Letters & Reports Table Of Contents
Date:
From: Canadian Federation of the Blind
Subject: letter to the editor
Re: George Gamester's article "Nick Lost His Sight but not His Vision",
As a legally blind person, I am concerned about the damage this article
has done to the status of blind people. Many blind men and women are
working hard to eliminate negative myths and stereotypes about blindness
and to tell the public about the positive achievements of blind people.
Comments like "blind and helpless", "a hopeless case eligible for a
disability pension" are harmful to blind Canadians. Gamester depicts Nick
as a helpless victim whose only wish is to see. This may be true of Nick,
but not of me. Many of us live rich, full and productive lives as blind
people. We have careers, go to school, have children, etc.
It was disturbing to learn that Nick discarded his white cane and ended
his Braille lessons once he gained a small amount of vision. He has the
right to do so, of course, but to portray this as noble and independent is
the opposite of the truth. The white cane facilitates independence. Most
confident, successful blind people use a cane and are not ashamed of this
mobility tool. The Canadian Federation of the Blind believes the white
cane is a symbol of equality, independence and pride. Braille is a fast,
efficient script that allows blind people to read independently and achieve
true literacy--a basic right.
All blind people, including legally blind people, should be encouraged to
learn Braille and use a cane. It is sad to witness blind people fumbling,
falling, bumping into things, refusing to use a cane, denying their
blindness. It is sad to witness blind people straining to read print with
visual aids, when with the touch of their fingers the world of reading
could be theirs. It is sad that some people are ashamed of their
blindness. Nick can spend his life denying his blindness if he wants, but
I want you to know that many blind people are not ashamed of their
blindness. We are proud to carry white canes, read Braille, and celebrate
the achievements of blind people.
Elizabeth Rotenburger,
Secretary,
Canadian Federation of the Blind