[Blindtlk] FW: Legislative Update - H. Con. Res. 235 Passes!

[Mike Freeman]

Won't mean a blessed thing unless Federal highway funds aren't cut off 
if a state is noncompliant.

Moreover (and I'm going against the grain here), I wonder why, if 
blindness can be reduced to the level of a physical inconvenience, we 
need special protection. If we're not in a crosswalk, shouldn't we 
suffer the same consequences as all other law-unabiding citizens? 
Ignorance is no excuse for anyone else; should it be for us?

let the fur fly!

Mike

On Mon, 23 Oct 2006, Gloria Whipple wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I received this and wanted too share it with all of you.
>
> Gloria Whipple
> Corresponding Secretary
> nfb of WA
> Inland Empire Chapter
>
>
>  _____
>
> From: Debbie Baril [mailto:debbieb at community-minded.org]
> Sent: Monday, October 23, 2006 10:34 AM
> To: Gloria Whipple
> Subject: FW: Legislative Update - H. Con. Res. 235 Passes!
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike McMurtrie [mailto:Mikemcmu at slstart.com]
> Sent: Monday, October 23, 2006 10:30 AM
> To: newcareerbeginnings at yahoo.com
> Subject: Legislative Update - H. Con. Res. 235 Passes!
>
>
> Very interesting development for communications for the blind.
>
>
>
> Legislative Update - H. Con. Res. 235 Passes!
>
>> From the Desk of Philip Strong
> Transportation and Advocacy Specialist
> Legislative Update - H. Con. Res. 235 Passes!
>
> "States should require candidates for driver's licenses to
> demonstrate an ability to exercise greatly increased caution when
> driving in the proximity of a potentially visually impaired
> individual."
>
> Every year, guide dogs, white canes and blind pedestrians are
> struck by drivers who do not understand the purpose of guide dogs
> and white canes. While White Cane Safety Laws exist as an attempt
> to reduce the risks which blind and visually impaired pedestrians
> face on the street, drivers too often do not understand or know
> what the guide dog and white cane mean, or the law designed to
> protect them.
>
> Well, that may change, as Congress has passed legislation which
> states that "each State should require any candidate for a
> driver's license to demonstrate, as a condition of obtaining a
> driver's license, an ability to associate the use of the white
> cane and guide dog with visually impaired individuals and to
> exercise greatly increased caution when driving in proximity to
> a potentially visually impaired individual."
>
> After three years H. Con. Res. 235 finally passed. The bill was
> originally sponsored by Lane Evans of Illinois, who recently
> decided not to run for reelection due to health issues and was
> given an award at this year's legislative seminar. Below is the
> final version (Enrolled Bill) as passed by both Houses, passed
> the House in July and was agreed to September 25th, 2006.
>
> Philip Strong
> Transportation/Advocacy Specialist
> American Council of the Blind
> 1155 15th ST NW, Suite 1004
> Washington, DC  20005
> Tel:  (202) 467-5081 ext. 16
> Fax:  (202) 467-5085
> pstrong at acb.org
> http://www.acb.org
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> Mike McMurtrie
> Employment Services
> Program Coordinator
> 25 W. Nora Avenue
> Spokane, WA 99203
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