[Arizona-students] "You Don't Have To"

[Allison Hilliker]

Hi all,

Thanks for sharing this story, Arielle.  That was really interesting and 
really true.
Unfortunately I think I have at some point, fallen into the trap of not
doing something simply because I was told I didn't have to since I'm blind.
I can't think up specific situations, but I'm sure it has happened.  One
reason I've really tried not to fall into that trap though is because of how
I think it may effect how sighted people view me.  After all, if I
expect others to treat me equally, isn't it essential that I expect
equality from myself?  I can't tell others to treat me equally one minute,
and then except some sort of preferential treatment the next.  If I want to
be given a job, or a scholarship, or a passing grade, doesn't that also mean
that I should have to meet all the requirements associated with such
privileges?  These are the thoughts I try to keep in mind as I am offered
many of life's little blindness-related shortcuts.

I'm interested to see what others think about this topic.

Hope everyone had a nice holiday.  Happy new year all.

Best,

Allison