When it comes to ending discrimination toward the blind it is a bigger issue than one of simply training folks. This deep seated stereotype goes too deep and is too well entrenched to be simply fixed through an awareness training session. Today, airlines employees, Bus drivers, Cabbies, Amtrak staff, hotel clerks, restaurant wait staff, police officers, hospital staff...the list is endless, all receive some sort of ADA training.
And yet, Blind people are still treated according to the prevailing social beliefs about who we are and what we can be expected to do. As long as the stereotype stands between us we are treated "differently", we will run into the same problem over and over. The fact is that all of us have been thoroughly trained. The training that prevails is that informal training which began from the first day that we moved about in the world. Much of it we received without ever knowing it, with no spoken words for us to explore or challenge. With our attitudes already set in cement The training that was given us by our employers was never enough to erase the negative attitudes impressed on our brains over the years.
Personally, I would fire any person serving the public who discriminated for any reason. Then I would pass broad sweeping legislation outlawing all discrimination.
If it passes the first thing I would do would be to wander into some private country club and order a rootbeer. Then I would take a hike on a private golf course. Then I would check out my local gated community and find some fellow and slap him on the back and say, "Nice place we got here". My list is endless.
Curious Carl
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