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- Path: sparky!uunet!utcsri!torn!spool.mu.edu!olivea!bunker!hcap!hnews!229!401.0!Bill.Burgess
- From: Bill.Burgess@p0.f401.n229.z1.fidonet.org (Bill Burgess)
- Newsgroups: misc.handicap
- Subject: Re: residential schools
- Message-ID: <26363@handicap.news>
- Date: 20 Jan 93 22:17:48 GMT
- Sender: news@bunker.shel.isc-br.com
- Reply-To: Bill.Burgess@p0.f401.n229.z1.fidonet.org
- Organization: FidoNet node 1:229/401.0 - The Connection HST!, Oshawa ON
- Lines: 32
- Approved: wtm@hnews.fidonet.org
- X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference
- Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com
-
- Index Number: 26363
-
- [This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
-
- Residential schools were created for a purpose, but isolating the blind
- from the sighted during their formative years leads to much ignorance on
- the part of the sighted as to their capabilities, be that academic,
- social or vocational skills. As a result, those in an employment
- capacity never think to seek the blind for a job, not realizing that the
- blind, overall have a much better attendance and punctuality record than
- the sighted. And with the adaptive equipment available today, meeting
- the job requirements is not out of reach anymore for many occupations.
- I spent time while working for IBM as a volunteer job recruiter for the
- blind, which was most interesting. But I am appalled when somebody
- sighted, in their mid forties says the blind cannot work, for they
- cannot see. We have a long way to go with public education, but
- ignorance will always be there to some degree. I brailled my business
- cards, which everybody saved and often pinned in their workplace,
- because it created an awareness that most would otherwise never be
- exposed to, and generated many opportunities for positive communications
- about the blind. No longer working, this avenue of awareness is halted
- for a while. But we must never give up on your rights for equality and
- individuality. Closing off for now to do schoolwork for night school,
- for the last assignment is due tomorrow and the final test a week
- thereafter. Take care. TTYL
- Bill
-
- ... My hard disk is full! Maybe I'll try this message section thing.
-
- --
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