Harry,
I love it. It reminds me of a time when our RP and Usher group was trying to find a hotel for our annual social in St Louis several years ago. (The social is hosted in a different city in North America each year) So, one of the organizers called a hotel to enquire about booking rooms in the hotel for our blind and low vision group. She was shocked when she was told that "we are not equipped to deal with blind people"! The group ended up going elsewhere, since we were looking at different places to get the best rates, but letters were sent to the management and head office people.
I've had my share of times where people didn't want to let me in places with my guide dog.
Megan McHugh
--- On Fri, 9/24/10, Harry Brown <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: Harry Brown <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: [VICUG-L] this is why I do what I do!
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Friday, September 24, 2010, 2:41 PM
HI all,
Here's an article from the September 2010, braille forum.
When people ask me, and many do, "Harry, why do you do what you do, with
taking such strong stands for blind and disabled access?"
This article tells it all.
And especially, the line about the ADA and immovable blind people!
So, without further delay, here we go!
DOG HAIR IN THE AIR
First in line walked into the café,
But a
surprise there awaited us.
They were shorthanded, only three employees.
Unexpectedly, we caused a fuss!
The manager allowed only a few in -
Something
about too many at one time.
Maybe she thought we'd scare the "regulars,"
Or something about dogs in the line.
She said some of us could enter -
Those of us
without a dog.
But we cane people wouldn't do that.
Somehow, it just
seemed wrong.
I was near the back so I'm guessing.
Bits
overheard came my way.
Someone called the police -
An interesting start
of the day!
One officer arrived there promptly.
Nodding to
us, he strolled inside.
Then the officer called a backup.
The café
manager was surely surprised.
I've no idea of their conversation.
The
policemen came out with a grin.
They told us, "Enjoy your breakfast!"
And we, smiling, went on in.
We lined up and placed our orders.
We with some
sight helped those with less.
We enjoyed the good food and the friendship,
And cleaned up when we made a mess.
Those employees, no doubt, will remember
That
day, and what transpired in there -
The ADA and some immovable blind folks,
And the café boss' cry: "Dog hair in the air!"
-- Netagene Kirkpatrick
the article is from the web page
http://www.acb.org/magazine/2010/bf092010-8.html
So, in closing, let me just say this. Don't
ever back down, when you're denied access, or, equality, don't ever, ever back
down.
Harry
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