Hi All:

The special assistance that we need can only enable us to make the same
achievement that the other sighted people can make, but not asking our
society low down the certain requirements in order to let us to achieve
some bogus success. For example, when we use sythensisor to do computer
programming in a company, the special service we get such as synthesisor
is to enable us to work on the same project with a group of sighted
people; the boss also expects us to do the same work as the others doing
since we get same payment.  If we keep asking for some so called
"necessary help" by lowering down the requirement, then we would behave
just like a begger asking money on the street when we demand for equality
in our society.  So we definitely can not obtain a real respect from the
sighted people.  Then what does the equality mean?

Therefore, when we ask for some help from the sighted around us, we have
to be very careful and not give them an impression that blind persons are
really disabled.  I believe we can do it since no sighted person would ask
us to drive bus.

Ren Wang



On Thu, 20 Nov 1997, Darrell Shandrow wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> In most cases, I do agree with you regarding the need to remain consistent
> on seeking equality for the blind.  After all, if we say we are just as
> good as everyone else, we must be good examples of that statement.  If we
> want equal job opportunities, we must be willing to do the work just as
> effectively as the sighted.  It makes perfect sense.
>
> I must say, however, that this is not always possible, and some
> preferrential treatment is necessary in order for the blind to have a level
> playing field on which to achieve the same goals as the sighted.
> Additional support is required in most employment situations for the blind
> person to be able to perform the job.  I just want people to remember this
> fact.  In general, the standard of living for the blind is extremely low
> compared to that of the sighted, and we require additional support in order
> to change that fact.  At 09:30 AM 11/20/97 -0800, you wrote:
> >We have to decide whether we want to be treated  just like other citizens
> >under the law or if we want to be discriminated against.
> >
> >We cannot argue for equality when it comes to job opportunities and then
> >switch back to  the
> >"I am a poor blind guy" attitude when the going gets tough.
> >
> >You are either treated equally or you are not, you cannot have it both ways
> >depending on convenience.
> >
> >The professor in question did a mistake and I feel sorry for him.
> >
> >But guess what... shit happens.
> >One learns with it and becomes more careful next time around.
> >
> >Fernando Botelho
> >
>