Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999

To: lettertoed@thestar.ca
From: Canadian Federation of the Blind
Subject: Letter to the Editor

Re: George Gamester’s article “Nick Lost His Sight but not His Vision”,
Toronto Star, December 5

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 Nickas 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