Sunday, February 24, 2013

why the unemployment of the blind is still so very high

Subject: why the unemployment of the blind is still so very high

Good Sunday Morning All,
 
Both national organizations of the blind are deeply concerned over the lack of employment among blind people. 
Unless we have become so jaded and cynical that we believe the ACB and the NFB exist only to profit the few Top Dogs, then there can be no question regarding why these organizations continue laboring in the field of Work for the Blind. 
In fact, the evidence of their concern and of their years of commitment toward First Class Citizenship of Blind men and women is overwhelming. 
So then, why is it that change seems so slow? 
Why are so many of our fellow blind citizens finding the door of opportunity locked when they attempt to enter? 
It's in our Nature to blame our woes on those closest to us.  The child who wants a shiny new bike will blame Mom and Dad, accusing them of not caring, when the bike does not appear by the Christmas tree. 
To the child, it is obvious.  His parents do not care if he has a shiny new bike or not.  Failure to produce that bike has to be his parents fault. 
The child has no concept of what is going on beyond the walls of his home.  He can't know that his parents are struggling simply to pay the rent, buy food, heat the house and purchase the essentials needed to exist. 
He only knows that he has no shiny new bike. 
Like that child, so many of us stand in front of the door of opportunity, wanting in, eager to seek employment, longing to share in our nation's Bountiful Blessings, only to find the door locked.  Naturally we turn to our organizations and point the finger of blame.  We cry out that it they were keeping their promise of a better world for the blind, we would all be working and enjoying our American Dream. 
But outside the walls of our "Land of the Blind", there is a real world.  And it is not kindly disposed to us Blind Folk.  Sure, we've been told that we live in the richest nation ever.  We believe that we are a Republic, a democracy, a Free People.  But we ignore the fact that we are first and foremost a Capitalist economy.  And in this system the bottom line is not the desire to train and employ all blind people desiring work.  The bottom line is *Profit! 
Profit.  it is profit that has caused the most powerful nation in history to declare eternal war on Terror.  It is not that there is more Terror today than 100 years ago.  In fact, we might argue that our very strength has diminished the threat against us.  But there is unbelievable profit in war.  Trillions of dollars are swept up and salted away by the international corporations.  They not only do not care about employment of the blind, they actually do not care about the very nation that spawned them. 
Even as we work to support our organizations of the blind, striving to make them more effective rather than tearing them down, even as we do this we must also begin the job of demanding a more equitable system, one that opens doors to all who seek too enter. 
 
Carl Jarvis
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Ken Metz
Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2013 8:14 PM
Subject: Re: [acb-l] why the imployment of the blind is still so very high

Hi Brian.

 

What ideas do you have for a part of the solution?

 

KEN

 

From: acb-l-bounces@acb.org [mailto:acb-l-bounces@acb.org] On Behalf Of n8mnx@comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2013 1:51 PM
To: acb-l@acb.org
Subject: [acb-l] why the imployment of the blind is still so very high

 

Hi this is Brian Sackrider and the problem is that both of the national orginations for the blind are not doing anythings about this problem and nothing will ever change until they do something about the problem of imployment of the blind and the high cost of assistive technology that the blind need to be able to do the jobs that are out there.  Both of the 2 orginations really don't care about this problem it should be an imbarasment to them but if they did care then they would be doing something about the problem and you know what they say that if you are not part of the sulution then you are part of the problem. 

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Friday, February 1, 2013

remembering George Bailey

Back in 1952, in Seattle, George Bailey(not the one from the movie) travelled around the city totally blind and without a cane.  He whistled.  A shrill whistle which he told me bounced off objects, letting him know where they were and even in many cases what they were.  George taught me typing during my recovery from eye surgery.  I was 17 and quite taken by his ability. 
"When I grew up you either went out and learned to get around, or you stayed home.  They didn't have canes back then.  So I learned to whistle", he said. 
George sold brooms door to door for the Lighthouse part time, worked as a rehab teacher part time, and played the chimes in the Denny tower at the University of Washington every day at noon. 
 
Carl Jarvis
 
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clear the decks

Obama, Bush II, Clinton, Bush I, Regan, Carter, Ford, Nixon...
Only the names have been changed to protect the guilty. 
We will not be rid of nuclear weapons until we are rid of the International Corporate Empire(ICE). 
 
Carl Jarvis
 
 
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Life is interfering with my fun

Subject: Life is interfering with my fun

Life is interfering with my fun. 
But it's time to cut back a bit on the email lists and knuckle down to the neglected physical therapy.  I've been pretending that everything has stayed the same for the  past couple of years, but I'm now having problems getting from the truck to clients homes.  Not good for the Rehab Teacher to stagger up the walk. 
I've had great fun, but also learned a great deal.  So it is with heavy heart that I'm turning in my Chat List Key.  And the key to the men's room. 
Thanks to all of you for the information you've shared, and for not backing down just because I was right...sometimes. 
Bob is as good a moderator as they get, and starting this list was  just what we needed. 
I plan to stay on the acb-l for the time being, and of course I have to continue with Blind Democracy.  That's Charlie Crawford's list, and it gives me so much good information for background to other stuff I write.  Where Sylvie digs up all the off-beat articles is beyond me.  And Miriam, Claude, Ted, Alice, Roger  and so many more who stimulate my tired old brain. 
For the time being however, I have to force myself to do a couple of hours of rehab every day.  I'm hoping...no, I am Expecting to have my body in trim condition by Summer so I can go back to clearing the trails. 
Best to all,
 
Carl Jarvis
 
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Legally blind woman sentenced in Deadly Crash

Subject: Legally blind woman sentenced in Deadly Crash

We just take driving for granted.  Think of going to your friendly brain surgeon for a serious operation and he/she says, "I learned brain surgery 25 years ago and I've never looked back." 

That's what we do with our driving skills.  Take the test when you're 16 years old and just keep renewing your license for the next 80 years. 
My dad first learned to drive in 1928 and continued without another test until his death in 2001.  And let me tell you, he should have been pulled off the road those last 5 years.  Dad had Arthritis in his neck and could not turn his head.  What to do when backing up?  Just pretend nothing is back there and give her the gas.  The back end of his car looked like a war zone. 
Both drivers and vehicles must be tested on a regular cycle.  Those failing the tests must be removed from operation. 
Look, if we are so clever that we can drop an unmanned drone on the top of a fast moving truck some 2,000 miles away, we surely can build and fund a nation-wide transportation system that will replace much of our "One Man, One Car" mentality. 
 
Carl Jarvis
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, February 01, 2013 4:12 AM
Subject: Re: [acb-l] Fwd: [Missouri Chat] [Cclvi-l] Fw:Legally blind woman sentenced in Deadly Crash

Hi Lucy,

 

The problem with your statement below is that this punishment doesn't fit the crime.  Getting services for the blind is necessary for legally blind individuals to live safely and competently in society.  Now if you had suggested that besides having their license pulled, they be convicted as felans, meaning that they couldn't vote and couldn't be employed by the feds, that would make more sense.  Denying them services would just make them more of a drain on society.  I have a friend who is currently in jail because he drove drunk and crashed his car, endangering the life of his passenger.  If legally blind drivers were jailed, that might send an msg.

 

On the other hand, we've got perfectly sighted drivers who insist on texting while driving, don't come to a full stop when making right hand turns, run over people, dogs, cats and deer.  Frankly, we need two things.  First, we need adequate public transportation everywhere.  Second, people who cause accidents need to attend classes, go to jail or whatever it takes to get them off their cell phones, not combing their hair, not eating, not smoking, and whatever else is distracting them.

 

I don't know what the answer is, but I can sure help to define the problem.

 

Ann P.

 

 

Ann K. Parsons

Portal Tutoring

akp@portaltutoring.info

http://www.portaltutoring.info

"All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost." JRRT

 

 

From: acb-l-bounces@acb.org [mailto:acb-l-bounces@acb.org] On Behalf Of Edmonds, Lucy (LARA)
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 12:54 PM
To: Ken Metz; 'from my iphone'; 'LIST 1'
Subject: Re: [acb-l] Fwd: [Missouri Chat] [Cclvi-l] Fw: Legally blind woman sentenced in Deadly Crash

 

Well, I agree with you Ken! I also don't think that legally blind people who choose to drive should be given Services for the Blind! You can shoot me, but that's just my opinion.

Lucy Edmonds from Michigan

 

 

 

From: acb-l-bounces@acb.org [mailto:acb-l-bounces@acb.org] On Behalf Of Ken Metz
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 12:10 PM
To: 'from my iphone'; 'LIST 1'
Subject: Re: [acb-l] Fwd: [Missouri Chat] [Cclvi-l] Fw: Legally blind woman sentenced in Deadly Crash

 

Hi Terry and all.

 

I don't know if this will be popular or not, but I personally do not believe that legally blind people should be driving. Now that I said that, one question I have is, was she legally blind with corrective lenses? If the answer is yes, there is no doubt that it was irresponsible, and that she, in my lack of a legal opinion, should have gone to jail for driving what I would call a deadly weapon. Unfortunately, this is not the first death or injury I've heard of when someone legally blind was driving. It's hard enough from people I've spoken with for them to act instantly, and it also depends on how Macular effects each individual although usually it's the tunnel vision that goes. It's still irresponsible in my opinion.

 

Ken Metz

 

From: acb-l-bounces@acb.org [mailto:acb-l-bounces@acb.org] On Behalf Of from my iphone
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 7:51 AM
To: LIST 1
Subject: [acb-l] Fwd: [Missouri Chat] [Cclvi-l] Fw: Legally blind woman sentenced in Deadly Crash

 

So What do you think of this story and supposedly legally blind people driving cars I'm interesting to see what all of you think about this post so please respond back thanks Terry


Begin forwarded message:

From: "John and Donna Weidlich" <jdweidlich@charter.net>
Date: January 30, 2013, 8:49:30 PM CST
To: "Missouri Chat" <chat@moblind.org>
Subject: [Missouri Chat] [Cclvi-l] Fw: Legally blind woman sentenced in Deadly Crash
Reply-To: Missouri Chat <chat@moblind.org>

The legal system needs some education about driving and being legally blind and what it says to the public.  This woman's drivers license can legally be restored in 6 months.

http://www.kmtv.com/news/188235641.html

Well-known Omaha Philanthropist Sentenced in Deadly Crash

Leslie "Cookie" Hoberman avoids jail time

By Michelle Molison

CREATED Jan. 24, 2013

Omaha, NE - A judge sentenced 69-year old Leslie "Cookie" Hoberman today for the crash that killed Jeffrey Ahl last summer.

Hoberman will serve 24 months probation. She pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of vehicular homicide.

In May 2012, Hoberman turned in front of a motorcycle at 157th and Pacific. The motorcyclist, identified as Jeffrey Ahl, died at the hospital.

Hoberman will also have her license revoked for six months.

Ahl's family says while they didn't want Hoberman to get jail time, they are disappointed her license wasn't revoked forever.

"I know she didn't set out to kill my son, it was an accident but it was irresponsible to drive. She is legally blind. She should never have been driving," said Jeffrey's mother Sandy Ahl.

Hoberman has macular degeneration and wears prescription eye glasses. Her license was renewed by the DMV two weeks before the deadly crash.

Ahl's family says he was more than just a motorcyclist. He was a great husband and father as well as a big advocate for the elderly.

"He was always there for everybody, he had friends all over the state. He was a man of faith, he walked and talked his faith," said Sandy Ahl.

Ahl's widow, Deb, released a statement saying in part, "Anyone who drives, take the time to be aware and look twice for motorcycles and their riders, because once is never enough. Our hope is that no other family has to endure this same tragic loss suffered by our family, friends and Jeff's co-workers."

"We were anxious to get through this day and hopefully we can go on and heal a little bit deeper because the pain has been very great. We miss Jeff terribly," said Sandy Ahl.

Hoberman must also take a defensive driving course and complete 480 hours of community service.

 

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I'm Carl Jarvis, the Blind Man


Jessie,
Right.  There's nothing wrong with being blind.  So why the Dickens do we have so many of us...sight deprived...visually impaired...sightless...low vision...hard of seeing...vision challenged people running around? 
The only other part of the body, besides the eyes, that we avoid talking about in direct terms, using cutesy expressions to cover our embarrassment, are our...uh...our...private parts.  You know, those mysterious parts down there.  Between our legs.  Men have more names for their dangly downies than Carter had little liver pills.  And I don't know if men or women invented some of the strange terms for what is between women's legs...not to mention their breasts...excuse me, Boobs. 
I was well into mid-life before I could comfortably say, penis and vagina. 
And in certain circles today I find people shrinking back and gasping when those two proper terms are applied.  But what do you expect from a boy who was told by his mother, "Be sure you wash your tail."  Tail?  Woof woof! 
My sisters were simply ordered to "Wash between your legs".  And that was our sex education. 
Because of that Universal Blind Stereotype, we all have some level of discomfort/shame/embarrassment/anger/denial over our eye condition.  So we hide behind vague phrases that don't fool anyone. 
I am Carl Jarvis the Blind Man.  When I call clients whose memories have gone South, and I say that I'm with Peninsula Rehabilitation Services, and they say, "Who?"  I simply reply, "I'm the blind man." 
"Oh yes", they say, "I remember you." 
 
Carl Jarvis
----- Original Message -----
From: J.Rayl
Sent: Friday, February 01, 2013 5:19 AM
Subject: Re: [acb-l] [leadership] An important legal question re when can ablind person be fired

You are correct, Bob.  And these groups and the people within them are
simply going to have to get past their own denial over this word "blind".
It would help if people who write about it would refrain from using things
in their writing as "dirty word" "b word" and other such phrases when they
write, and simply call it what it is, I think.  I realize that these terms
and phrases may be said in a cutsy manner or to water it down but, once
again, it only allows these people to shield themselves with more of their
own denial and resistance.  They simply need to deal with what is: vision
loss and blind.  Them ...if it applies.
You know, there is a reason that the folks in AA make the addicts say,
straight out: Hi, I'm Jessie, and I'm an addict.  Its calling it straight to
the punchline, there ain't no denial there.  If you are, you are.
Hi, I"m Jessie, I'm blind.
But oh nooo! Not in our society. Its Hi! I'm Jessie, I'm a mental health
therapist.  I'm female.  I'm a dog mom.  I like to do yada yada yada, I yap
yap yap, and oh yeah, I'm, uh, someone, who is blind--in the softest,
meekest voice possible--angry too, because why should I have, have to, say
that?
Well, dud! why? Because ...I want public transportation ...because I can't
drive.  And braille in my educational program ...and mobility as part of
that ...and braille signs ...and ...and ...and ...and.

And, there's nothing wrong with being blind, damn it!
Jessie Rayl
thedogmom63@frontier.com
www.facebook.com/Eaglewings10
www.pathtogrowth.org

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Hachey" <bhachey@verizon.net>
To: <acb-l@acb.org>; <leadership@acb.org>
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 9:08 PM
Subject: Re: [acb-l] [leadership] An important legal question re when can a
blind person be fired


Hi Ron,
Thanks for researching the law and sharing the results with us.
Clearly, we need more options for those of us who cannot drive and for those
who must give up their drivers licenses.
No one should have to lose a job just because they can't drive. Similarly,
no one should lose the ability to get to the doctor, grocer, hair dresser,
library, community center, etc.
Given that so many of us blind folks are elderly, I think maybe that ACB
ought to consider putting a higher priority on issues that impact the
elderly as well as those who are forced to give up drivers licenses. WE
should consider working more closely with groups like AARP to advocate for
common needs. IT is too bad that other elderly groups often don't want much
to do with us because we have a dirty word in the name of our organization.
Unfortunately, to many, that dirty word is blind and that's a whole nother
kettle of fish.
Bob Hachey

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