Column
ACCESS-ABILITY
How to get action on blind crossing sign?
DEAR ANNETTE: Recently you and I both attended the local forum for the state’s Disability Commission. At that forum, Rep. Peter Martin, D-Newport, boarded the RIDE bus with me and assured me that I would have signs posted in front of my home at the four-way intersection stating that a blind person may be crossing. Newport Daily News reporter Sean Flynn was there to hear this. To date nothing has been done and I don’t know where to turn next. When I call local representatives’ offices, they will always get back to me but nobody ever does. Can you please guide me or help me in my endeavor? I certainly would appreciate it.
D.T.
DEAR D.T.: Yes, I recall you raising the issue and Peter Martin’s response.
The first thing I would suggest is contacting Rep. Martin directly. It is possible he is working on it and that it’s taking a little more time than you would have hoped. My experience is that he is very approachable and his telephone number is listed. I’m sure he would be happy to give you an update.
While I think that will resolve the issue for you, if it does not, I suggest that you contact the Newport police regarding the sign. Either your local community officer or the traffic sergeant should be able to help you get the sign posted.
I believe that, between both these options, the job will get done. Please keep me informed of any progress.
DEAR ANNETTE: I would like to comment on the person who was resentful of offers of help because she felt it made her look weak. I certainly would speak up if someone pulled my walker forward or loaded my groceries without asking me first, as well. People who see a person with a disability should ask that person first if any assistance is needed. However, when someone asks if I’d like some help, I answer “yes” or “no” with a smile on my face and thank them either for the offer or the assistance. At least they are showing an awareness of people with disabilities. I feel their offers are welcome and sometimes make things somewhat easier for me at the moment.
I enjoy your column’s information and read it weekly.
A.T.
DEAR A.T.: I understand what you mean, but I think that we need to consider three things.
First, we cannot put it on someone else if we feel weak or helpless. That is our problem and we are the ones that need to deal with it. That does not mean that others’ actions do not have an impact on us; it simply means that they are not responsible for our feelings.
Second, we need to differentiate between when somebody is doing something that is dangerous, like pulling a walker, or merely insulting, like unloading groceries. Like it or not, it does fall on us to educate those around us. If somebody means well, we’re the only ones that can explain to them that what they’re doing is demeaning. There is no other way for them to know. If we are always angry at these people, we cannot help them understand, which will in turn help us live the lives that we choose to live.
Third, people who do not have disabilities need to understand that the most appropriate thing to do is to ask. It is the only way to know if help is needed and what kind of help would be useful. Over time, as other people get used to persons with disabilities living everyday lives, I would hope that this would become less of an issue. But, in the meantime, how we respond will make a difference.
Thank you for your kind words.
Annette Bourbonniere of Newport is a member of the Newport Accessibility Advisory Committee and is involved in statewide advocacy groups for people with disabilities. She answers questions from readers every other week. Send questions by e-mail to access-ability@verizon.net or by mail to The Newport Daily News, P.O. Box 420, Newport, RI 02840.
How to get action on blind crossing sign?
DEAR ANNETTE: Recently you and I both attended the local forum for the state’s Disability Commission. At that forum, Rep. Peter Martin, D-Newport, boarded the RIDE bus with me and assured me that I would have signs posted in front of my home at the four-way intersection stating that a blind person may be crossing. Newport Daily News reporter Sean Flynn was there to hear this. To date nothing has been done and I don’t know where to turn next. When I call local representatives’ offices, they will always get back to me but nobody ever does. Can you please guide me or help me in my endeavor? I certainly would appreciate it.
D.T.
DEAR D.T.: Yes, I recall you raising the issue and Peter Martin’s response.
The first thing I would suggest is contacting Rep. Martin directly. It is possible he is working on it and that it’s taking a little more time than you would have hoped. My experience is that he is very approachable and his telephone number is listed. I’m sure he would be happy to give you an update.
While I think that will resolve the issue for you, if it does not, I suggest that you contact the Newport police regarding the sign. Either your local community officer or the traffic sergeant should be able to help you get the sign posted.
I believe that, between both these options, the job will get done. Please keep me informed of any progress.
DEAR ANNETTE: I would like to comment on the person who was resentful of offers of help because she felt it made her look weak. I certainly would speak up if someone pulled my walker forward or loaded my groceries without asking me first, as well. People who see a person with a disability should ask that person first if any assistance is needed. However, when someone asks if I’d like some help, I answer “yes” or “no” with a smile on my face and thank them either for the offer or the assistance. At least they are showing an awareness of people with disabilities. I feel their offers are welcome and sometimes make things somewhat easier for me at the moment.
I enjoy your column’s information and read it weekly.
A.T.
DEAR A.T.: I understand what you mean, but I think that we need to consider three things.
First, we cannot put it on someone else if we feel weak or helpless. That is our problem and we are the ones that need to deal with it. That does not mean that others’ actions do not have an impact on us; it simply means that they are not responsible for our feelings.
Second, we need to differentiate between when somebody is doing something that is dangerous, like pulling a walker, or merely insulting, like unloading groceries. Like it or not, it does fall on us to educate those around us. If somebody means well, we’re the only ones that can explain to them that what they’re doing is demeaning. There is no other way for them to know. If we are always angry at these people, we cannot help them understand, which will in turn help us live the lives that we choose to live.
Third, people who do not have disabilities need to understand that the most appropriate thing to do is to ask. It is the only way to know if help is needed and what kind of help would be useful. Over time, as other people get used to persons with disabilities living everyday lives, I would hope that this would become less of an issue. But, in the meantime, how we respond will make a difference.
Thank you for your kind words.
Annette Bourbonniere of Newport is a member of the Newport Accessibility Advisory Committee and is involved in statewide advocacy groups for people with disabilities. She answers questions from readers every other week. Send questions by e-mail to access-ability@verizon.net or by mail to The Newport Daily News, P.O. Box 420, Newport, RI 02840.