Readers' Forum

From Robert Herman, Port Orchard, WA:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:17:05 PDT

I was somewhat dismayed that at least three readers took the April article about Girl Scout cookies being banned seriously. To me and to others who read the article it was obvious that it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek. As a matter of fact, I would like to see more humorous articles like that one in the magazine. I think if we all take time to smile for a while and not take ourselves and life quite so seriously that we might discover that the world is a more pleasant place.

Despite May Davis's comments, I am glad the editor is putting his salutation and closing on one line in his letter. Yes, Ms. Davis, the saving of a few lines is important enough to change the format. I once read a braille book produced in Britain that had nothing capitalized. Believe me, it did not take away from my pleasure in reading the book. Speaking of saving space: Since the braille we read and write is supposed to be standard English braille, why don't we use all of their contractions? For example, dot five j is Jesus, dot five c is Christ, gl is glory, gr is grace, etc. Lutheran Blind Mission uses these contractions, and I recently learned from a reliable source that they are actually used in British braille. The more space we can save, the better!

Finally, regarding Bill Meineke's frustration over not being able to see the number on his TV screen, try thinking of it this way: The companies who employ such practices obviously don't want our business, and if they don't want our business, then why should we want to give it to them?

From Cynthia Groopman, Long Island City, NY:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:16:42 PDT

In this country, Memorial Day is for sales and picnics, and seldom are prayers said or graves visited. The entire spirit of Memorial Day is gone ever since it became a Monday. The original Decoration Day holiday May 30 began with the Civil War, and on that day, graves were decorated to show respect and homage. What happened to that feeling of caring?

Grief is an individual process, just as is recovering from a physical illness. Some people recover quicker and others have a slower pace. When my mom passed away in 2003, I felt sad; however, my grieving process was helped by writing poems. I put down onto paper how I felt. Also, caring for and helping others during one's personal grief eases the burden.

My concept of mothers is the same, regardless of whether the mother is Jewish. Italian mothers are emotional, and so are Russian and Polish mothers and all others. Stereotyping is really not necessary.

As for acceptance into the sighted world, it is true that it is difficult. As a totally blind person, I find that people either think I am extraordinary with magical powers or they ignore me or act patronizing. I wonder why there is no in-between treatment. When with a sighted person, I am often treated as though I am invisible. People in wheelchairs are treated better and respected more than blind people. I also find that blind people do not give emotional support or caring to one another. If we all unite, then the sighted people in this world would respect us more. Do not get me wrong. Sighted people are not all that bad, but it is difficult for me to join a clique or make friends outside of religious services. We blind people must make a concerted effort to improve our image in the sighted world. I do not like the idea that many organizations nowadays only cater to the low-vision people and forget about the needs of the totally blind. Also, I find that people who use sighted guides, as I do, are treated unkindly by some guide-dog users, and many times the guide-dog users think they are superior. They are sometimes bossy as well. Some blind people do not like dogs and find that they are too busy to take care of a dog.

From Tonya Szwast, Newport, MI:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:16:17 PDT

In May's Readers Forum, Mira Wilson asked about talking remote controls. These are available from Speak to Me (800-248-9965), Independent Living Aids (800-537-2118), and Maxi-Aids (800-522-6294). Using verbal commands, these remotes can change channels and turn on or off the TV.

From Barbara Mattson, Spartanburg, SC:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:15:57 PDT

Thanks for running a piece on Women's History Month in the March Ziegler. I was surprised that women exceeded men in education and management/professional jobs in the time period surveyed. However, it may be a factor that created those stats. When I went to college, it was during the Vietnam war and many men went to school to avoid the war. As for management/professional positions, maybe women are gaining more of these through affirmative action, or the factor of education. Go girls!

From Jay Williams, Marietta, GA:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:15:38 PDT

For me, the most inspiring of the blind people who are making significant marks on our cultural scene is music archivist Ward Marston. He has garnered awards from the record industry and has been applauded by music scholars and researchers of early recordings for his meticulous efforts in the preservation of truly endangered recordings from the earliest years of sound recording. For those of us who do extensive work with sound-editing software, his accomplishments are the stuff of ultimate joy! Last November he released a three-CD compilation of cylinder recordings from the 1890s through 1924 called "The Dawn of Recording: the Cylinders of Julius Block." They include recordings of an 11-year-old Jascha Heifetz, Josef Hofmann, a probable recording of Tchaikovsky speaking, and the composer Anton Arensky performing his just recently (1894) composed "Piano Trio in D Minor." Point your browser to marstonrecords.com to read about this and his other recordings and to order them. NPR featured this recording Dec. 26 on "All Things Considered," but unfortunately made no mention of Marston. Marston went to Russia to personally supervise and digitally record these cylinders. In restoring them, he's careful to optimize the content without unrealistically masking the inherent surface noise. He also does research on the probable pitch standard of the era. I have his CD of recordings by Tito Schipa, an Italian tenor of the first third of the 20th century. The selections are rendered so faithfully, and the liner notes are worthy of any encyclopedia article. Congratulations to a blind person who has really made a great contribution to both music and history.

From Edward Zolotarevsky, Bedminster, NJ:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:15:16 PDT

I told the Commission for the Blind that I need help with employment. They said that I have to look for work on my own in newspapers, online, on job sites like Monster, etc. After they heard that I have been having trouble finding a job, they told me to go back to college for computer certification. But I told them that I have a B.S. in electrical engineering and four years of work experience in information technology. They said that they do not provide job training or employment services. If you want employment, go back to college. Does anyone know of agencies providing job training or employment services for the blind or visually impaired of New Jersey? Please get in touch with me at 908-470-1533 or eddyz69@aol.com.

From Jim Kerch, Des Moines, IA:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:14:48 PDT

While people wait for the government to mark money, they can always try folding bills differently. Leave $1 flat, fold $5 in half, $10 twice in the same direction, and $20 lengthwise. Anything larger can be folded differently, but I don't keep those very long unless I spend them within a reasonable amount of time.

My wife and I are both totally blind, but rarely travel with sighted help, so people have no choice but talk to us. We had one neighbor who talked to us only if she had to, until someone came. We'll never educate people who think they cannot talk to us.

The technology article in the May issue was mostly geared for people on the web. It makes us wonder when something will help those of us who are on the "outernet."

We have always had inexpensive TVs over the years. Our latest set is cable-ready, and is currently on the system. Two of our local stations dumped the analog, but we are still receiving it. Sure, we will miss the TV radio too, but don't toss them yet, because they could be receiving two-way communications if the right people get the frequencies.

[Editor's Note: According to the Federal Communications Commission, old TV radios will continue to receive and play audio signals after the transition to digital television.]

From Mary Phillips, Sutton, England:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:14:14 PDT

I was recently asked to appear on television during the celebration of the bicentennary of the birth of Louis Braille. During my brief appearance, the BBC interviewer made the statement: "Braille is dying now." I told him that braille is still very useful, and I also pointed out that anyone could send me an email, even if the sender did not know braille, and I would be able to read it.

This experience made me sad, because I believe braille is still the best reading and writing medium for the totally blind. I realize, of course, that many people only use speech for computer use. However, speech does not fully compensate for the written word.

I am now a member of the board of education at Dorton House School in Kent. Most blind and visually impaired children attend mainstream schools now, but at Dorton House, we teach children who have visual impairment and and additional disability. I have often been asked to assist in the classroom, and have been struck by the very poor standard of literacy. I wonder how these children will manage when taking public examinations, unless they have a sighted person to write for them. But how will they manage in life? What do other readers feel about braille not being taught, and is this common in other countries?

From Denise MacDonald-Kiernan, Drighlington, England:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:13:42 PDT

I'm afraid I have to admit to being one of those people who asked for pen pals and then didn't write back to them all. I've always felt guilty about this, and I know it's rude, but I think that sometimes people have to understand that there are reasons why people don't reply. It may just be that they are shy and find it hard to say, "Thanks, but no thanks," or maybe that life's circumstances get in the way. In my situation, a number of traumatic things happened at that time. I would therefore like to apologize now and hope that it will be accepted as it was meant.

In the May issue, I was interested to see that some people have been uncomfortable when people from prison have replied to their pen pal request. Obviously I don't know the circumstances, but the prisoner had only written one friendly letter, so I assume that person didn't mean any harm. I can see why people feel uncomfortable, but I think it's a shame that people are scared of prisoners or don't want to write to them. I don't know if it happens in America, but in Britain some of the high-security prisons have braille units where the inmates learn braille and translate documents or books, or produce diagrams for visually impaired people. I made two friends through one of these units, and both had been imprisoned for murder. They are absolutely brilliant people. Life is not as simple as we would like, and even the nicest people can find themselves in circumstances that trigger behavior that they never considered. They are found guilty for things that they haven't necessarily done, and people change over time. Therefore, it would be a shame if people automatically dismiss letters from prisoners.

Also, there continues to be a discussion about responding to all pen pal letters, whether you want to continue communicating. Unfortunately, in this circumstance, the advice was to just not reply to the prisoner. Should we not give the same respect to prisoners as anybody else? I've admitted that I'm not perfect, but I think we should respect everyone equally.

From Karen Swauger, Wiley Ford, WV:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:13:08 PDT

There is a company that manufactures measuring spoons and cups with braille markings. I have ordered these; the braille is well done and they are very nice. Visit pourfectbowl.com or call 480-699-6458. QVC also carries a set of Pourfect nine-piece measuring cups and some mixing bowls that are designed not to splatter. These have large print and braille on the handles. The item number is K20841 and the price is about $22. I have been blind a long time and never found such good measurers.

From Mary Emerson, San Jose, CA:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:39:44 PDT

I am grateful for "Blind Trust," an article in the April issue, because it acknowledged that dog guides aren't for everyone.

I've been a cane user for more than 40 years. Although I love animals, I don't want the responsibility of taking care of a dog. I am also totally deaf on one side, and have no sense of where sounds come from. As with Phil in the article, I am very easily disoriented and confused, even in familiar places, due to inability to use sound as a method of orientation. Traffic patterns make no sense to me, as they did when I had good hearing 30 years ago. Everything comes from one place in the sky. I've been knocked down a few times by cars I didn't hear, and have had a lot of close calls. I still own and use a Mowat sensor, which vibrates when a beam of ultrasound encounters something a few feet ahead. The sensor has saved my life more times than I can tell you. I don't need to travel as much now, and the places I go are easy to get to, so a cane works quite well in my situation.

From Sarah, via the Ziegler's blog:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:39:05 PDT

I am surprised at the outcome of Greg Welch's restaurant incident (April Readers Forum). Good grief! I have had one or two instances where my dog and I were not allowed in a restaurant, but I got it settled right away by staying calm and doing what I had to do.

From Cheree Heppe, Portland, OR:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:38:21 PDT

Many blind consumers feel that having options for dog- guide training outside of California represent their best hope for acquiring a dog guide that can guide, exhibit proper social behavior and have good health. Many who are not directly tied into the California State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind believe the board's function to be superfluous, stifling, repressive, controlling and self-serving. Many blind consumers prefer receiving services through non-patronizing, consumer-empowering agencies.

The California State Board of Guide Dogs does not have, but would like to garner national and international authority to force dog-guide programs or individuals coming into California to accept the board's self-imposed, self-administered program requirements. However, there is in the ADA a functionally based requirement for dog-guide work and not a badging requirement.

Guide Dogs for the Blind and other organizations are trying to pressure other professionals in dog-guide circles to support and use formalized efforts at re-making the dog-guide landscape into their localized image. The re-making is being formalized through a master's program in dog-guide training through such well-known schools as San Francisco State with an orientation-and-mobility degree requirement and all that extra fluff.

Most blind consumers are excluded from obtaining degrees in these areas. It's another top-down, "we- serve-and-you-like-it" sort of approach to blindness services.

We don't like it. If I obtain a dog guide outside of California or move into California with a dog guide from elsewhere, it is no business of the California State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind where my dog guide originates or who helps me with my dog, especially when such help may be provided by qualified staff from competing dog-guide schools outside California.

If I prefer to owner-train a dog-guide and show others how to owner-train, I have the right under ADA to do this in any U.S. state I want. I am an American and have owner-trained since 1989. I have traveled with a dog guide since 1970, and decided to owner-train after one of the California program's dogs bit me in the face while still at the school because of a correction I gave the trained dog over a cat distraction. At that point, I decided I was going to stop being a victim. If I want to avoid a dog-selection bottleneck to knowledgeably select a breed and caliber of dog I prefer, I have that right as a free citizen and a competent person, under the ADA.

The state Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind doesn't defend dog-guide owners who are injured by negligence from schools within California and doesn't address internal negligence, as I myself discovered some years ago. I determined then I would never utilize the California dog-guide programs because of the damage the Guide Dog Board inflicted on the California dog-guide programs, standards and quality. Trying to force the rest of the dog-guide programs, some of whom have achieved world prominence, to kowtow to the California model is asinine.

If you want to save California money, muzzle this board and its minions' bid to bite off more than they can chew. Eliminate this board, which has outlived its purpose--if it ever had one.

From Joanne Hollinger, Lewistown, PA:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:37:23 PDT

I read Linda Gray's letter in April, and I agree with her. Like Linda, I answer my letters as soon as I get them; that way I have everything fresh in my mind. Recently I sent an introductory letter to a lady in the Pen Pals section of the Ziegler, but never heard from her--and she's my age, 58 years old. That's sad. It would be nice if she would braille to me in return. I don't like taping because I can talk on paper better than tape.

From Lucia Marett, New York, NY:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:36:37 PDT

I wish to respond to Phyllis Lackershire's comments in the March Readers Forum. She says that our lack of progress is not the fault of blind conservatives. It is, in a way. If we all united, we could affect legislation that could help us find employment, and real acceptance and real integration. Other minorities do this, why can't we? Ms. Lackershire says that my employment history is my own creation. This is untrue! Performing adequately is not sufficient. Other minorities get work through affirmative action. We don't. People who lack English language skills get promotions. We don't. We cannot perform every job, but even for those we can perform, too often blind people are not hired. Let's understand that agencies are being paid to help blind people, and the agencies are not placing us, nor are agencies advocating for us. Let's hear about what legislation should be doing for us. We are entitled to a support system. Employers should be required to hire disabled people. Legislation should help us acquire what we want and need. We should make the effort, but this is not sufficient. Conservatives have got to change.

From Anthony Ure, Hooper, UT:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:35:48 PDT

I bought a Macintosh computer and love it! As far as I know, Macs are the only computers that include a fully functioning screen-reader. Hopefully, Microsoft will decide to revamp Narrator so that it too will be a full-fledged screen-reader. I have not tried the Windows operating system on a Macintosh yet; however, I have heard it works extremely well. From what I understand, running Windows natively on a Macintosh requires sighted assistance, proceeding the partitioning of the hard drive.

From a reader in San Diego, CA:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:35:19 PDT

I have been using the free screen-reader System Access to Go. This excellent, full-featured screen-reader is available at satogo.com. Thanks to a partnership between the AIR Foundation and Serotek Corporation, a major barrier to blind people's computer use has been removed. The help tutorials are clear, and teach the use of the screen-reader one step at a time. Experienced computer users can skip to the keyboard commands and start working in minutes. Those who have little or no knowledge of computers will welcome the simple (though not condescending) presentations available as audio tutorials or text files.

From Rich Wood, Gorham, NH:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:32:48 PDT

With all the progress with the economy, there has been no mention of the 200th birthday of Louis Braille. One can understand this from the standpoint of the mainstream media; however, it is important to the blindness and visually impaired community. We know that only about 10 percent of the blindness community read and rely on braille as a primary means of communication. But there is hope if we all take a part by asking for or providing braille. Many large companies are providing braille bills, statements and literature upon request. For example, Time-Warner Cable has provided braille bills to its customers for almost one year. It is your right under the ADA to ask for bills in an alternative format. Do it, and you will be able to live more independently.

From Brittany Metts, Baltimore, MD:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:32:15 PDT

When I was in the fifth grade, I attended Kids Camp, a camp for blind kids and taught by blind counselors. During a seminar, one of the counselors shared a story. When she was reading a braille book while on a public bus, one of the passengers remarked, "Poor woman; what a shame." This, in turn, made her never want to read braille again. Fortunately, she was later convinced to read it again. Even as an 11-year old, I found this story rather ridiculous. That's like saying that a man who needs an oxygen tank to breathe refuses to wear the tank because an onlooker says, "Poor man; what a shame." For both blind and sighted, reading is key for survival. Braille provides the blind and visually disabled a portal to the literacy world. For anyone to deprive themselves of a means of survival (be it braille, print, food, water or oxygen) because of a stupid comment is absolutely ridiculous.

From S.L. Piyadasa, Seeduwa, Sri Lanka:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:31:39 PDT

I am writing with regret because braille is becoming less used because of modern technology. I am an avid braille reader, involved in many competitions in the braille arena. We had quite a lot of magazines in braille way back in the 1950s, and we made many friends at home and abroad. It is our duty to make people aware of the significance of improving braille literacy. Additionally, we may have to mark those anniversaries of our heros in the blindness field by holding competitions in braille. Educators must give priority to braille literature.

From Bill and Sue South, Mexico, MO:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:31:01 PDT

We were especially interested in the January issue. The poem and story about Louis Braille were very appropriate for his 200th birthday. I got a chuckle when reading in March about when Helen Keller slapped Robert Smithdas-- that changed his image of her. I was surprised to see a letter from Ruth Carey Bloss from Indianapolis. I corresponded with her mother back in the 60s. Helen Hughes and I have corresponded for 45 years. We hope to make it to at least 50. I partially agree with the person who commented about the disability issue in airports. I can walk, too, but an older lady with osteoporosis may not feel like walking far from gate to gate. I'll admit that the wheelchair services are very helpful and commendable. So far, the airline people are wonderful. On occasion I fly from Columbia or St. Louis to visit my family. I have been a resident here for almost a year since Bill and I were married last April. Last, but by no means least, thank you for the good ole Ziegler, which is the next best thing to the newspaper.

From Tom Lykins, Louisa, KY:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:30:32 PDT

Many people are upset at airports when they are offered a wheelchair and not the elbow of the attendant. Folks, let's look at the other side of the coin. The attendant may have other duties, and may have other people with disabilities that he or she has to get to their airline connection. By using a wheelchair to transport you from one place to another, they can move a whole lot faster and more efficiently. As a blind passenger, especially a total, you have no knowledge of how crowded the terminal may be. It may be that the person assisting you has never been around a blind person before. This is not the time to try and give them a mobility lesson in guiding. They are extremely busy, especially in larger airports, and frankly don't have the time to learn. It may be that they may never come in contact with another blind person for a long time, thus forgetting what you tried to teach them in just a few minutes.

Let's be reasonable. While I advocate that we as blind people should be as independent as we can be, there are times when we have to "give" just a little. It is not going to hurt anyone to take the wheelchair and swallow their pride for just a few minutes. Causing a scene makes it more difficult for passengers who may have other disabilities, blindness notwithstanding. Additionally, when people cause a scene, they send out negative thoughts to the one who is helping, and, because of their selfishness and insensitivity, an attendant may be very reluctant to help other blind people who may go to that airport. When this happens, we all suffer in more ways than one. What if the airlines provided no assistance at all to travelers with disabilities? What if we had to rely on our own mobility skills or the general public to get from one point to another? Be nice.

From Erica Mayhew, Bury St. Edmunds, England:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:29:38 PDT

I am writing in response to some letters regarding unwanted wheelchairs at airports. I have had the experience of needing help when traveling by train, mostly at the big mainline train stations. When the porters come to assist me, they say that using a wheelchair would be easier for them to help me and take my luggage. I have not been keen on this, but I have accepted it and thanked them for their help. I make light of my embarrassment by saying that I feel like a queen in a carriage--especially at one of the stations where I used to be a secretary for the rail company. Some of the staff who recognized me shouted out that I'd gone up in the world, that I had my private buggy, and tension was eased. Telling friends about this opened a discussion, and a friend said she and her husband had the same treatment when traveling. They both had guide dogs and were offered a buggy or luggage trolley for them and their dogs. They explained they could walk, but were told it's easier and quicker to take people in chairs or buggies. Another friend, however, said he absolutely refused. He felt shamed and embarrassed, but he was more embarrassed and shamed when some people said that he should humble himself and not be so precious to accept help when it was given. After all, they pointed out, he could walk, but he'd asked for assistance, and this was the easiest and best way it could be given. I always accept help if I need it or not. Do remember that if one is rude and cantankerous, it puts people off from offering help to other blind people they may come across. You only need to say, if you do not wish help, "Thank you for offering, but I can manage." I often get into chats with people waiting in the dentist's office, and very often someone will say, "Do not mind if I chat to you." They feel put off from approaching blind people to offer assistance if they have been snubbed or spoken to in a brusque manner. Most people mean well. Some blind people can manage better than others but Joe Public does not know how able the blind person is. All he sees is that someone could need help, and offers it with good will. Swallow pride and be nice to people. It costs nothing to be polite. Think of the people helping you, even if you do not need a chair. If it's easier for the airport to help in this way, be grateful, don't get on your high horse about independence being taken away. Smile and make light of it, as I do. Everyone's happy then. You've lost no dignity.

It's very sad when some blind people do not want to hear about their surroundings. I always ask my helpers about the sky, flowers, trees and if there are buds or blossoms or other sights I cannot see. I like to know. It's easy to be so inward thinking and looking when you cannot see and switching yourself off from all about you.

It's dangerous if a blind person, rather than carry a cane, walks along with a finger touching the back of the person in front. I'd never go out without my cane; it's like another limb to me. The same people who do not want to be seen as blind are only too eager to take all the reductions and other benefits, so to speak, for being blind, such as cheaper travel, cheaper mailing, etc.

From Carol Sexton, Malvern, PA:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:28:30 PDT

I have an idea for a service for blind and visually impaired people desiring sighted travel companions and also drivers. Blind and sighted companions should be matched well. Sighted people should be experienced with good guiding techniques and should be able to describe people, places and things. The travel buddy accompanies his or her blind person from the beginning of the tour until the end, whether it be a day or longer. Blind people may wish to travel with a sighted tour company or group. They may wish to travel by air, bus, train, car or boat. This is not necessarily a group of blind and sighted people traveling together. Since this is not a volunteer service, blind pals should either partially or completely meet the expense of the sighted travel companion. Maybe there could be some kind of financial aid. Contact me if you are interested in such a service at 484-680-2440 or sunshinepa@verizon.net.

From Katrina Wright, Atlanta, GA:

blind@verizon.net (Matilda Ziegler) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:27:44 PDT

Ever since I was a toddler, and it was discovered that my blindness was caused by childhood abuse, local, state and federal officials have been making decisions about my life. Though various teachers dedicated themselves to my education and social well-being, their efforts had limits. I wanted to be parented by people like them--people who would listen to me and let me share in their lives. That was not to be, however. Thinking on this some years ago, I decided to write a letter to the White House. At that point, just after college, I was finding out what it can mean to be blind and lacking in prospects, state sponsors, resources and family support. I wrote because I really wanted help in figuring out the difference between the privileges I had as a U.S. citizen and my realistically enforceable rights. I've since learned that nothing is guaranteed. That includes a response from the White House, least of all. I didn't get one, as far as I know. What I am trying to say is that life requires courage, and you don't always have the allies that you think you do. Keep true friends close and a sense of your own self-worth closer. Where real success is concerned, that's a start.