge."



**19. "Lots of time people don't deliberately put blind people in a fishbowl to stifle or restrict them. From their perspective, it's for a blind persons safety so they don't have to worry about it. Sometimes this can negatively affect a blind person's self-esteem. But sometimes that spurs a blind person on to do something."


Gary Crane (Omaha, Nebraska Usa)


FROM ME: "A restriction by one on another for that second person's own good?" Well, why not; not to me please! Yet, I do know that some do learn to make lemonade from lemons. (One horrible story would be the baby shark you save today, grows and eats you tomorrow!)"



**20. A. "One more specific example. One time when I was in the hospital for a lengthily stay, a friend brought be a bright colorful fish in a small fishbowl whom was named 'Jim-Fish.' After I got home I placed him on my table and enjoyed him tremendously. One day too much water was placed in the bowl, like to the brim. When I got home he was no longer in the bowl nor on the table beside, but was clear out in the middle of the living room floor. Also he was no longer that bright color but very dull looking. I don't know if their are more possible discussions as to what this means, but thought I would throw it out too."


Jim Merryfield (Lincoln, Nebraska USA)


FROM ME: "It was a nice gift; a life for life. And, as a life dies we may look to see why, we may even question it. As for your fish and its jumping out of the bowl, it could be yet another point in the escaping from ones restrictions; finding the new world we entered is too much for us (look before you leap!)."



**21. I enjoyed your messages and responses on "Blindness and Sharks"! Appears you have generated a lot of interest with your original thesis. Actually I agree with several who responded to you---this is an issue that effects the sighted as well. Life is all about taking risks and certainly in my career and trying to access why certain individuals succeeded in the business world as opposed to those who didn't--risk taking ranks near the top.


Successful people based on my observations had high intelligence were very positive about life in general and were rational risk takers. I call them Achievers and as an add on to the qualities stated above they have: high self-confidence--self-directed---spontaneous and natural---goal oriented---problem centered rather than self centered--creative--and psychologically healthy. Their is a lot of good stuff that has been written by Maslow and Hertzberg and others about successful people. At any rate I have always had a strong interest in this area and have a good size library on this subject.


While I have no first hand knowledge of the restrictions of being blind might possibly present, it would be another high hurdle to overcome. Life is about overcoming. Well at any rate you have provided a forum for people to express their own thoughts.


The responses were absent of blame and bitterness about being blind---that was so damn impressive to me."


Dan Mullus (Burmingham, Alabama USA)


FROM ME: "Your listing of characteristics for a successful person in business was appreciated. Sure, not all are interested in business, but in the business of life a measure of each of those strengths are necessary. Plus your pointing out that it is a "people" problem" and not one unique to blindness was right on; much of what we can do outside of adjusting to blindness will assist us in our adjustment to blindness."



**22. "Robert, that shark story is heavy stuff. I read the whole thing and thought most answers were interesting. I guess I would vote for number 5 as closest to my reaction. He said some blind people just circle around in a small area and never expand their horizons. And then he added that that applied to some sighted people as well. I would add that that is particularly true of some retirees. They don't really plan ahead. They just think "ah, how great it is gonna be to get out of the rat race." Maybe they have some fuzzy idea about traveling but nothing definite, and so they don't pretty soon they are "swimming around in a very small bowl". I mean their interests are so narrow that they sooner or later realize retirement ain't all that much fun. Then they either die early, or they get off their duffs and start doing things. And my! There are so many things an idle person can do! Hobbies, volunteer work, church work, Elderhostels, Senior Center Activities, and so on".


: "Truly restrictions can hit any of us from any quarter, at any stage in life. As you aptly point out, not only can it lessen the quality of one's life, but it can shorten it. Purpose is life. Retirement is another one of those major changes in life, as disability and it too must be thought out and worked with."


Lenord Mullis (Denver, colorado USA)


Hi, thank you very much for your response to A BEAUTIFUL VIEW. Do write in again.
**23. "The idea of being limited by the boundaries we place ourselves in is indeed very evident in this 'thought Provoker' however, sometimes those boundaries are good for us. For example, a child is allowed to stay in a crib, then a room, then the house, then the yard, neighborhood, etc. As the child grows and is responsible, the boundaries expand. I, myself, am in training. The waters that I am about to associate with are not familiar to me. After the training is over, I should travel those waters and not stay in the small tank."

Gary Crane (Omaha, Nebraska USA)


FROM ME: "Sure. If the level of restriction is commensurate with the level of status and position; no one must be unfairly restricted."



**24. "Well now, about these sharks. I found myself thinking several things:


about the shark, the tank, and lets not forget about the keeper of the shark. A pet shark, what inspires someone to keep a pet shark? Is there something about this way of thinking that parallels where many blind people find themselves? And what about that big ocean out there, does it represent nothing but freedom for our friend the shark? What about all those other bigger fish that might be looking for a quick snack? Are we sure that the shark really wants to escape? And one more question that perhaps the shark is asking, is the water in that other tank seawater?


Most people keep pets because they are either interested in the loving relationship that will develop between them and their pets. Some others may keep a pet because they think the animal is interesting, or owning one is really cool. Some people choose a dangerous animal because it frightens other people, and makes them feel more powerful, because, they have mastered something others are afraid of. So, how does all of this connect with blind people? Well, when one person tries to take care of another person, isn't it out of love? How many pet owners think of their pets as equals? Being interested in someone because they appear to be different may lead to a good relationship, but what if the interested person doesn't go that extra step and communicate with the person they find so interesting? Do the people that keep interesting pets think of them as equals? And if you keep an animal because controlling it somehow makes you feel better about yourself, how can you ever begin to think of it as an equal?


So what about that ocean? There are a lot of bad things out there right? Bigger fish, fishermen, diseases, and then there is the matter of finding your next meal right? Even that bigger fish tank, maybe the next keeper won't be as kindly right? Maybe the water won't be the right kind or warm enough right? Our friend the shark has a lot to consider before deciding to escape, after all the sides of the tank not only keep the shark in, but a lot of bad stuff out as well, right?


It seems to me that if that shark is going to get out of that tank he or she is going to have to be in a state of desperation, and very determined. Therefore, the shark has to believe that the tank is a very bad place to be, and that the bigger tank or the ocean is a much better place to be.


You know if I were that shark I would really want to find a few other sharks that have already escaped from their confinement, or are in the process of doing so. It would really be good to know what is out there both the good and the bad, and I have a feeling that getting away from one's keeper might mean getting into a fight. The more friends that are willing to help you out, the better your chances, right?


Well, now that I think about it Maybe JAWS was a good choice of names for a screen reader for blind folks!

Jeff Aultman (Lincoln, Nebraska USA)


FROM ME: "You hit on several important points in this response. The point I wish to highlight from your contribution is the one that I think fits best the concept of a "Thought Provoker" being used with in our group to help all of us to take bigger risks and grow. Here is your statement, "You know if I were that shark I would really want to find a few other sharks that have already escaped from their confinement, or are in the process of doing so. It would really be good to know what is out there both the good and the bad." Yes, reading through this document gives us that very opportunity; check out the diversity of experience presented. Sure some of us are more advanced and they are who I want to most learn from; having all responses laid out before me demands I compare my thoughts/understanding with each of them and from that process I am challenged. And as you said "the good and the bad" are equally necessary to examine; never allowing the bad to over ride the positive, the good.


The second sentence I choose to quote here is, "The more friends that are willing to help you out, the better your chances, right?" Right!



**25. "I know the author is trying to say that it is sad that some blind or visually impaired people are stunted in their growth. I know that sometimes its the blind person's doing and sometimes it is not. Either way, those of us who can see it from the outside need to point it out to all of us and in that way help us all; hepl the restricted person to realize it and make a move to break down the walls or to alarm us to help them or give notice to us out here that it could happen to us. FIGHT BEING STUNTED!"


Arnold Olsen (Bakersfield, California, USA)



**26. "The shark story applies to those classed as visually impaired more than those classed as blind as a little sight is a dangerous thing. If you say to someone you can see they are less willing to help. This means that visually impaired people are denied the help needed to allow them to grow into independent people. However, I also appreciate how it can be for blind people as I have no irises and I have bad photophobia, which means that when I am outside I am virtually blind. I can cope in my own town but as I grow older i and was to travel but am reluctant to as I am afraid I will not find my way around easily and the help won't be there."


Hannah James


"FROM ME: This lady feels vision loss is even more restrictive to the partially sighted. How about the rest of you?"



**27. "I, honestly, think, in some ways blindness does restrict our lives. I do, for the most part, have a positive attitude about blindness, and try to think, that "We can do anything we put our minds to". Yet, I have put forth so much effort to do as much as sighted person, and so many blind people I know. Of course, their exceptional people whom are blind whom can, and do extraordinary things, but I, myself, am just an average blind person. Like many people, I have had many obstacles in my life. Some have been Education, and Employment related while others have been personal.


I once use to be Partially sighted, and did not have too many obstacles. I felt like, Blindness was just a inconvenience, and not a "real big deal". The only thing, I really could not do back then, was drive. Although, II did not enjoy reading, I was able to read the Newspaper and read mail.


Now, that I am totally Blind, I find it very difficult to get mail read. Though, we have a scanner, they are not completely effective. I have found it very difficult/frustrating to find " Readers" in the community to read for me and my Significant other. I have called several Organizations in the Phoenix area, and they keep passing me from one organization to another, or say "we only have this service for Seniors". I think, those of us whom are young working Adults whom just so happen to be blind, have the right to have this service as well.


Even though, I find the topic of Reading, a sore subject at times, I am grateful to have learned Braille. I, may be slow, and it's not "second nature for me", I can still read. And, it certainly, does not tire me out like reading print did. It is also nice to have services like Newsline, which I am sure you are aware of. It's wonderful to be able to listen to the Newspaper via a phone line, and a synthetic computer voice. In addition, transportation, is another restriction, I think, we as blind people have. It's much easier, for a sighted person to drive to work or run errands. It takes much more time and energy for us. Yes, some of us have the skills to travel by Bus, but sometimes, for myself, and others I know, it is not always possible. Busses are not always running, or it would take too many busses, or sometimes we have anxiety in doing such a thing. Some people would say, well at least we have Public transportation. I personally, think, folks whom are sighted do not take public transportation as often as they should. I also, think, all of us, judge too quickly. "we should not judge, until we have walked a mile in the other person's shoes".


In my opinion, I think, we as blind people, have come a long way, since the days when Blind People were Institutionalized, but more needs to be done to improve the lives of us Blind. I feel we as blind People are restricted the most in the area of Employment. I, myself, Have had a number of jobs that I was hired for, but did not work out because, The technology was not fully adapted. I know, a number of people, whom I have met on some of these mailing list as well as friends, whom have had similar experiences. We should not be restricted, from working, because of our disability. More needs to be done! We need to get more technicians whom need what their doing in the field of Access technology, and truly care about their clients.


Besides, These issues Robert, I think, life as a Totally blind person is pretty good, and in some ways better than it was as a partially sighted person.


Take care.


Karen Hughes (USA)



**28. "I found your message about sharks really interesting. After reading all of the messages others have said about this brought one thing to mind. Many people do not want to get out of the tank because it is comfortable. As a Totally blind person, it has been a struggle for me to come to the realization that I want to get out of the tank, but I am a afraid of getting out of the tank. I know how to do it, but I am still afraid to do it. I do not want to go to the convention because there are to many people, and I do not care to much to hear about business meetings and all that mess."


Reinhard Stebner (Spring Texas USA)



**29. "My name is William Spencer. I am 39 and blind. It is hard to grow when society treats you like an idiot or an invalid. I was born blind. I now have a computer that I received in January. actually in a cage, at home living with your parents or family is where society want blind people to bee. society want blind people to walk with a dog, not a cane. and they want blind people to work in a sheltered setting making 50 cents an hour. or to let the family support them or live on social security they never want blind people to bee out alone. god forbid, they might fall. and sex, well they think blind people should bee celibate do I have the picture? so if blind people are in the cage or aquarium well society put them there."



**30. "Well, my thoughts on "Does Blindness restrict our Live?" Not really. It all depends on a person's attitude. The only real restriction is Driving an Auto, and some employment that requires full vision such as Police, Firefighters, and other hazardous occupation. Otherwise, we can do what ever we want to do if we learn the alternative techniques, and use the tools available to us. I have been Deaf/Blind since I was 20 years old, that goes back to 1964. I was diagnose as Legally Blind with RP/Ushers Syndrome. At that time, I had 10 to 15 degrees of field vision. Today, my left eye has very little sight, and to right eye have 2 8 degrees of field vision. But it does not get in the way of doing things. I am a Rehab Teacher for the Blind, and have been since Dec. 1, 1997. I love what I do, and enjoy teaching blind consumers to be independent. I know Braille, and can even cook a complete meal blindfolded. I have climbed to the top of the mound across Mt. Helen Volcano in the National Park with a sighted guide. My dual impairments did not spop me. I have been a Scouting Volunteer for 15 plus years. Scoutmaster of four different troops. and Assistant Scoutmaster of five to six others. I have traveled 46 of our 50 states. No, blindness does not restrict me other than driving a car. I have a driver who takes me to see my clients. One just have to accept and focus on what we can do, not on what we can not do. We have to look at our abilities, and capabilities. WE do not have a disability, we have an impairment."


Andrew A. Ormsby, Jr.



**31. "Very interesting, especially others' thoughts about the cages or aquaria (is that the right plural?) that we sometimes put ourselves into, and unwittingly allow others to put us into. I don't consider myself being put into too many cages, but sometimes it's frustrating when others try to put me there for their own convenience, or because they're pissed off whenever I'm a little self-assertive. Then I'm told sometimes that I have a "piss-poor attitude", and that kinda hurts. Because you know that a sighted person who does use a sharp tongue when they think they need to is looked upon mostly as strong and self-confident. Things that make ya go hmm.


John D. Coveleski (New York, New York Jcoveleski@mindspring.com)



**32. "I liken your analogy to my own experience. I believed myself to be a planner of some kind. I went to college with the intent of widening my environment for employment while all the time losing sight. I did not believe that my loss of sight would become more of a barrier than the growth I would experience from a college degree. I at this time believe I was wrong. My mind grew though my environment became less for me to explore. Not because of my own ideas but because of external perceptions and obstacles toward the blind. So, as my mind grew my environment seemly became more limited. Again, I would like to state not because I did not have the energy or the confidence but because those out side my experience did not have the energy or the confidence in a blind person. Can anyone relate? Sincerely"


Vince LLanas (llanas@paulbunyan.net)



**33. “Here are my thoughts on this provoker and its relation to blindness: If one lets a blind person sit around and not do anything, than he/she will never grow in the attitudinal sense of getting a grip on the reality of what being blind really means, thus not being a part of regular society in that he/she will learn neither the skills of blindness or how to interact with both, blind and sighted people. This compares to the shark in the sense that if the creature isn't let out to see, then it won't learn the shark behaviors used to survive in the wild, right? Summarizing what I'm trying to say: If the blind person isn't brought out into the world (the sea for the shark) than he/she won't be able to learn the social and attitudinal behaviors needed to interact with society (the shark's wildness-related behaviors)required to survive in the world.”


Gerardo (NABS)



**34. “Its not just the walls of society its the limitations put on us because of our blindness. I just got back from a party down the street. Its our fire departments 75th anniversary today. When I could see to identify people and able to read a little body language I used to have a lot more fun at these kinds of parties. Today I just found the beer tent and drank. This isn't normal behavior for me just felt like it today. "blindness is a nuisance" yea sure more like a pain in the **$#$#@."”


Charlie Web (Blindfam)



**35. “Very perceptive, this. In other words, the walls of society, like the walls of the fish tank enclose the blind so that they are squeezed and can not reach their full growth or potential. this is quite a powerful image, and is most apt.”


Ann Parsons (Blindfam)



**36. “Ann's reaction to this thought provoker, interested me very much. I ask ..are we the sighted preventing blind persons to reach what they want from life, their potentials ??? How ??? I'm as relative of a blind person would like very much to hear your opinion.”


LUZ (Columbia South America)



**37. “Yes, in the end it is up to us to teach the public what we can do. It's hard though sometimes, because we have to go over the same ground many times a day. We have to count to ten for patience and tell each person that we can do the things we know we can do even if it is something like "Yes I can put my own sugar in my coffee or I can find the way to the restroom. Sometimes we just want to go ahead with life and not have to explain things, but each person who ends up understanding us is a victory for us and then isn't it worth going through the effort to break the ice?”


Leslie Miller (Blindfam)



**38. “Seems to me the easiest way to correct this is for each one of us to enlighten the public...We have be the torch bearers for the ones that will follow us down this path! Also, since the car wreck that took my sight, the folks that don't know how to relate with the blindness I have are folks that I really don't have the ability to begin to understand anything but their own little world...the people that do approach are enlightened and see more than the stuff in front of them...but it is up to us.”


Dale Campbell (Blindfam)



**39. “I don't think we can ever teach the sighted about this. For one thing, they will never understand anyway. And I fear that many don't want to know.


As far as parties and such, I now don't go to them. Its too stressful. And when you add hearing problems to the mix, its even harder. I actually have a situation coming up in a few weeks that I simply must attend. Its a musicians breakfast, and there will be heaps of people there. It is a networking event for musicians. I must admit it is going to be difficult to get to know others their, and to just mix etc.”


Steph (Blindfam)



**40. “I've been away from my mail for a few days, but this discussion sounds very interesting so thought I'd add in my two cents. yes, I completely agree that the general public definitely needs to change their attitudes! In college last year, I had the hardest time making friends simply because of that very problem. Many of you know those stories and they're too sad to talk about. However, last semester, in band, I met my best friend thus far. She's sighted, but allowed me to vent to her whenever I needed. As she puts it, "People just need to get out of their comfort zone." I certainly commended her for saying that. It made me feel lots better on that particular day, let me tell you. Hope every one is having a great day! (smile)”


Stacy (Blindfam)



**41. “Al had shared this with our group.


After reading about the shark living in a limited space…


Wow that does bring back some thoughts. The days after my surgery that left me in darkness when they finally got me out of the surgical ICU and into a room. My world was the bed I laid in with my watch dog which was a stuffed dog with a talking watch on his nose as I had too many tubes in my arms to wear it. The night table had to be right over my lap with the phone to the far right of the table and my cassette player and box of audio tapes with the book someone brought me to listen in the middle with the box of tissues to the far left. Things had to be in those places so I would know where they were. After about a week when they would drag my ass out of bed and sit me in a chair my world got expanded to the night table, what I could hang off my chair I sat in and what I could put on another chair beside me.


Well I have come a ways in the last 5 years. I have expanded my world a bit beyond those 6 feet of space. I even left my sighted family and friends behind when my Seeing Eye dog, Corey took me to Louisville , Kentucky and we explored NFB 2002 Convention! Corey where do you want to go next?”


Joyce, Corey and the doxie kids!!!



**42. “I have read the thought provokers over the past several years and I think they would lend themselves to good discussions for those working with newly blinded individuals.”


Kathy McGillivray, Director of Disability Services Bethel College and Seminary (St. Paul, Minnesota USA)



**43. “I've been away from my mail for a few days, but this discussion sounds very interesting so thought I'd add in my two cents. yes, I completely agree that the general public definitely needs to change their attitudes! In college last year, I had the hardest time making friends simply because of that very problem. Many of you know those stories and they're too sad to talk about. However, last semester, in band, I met my best friend thus far. She's sighted, but allowed me to vent to her whenever I needed. As she puts it, "People just need to get out of their comfort zone." I certainly commended her for saying that. It made me feel lots better on that particular day, let me tell you.”


Stacy (Blindfam)



**44. “Fascinating!


The shark is a metaphor for a person who cannot grow beyond the bounds that are externally placed upon it. External bounds and limitations beyond its control.


It would seem that you are saying that society places a blind person in a small aquarium and that blind person only develops to a certain point, that point being the extent of the external boundaries allowed him or her.


However, I feel the metaphor is not accurate. With people, the boundaries are both external, those placed on us by society, and internal, those self-imposed by our own beliefs. That shark cannot get out of that aquarium (I hope!). Thus, it can never grow or develop into its potential. At least not without an external agent assisting it. But a person can break through the bounds set by society if they can extend their own internal boundaries beyond societal limitations. The triumph of the will of the individual over the stereotypes of the many.”


Daryl Swinson, Solutions Developer Communications & Media Implementation BU Product Development Team


FROM ME: “Right on! Yes, he is correct; as I see it. How about you? How much does your own attitude count? How about how much ‘guts’ you have; how brave you are? what else may influence your development?”



**45. "If blind people are trained in alternative techniques; if blind people are taught a good, solid, positive philosophy of blindness; if blind people are educated so that they can educate the public and try to dispel the negative attitudes which prevail in society today, then we can grow and thrive just as any other person in society. If not, we will stagnate and remain small and play an insignificant part in society and have limited lives.”


Sherri (USA)



**46. "I’m going to relate to you a story about an acquaintance of mine. I met this young lady several years back when I was attending the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind for vocational training. She is blind, and she is now in her mid 30's. I recently met this young lady's mother at a picnic, and she and my mother were talking about mine and my sister's education. My sister is also blind. When my mother got to talking about how she had sent us both to the Illinois School for the Visually-Impaired, my friend's mother was very surprised. She said she sent her daughter there, and her daughter cried because they made her be more independent, and helped her learn the various skills. I later learned from one of my friends that this girl's mother will not let her use her cane anywhere, or do anything else which demonstrates to other people that she is blind. She doesn't even know how to feed herself, because her mother is constantly telling her that she doesn't want her daughter using silverware, or trying other foods, or anything like that.”


Jacob (USA)



**47. The To answer the question of whether or not blindness restricts our lives, I would say it does to a certain extent. I think the attitude taken by society that says that we who are differently-abled don't want jobs and that we can't do jobs, is definitely a contributing factor. However, this in and of itself does not have to limit one from taking full advantage of things in life. I for one do not have a job, but I have been taking correspondence courses from The Hadley School for the Blind to fill the void. While this may not and does not guarantee that I will be out of the house, it is something productive. A few nights ago I attended a Hadley graduation and one could really sense the pride and accomplishment in each of the graduates, as well as those of us in the audience and the faculty and staff of Hadley. My brother was also invited but I didn't see him there, which meant that either our paths just didn't cross, or he wasn't there at all. A sister of ours was also invited, who had done some volunteer work for them. But she could not attend due to a previous engagement. This was only the third time in its history that Hadley has had a graduation ceremony, and it was my first time attending. One of these days I am going to be up on a stage somewhere receiving my Hadley diploma. Besides Hadley, there are a number of things I do outside of the house that are not work-related. My parents and I recently found out about an agency which is geared towards helping differently-abled people find community living options, and making our presence and capabilities known in the surrounding community. We have thus far secured funds for two very nice apartment buildings. One of these houses eight units containing people with varying abilities, and the other building is currently in the renovation stage but I am going to room there with a friend and former neighbor who is visually-impaired. This is all well and good, but neither of us have jobs. When I told my VR people that I would be moving and I needed to know what to do with respect to notifying them, they just simply ignored me. This in my view is a sure sign of restrictions being placed on our lives. I think that by not allowing people to make our own decisions as to where we wish to live and with whom, what kinds of jobs we wish to do and can do, etc., limits are being placed upon us and therefore making our lives very dull and boring. I for one certainly do not want that kind of a life, and I know others in my situation feel the same way. As I have said in other Thought Provokers, I most certainly can and do make my own decisions, and my parents and/or other family members and friends help when necessary. The last thing I want is somebody pre-judging me!


Jake Joehl Chicago, Illinois