[Arizona-students] Amusement Park outing

[Ryan Thomas]

Hello All,
    I'm sorry if my wording is what set off this debate about the "look at 
me I'm blind" issue.  I agree with Arielle, it is to show people that we can 
do the same every day activities as they despite the fact that we are blind 
citizens.  It is educational for the public and for our other members.  The 
shades are to help those who have some vision work on their blindness skills 
to a degree they would not if they used their remaining vision.
    As to the outing, national is planning to have student divisions across 
the country attempt to coordinate it so that it occurs on the same day.  If 
we get each student division in the country to go on the same day or in the 
same weekend, it will definitely make a statement.  For now it is in the 
most hesitant of planning stages.  My e-mail was just to see if there is 
interest in Arizona for this future event.  When more information is 
available, either Arielle or I will immediately pass it on.

Sincerely,
Ryan Thomas
First Vice President
Arizona Association of Blind Students
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Arielle Silverman" <arielle.silverman at asu.edu>
To: "'Arizona Association of Blind Students List'" 
<arizona-students at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 10:31 PM
Subject: Re: [Arizona-students] Amusement Park outing


> Hello all,
>
> Ryan--Could you please give us more details on what national is
> planning for the water park outing? This is the first I've heard about it,
> but it's a great idea. Are you suggesting that we do this as a state
> division, that we participate in the national outing, or both?
>
> As for the intentions of the outing, I think going to the water park
> as a group is designed not only to be fun, but also to show an example of
> blind youth participating in everyday activities. The canes aren't being
> used as extra "props"; we would just be bringing our canes because we use
> them all the time anyway. The sleepshades would only be used by those who
> have partial sight, to show that they are participating on an equal 
> playing
> field with the totally blind participants. I don't see it as a "look at 
> me,
> I'm  blind" exhibition, but just as an example of us doing something that
> our sighted peers do all the time. It can also be a tremendous confidence
> builder for new members or those who haven't had a lot of experiences with
> independent travel or with blind role models. I know I've learned a ton 
> from
> just going on everyday outings with other blind people who have good 
> skills.
>
> If we want to take off with this idea as a state student division,
> let's just pick a weekend and a water park, and maybe find a driver, and
> we'll be on our way!
>
> I also agree with Daryl's caution to debate gracefully and tactfully
> on this listserv. It's fine to point out drawbacks of technologies such as
> the KNFB reader, but this isn't the place for blatant or personal attacks
> against any organization as a whole.
>
> I don't know about the current phone number for KNFB reader contact
> support. Your best bet would be to call Anne-Marie Laney at the national
> center,
> 410-659-9314.
>
> Cheers
> Arielle  Silverman
> President, Arizona Association of Blind Students
> -----Original Message-----
> From: arizona-students-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:arizona-students-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of krezguy
> Sent: Friday, June 22, 2007 2:09 PM
> To: 'Arizona Association of Blind Students List'
> Subject: Re: [Arizona-students] Amusement Park outing
>
> Gabe,
> Thanks for your response.  Would you explain just what you would define as 
> a
> "look at me, I'm blind" kind of thing as compared to an outing that will
> raise the consciousness of the participants?
> I'm very happy that you might consider the activities of the association 
> of
> blind students even though you are on the board of directors of the 
> council.
> We are trying very hard to appeal to all blind students.
> Respectfully,
> Bob Kresmer
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: arizona-students-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:arizona-students-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of The BlindTechs
> Network
> Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 7:48 PM
> To: Arizona Association of Blind Students List
> Subject: Re: [Arizona-students] Amusement Park outing
>
> is this a "Look at me I'm blind" sort of thing?
>
>
> Gabe Vega
> The BlindTech----tech of all techs
> Board of directors Arizona Council of the Blind
> Phoenix
> 602-903-3852
> skype theblindtech
>
> On Jun 21, 2007, at 5:05 PM, Ryan Thomas wrote:
>
>> Dear Students,
>>     Student divisions across the country are planning an outing to
>> an amusement park.  People would be using their canes and sleep
>> shades if desired as an outreach/educational activity.  The date is
>> not set as of now, but the end of August/beginning of September and
>> the end of May/beginning of June have both been suggested.  Is
>> there interest in the state of Arizona to help forward this
>> national student movement?  Does anyone have suggestions as to
>> which amusement park AABS would like to go?  Submit any of them to
>> the list and we'll get this ball rolling.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Ryan Thomas
>> First Vice President
>> Arizona Association of Blind Students
>> _______________________________________________
>> Arizona-students mailing list
>> Arizona-students at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/arizona-students
>
>
>
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