General Public

Anywhere, USA 00000-0000

Blind Person

Everywhere, USA 11111-1111

April 1, 2010

Dear GP:

Let me introduce myself. I am Blind Person. For short, you can call me BP. I hope you don't mind my informality in calling you GP. Furthermore, I hope you will appreciate what I have to say and not take it too personally.

I have many pet peeves and I want to share some of them with you. Maybe we can come to a better understanding of each other.

1. I hate it when you do not trust me to know what I am doing. For instance, as I am walking down the street and using my white cane why do you offer me assistance and when I say "no, thank you" you say "are you sure?" Please know that if I need assistance I will tell you.

2. Please do not grab me or pick up the bottom of my cane. GP, you would never grab another female; and when you pick up my cane, I can't use it to gather information.

3. If you ask for directions don't say "Over there." I'm not even going to explain that one.

4. As I walk down a sidewalk, do not feel compelled to give me directions. You don't even know where I am going.

How are we doing, GP? Hang in there. I really do like you.

5. A few points about buses—the public transit kind. I, as BP, do not need to board first. In fact, following someone on the bus gives me an audible cue about where the entrance is located. And again, another reminder about the grabbing thing! This seems to be another opportunity for you, GP, practically to lift me up the stairs of the bus.

6. There is much confusion about those sideways seats right behind the driver. The sign says something about giving preference to the elderly and the disabled. I am neither. Well, maybe I am getting older but for purposes of bus travel, I am not disabled. I can easily walk past those seats and look for one further back in the bus. My biggest problem is when you get up thinking I should take your seat and get in my way. Why do you think I am better off in your seat? In winter, it is cold sitting by the door and there are definitely people who really need those seats.

I appreciate your willingness to read this. I hope you know that I understand that you have only the best intentions. When it really comes down to it, you are a pleasure to have around. As you partner with the National Federation of the Blind, you get better and better about understanding us. We can all pledge to keep working at it.

Sincerely,

Blind Person