[nfbwatlk] Urgent: about being a blind paret

Wed May 17 17:52:09 CDT 2006

It ill-serves both the blind and the authorities to generalize when 
dealing with such situations. While there are certainly CPS workers who 
have erroneous attitudes about blindness (after all, they are part of 
the larger society and we haven't eradicated stereotypes in society at 
large having to do with blindness), there are also CPS workers who *do* 
get it. Sometimes, CPS is called into a situation and no matter what it 
may think, it is required by law to investigate. As Ben says, we then 
have the task of making certain that blindness in and of itself isn't 
the reason for CPS's attention and then let the chips fall where they 
may.

Mike

On Wed, 17 May 2006, Mary Baker wrote:

> I think that if blindness is an issue at all, then the case should
> automatically be closed.  My case is one, and I think the same with others,
> that since blindness was confronted and could be no more an issue that they
> had to come up with other reasons fast to cover it up.  I think they
> orriginally discriminate against blindness, and when it is apparent that it
> cannot be used, they come up with harebrained schemes that make up an
> entirely different case.  So you see, they cover it up all pretty when the
> real issue they have and have had all along is blindness.  otherwise, why
> would they just cover it up all pretty when it's the real issue they're
> fighting against.  That's why sighted people rarely worry about C.P.S.
>
>
> From: "Lauren Merryfield" <lauren at catliness.com>
> Reply-To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> To: "NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Urgent: about being a blind paret
> Date: Tue, 16 May 2006 23:22:04 -0700
>
> Hi,
> Yeah, I've known of situations regarding parenting, jobs, school, etc, where
> blindness was used as the main issue when there were really other problems.
>
> A friend of mine, who was blind, had a baby and was unable to keep him for
> reasons other than blindness.  It was sad.
>
> It's kind of like blaming blindness for everything.
>
>  Last year I fell at church when I had fluid in both ears which made me
> really dizzy, and of course someone had to say they'd fall, too, if they
> couldn't see.  I told them about my ears but I think it went in one ear and
> out the other, pun intended.  We deal with this kind of stuff all the time.
> thanks
> Lauren
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>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Prows, Bennett (HHS/OCR)" <Bennett.Prows at HHS.GOV>
> To: "NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 3:11 PM
> Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Urgent: about being a blind paret
>
>
> > Hi listers,
> >
> > As an old investigator of discrimination cases, I want to say something
> > on this subject.  Mike says the subject of parenting is a "touchy" one.
> > It certainly is.  Often, CPS is called into a situation for many
> > reasons, and while involved with a family, blindness becomes a
> > tangential issue, not a main one.  As the NFB, we can and should get
> > involved with cases for the sole purpose of dealing with the blindness
> > issue.  Many times, as I say, there are a bunch of issues involved.  We
> > don't have the expertise, nor the experiences to involve ourselves in a
> > case when the real issues aren't the blindness, but something else.
> > This is why I asked the questions of Bob.  I just want to make sure we
> > are involved because CPS is doing something wrong to someone because of
> > blindness.
> >
> > Maybe whoever is involved can communicate with Mike, or me, or anyone in
> > NFB leadership off list if there is a problem.
> >
> > When I was President of the NFB of WA, we got involved in a case with
> > multiple very sensitive issues, and only were concerned about the
> > blindness part.  When the testimony of our expert was over, the powers
> > that be assured us that blindness was no longer a factor, and the case
> > went on concerning other grounds.
> >
> > Hope this helps.
> >
> > /s/
> >
> > Bennett Prows
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> > On Behalf Of Mary Baker
> > Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 2:57 PM
> > To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> > Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Urgent: about being a blind paret
> >
> > And that's where we run into trouble.  I really don't see why parenting
> > is
> > such a touchy subject.  People become parents, that's just how life is.
> >
> > Wouldn't schools rather they go into it knowing, rather than losing
> > their
> > children to C.P.S., or being too frightened to become a parent due to
> > C.P.S?
> >  I don't know, sounds odd to me.
> > Sincerely
> > Mary
> >
> >
> > From: Mike Freeman <k7uij at panix.com>
> > Reply-To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> > To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> > Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Urgent: about being a blind paret
> > Date: Tue, 16 May 2006 16:15:55 -0400 (EDT)
> >
> > Mary:
> >
> > At least in the past, there has been such training. I presume it will
> > continue. I don't think we need to intervene although I'm not opposed to
> > it. We'd probably have to tread rather carefully as, crazy as it may
> > seem, parenting practices are one of those touchy areas that schools
> > approach with great caution.
> >
> > Mike Freemanw
> >
> > On Tue, 16 May 2006, Mary Baker wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > From: "Bob Sellers" <robertsellers500 at comcast.net>
> > > Reply-To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> > > To: "NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> > > Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Urgent: about being a blind paret
> > > Date: Mon, 15 May 2006 22:54:11 -0700
> > >
> > >
> > > What about it being a convention agenda itemf or our Fall convention?
> > >
> > > bob
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: "Alco" <amcanfield at comcast.net>
> > > To: "NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> > > Sent: Monday, May 15, 2006 10:19 PM
> > > Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Urgent: about being a blind paret
> > >
> > >
> > > > I thinkCPS could also play a role in educating us re their
> > guidelines,
> > > etc.
> > > > This needs to be a dialog if people's attitudes are going to
> > change.
> > It
> > > has
> > > > been my experience that adversaries are more likely to be more
> > receptive
> > > > when they realize we are gnuinely trying to understand their point
> > of
> > > view.
> > > > It may well get to "knock-down", but hopefully progress can be made
> > > before
> > > > that point.
> > > >
> > > > Alco
> > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > From: "Bob Sellers" <robertsellers500 at comcast.net>
> > > > To: "NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Sent: Monday, May 08, 2006 11:23 PM
> > > > Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Urgent: about being a blind paret
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Kris,
> > > > > Thank you for participating. You will have to refresh my memory
> > about
> > > > > which
> > > > > law you are referring to. Maybe we as local chapters need to
> > invite
> > CPS
> > > > > workers to meetings, our convention and get their attitudes and
> > > reactions
> > > > > about blind parents. Otherwords do some educating.
> > > > >
> > > > > Bob
> > > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > > From: "Kris Lawrence" <kris.lawrence at comcast.net>
> > > > > To: "'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> > > > > Sent: Monday, May 08, 2006 11:03 PM
> > > > > Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Urgent: about being a blind paret
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >> Bob,
> > > > >>
> > > > >> Now, isn't this where the law that was passed oh solong ago will
> >
> > come
> > > > >> into
> > > > >> play?
> > > > >>
> > > > >> I'll send my testimony to you off list. Hard to believe this
> > sh**
> > > still
> > > > >> happens when blindness alone is the only concern.
> > > > >>
> > > > >> Kris
> > > > >>
> > > > >> -----Original Message-----
> > > > >> From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org
> > [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> > > On
> > > > >> Behalf Of Bob Sellers
> > > > >> Sent: Monday, May 08, 2006 5:39 PM
> > > > >> To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List
> > > > >> Subject: [nfbwatlk] Urgent: about being a blind paret
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >> We have an urgent need. We have a blind lady  here in town, Mary
> > > Baker,
> > > > > who
> > > > >> has a 5 month old baby. When the child was born the hospital
> > contacted
> > > > >> CPS
> > > > >> with the concern of her blindness and the raising of the child.
> > > > > Apparently
> > > > >> Mary has had to jump thru some hoops trying to satisfy CPS. Mary
> > > > > contacted
> > > > >> me at the end of last week. What she said she is in need of, is
> > aare
> > > > >> testimonies, experiences and comments on how, technieques,
> > methods,
> > > > >> different ways etc.etc.  on how we as  blind parents overcame
> > > situations
> > > > > in
> > > > >> raising kids. Such as, knowing where they are when we are out
> > walking,
> > > > >> feeding them, where they are hurt at, any bloodd, etc. etc. I'm
> > sure
> > > we
> > > > > have
> > > > >> all had to explain to people how we accomplished some of these
> > task.
> > > > >> I've talked  with the case worker, there only concern is the
> > > blindness.
> > > > > She
> > > > >> would appreciate any comments that we can generate on Mary's
> > behalf.
> > > The
> > > > >> case worker and her boss are not aware of   parenting  as a
> > blind
> > > person.
> > > > >> We had a very good discussion and she is supportive of Mary. The
> >
> > case
> > > > > worker
> > > > >> told me that when she talked with Mary's mother, that her mother
> >
> > said
> > > > >> that
> > > > >> Mary is fiercely independent.  I am meeting with the case
> > workers
> > and
> > > > >> Mary
> > > > >> this Wensday morning, 5/10. So it is importent that you send in
> > emails
> > > in
> > > > > A
> > > > >> S A P!! I'll have you send it to the case worker with a cc to
> > Mary.
> > > > >>
> > > > >> Mary will  also be able to learn from our technieques. After
> > all,
> > kids
> > > > > don't
> > > > >> come bouncing out with a 'Here's what you need to do manuel" in
> > their
> > > > > hands.
> > > > >>
> > > > >> case workers email: nelson7909 at comcast.net
> > > > >> Mary's email: lakotagirl1424 at hotmail.com
> > > > >>
> > > > >> Bob Sellers, President
> > > > >> Clark County Chapter of NFBW
> > > > >>
> > > > >> Bob
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >> _______________________________________________
> > > > >> nfbwatlk mailing list
> > > > >> nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> > > > >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >> --
> > > > >> No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > > >> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > > > >> Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.5.5/333 - Release Date:
> > > 5/5/2006
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >
> > > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > > nfbwatlk mailing list
> > > > > nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
> > > >
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > nfbwatlk mailing list
> > > > nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
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> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > nfbwatlk mailing list
> > > nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
> > > Hi everyone:
> > >
> > > I had some interesting news that kind of worries me. Blind people at
> > the
> > > Washington State School for the Blind, the girls especially are
> > afraid to
> > > have children now.  They say that they don't want children that will
> > just
> > be
> > > taken away by C.P.S.  Here's what I propose, and if I'm off base then
> >
> > tell
> > > me.
> > >
> > > I have been dealing with C.P.S., and my case is nearly at a close
> > thanks
> > to
> > > everyone's letters.  I do find it odd though that none of them were
> > read
> > > aloud in the meeting or otherwise brought up, don't you Bob?
> > Anyways,
> > I've
> > > been getting ready to fill out some volunteer paperwork at the
> > Washington
> > > State School for the blind, and i had this idea that kind of just
> > popped
> > > into my head.
> > >
> > > What if we had a blind parent go and tach a course at the Blind
> > School,
> > with
> > > the help of a C.P.S. worker if we can get one involved.  In this
> > class
> > > called "Parenting for the blind 101", we teach the students how to
> > parent
> > a
> > > baby, much like Home Economics, but also all the threads and hoops to
> >
> > look
> > > forward to with C.P.S.  That way they all are prepared and know what
> > to
> > > expect when and if they have a bouncing baby.  I could call my
> > Lactation
> > > Specialist as well as my guideance counsellor and my Public Health
> > Nurse
> > to
> > > come in as guest Speakers and talk to the girls and boys about all
> > kinds
> > of
> > > things they teach at Maternity Support, and we could help the blind
> > teens
> > to
> > > know of resources they can fall back on.  If we do manage this class,
> > it
> > > would be a year long course, and I'm willing to do it voluntarily
> > though
> > it
> > > might also do me a favor and count as some credits in college, since
> > I'm
> > > majoring as a teacher.  Also, perhaps our young generation won't be
> > so
> > > afraid to have babies if we do.  We'd need a blind father as well to
> > come
> > in
> > > and teach, but that shouldn't be too hard, should it?  I wish I had
> > this
> > > class proposed when I went there.  Even the teachers threaten these
> > poor
> > > students with C.P.S., and what if we opened it to public as well so
> > that
> > way
> > > everyone is educated?
> > >
> > > Tell me what you all think  We could even talk of all the laws and
> > rights
> > > Disabled people have, and the statutes and things.!
> > > Sincerely
> > > Mary
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > nfbwatlk mailing list
> > > nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nfbwatlk mailing list
> > nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nfbwatlk mailing list
> > nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nfbwatlk mailing list
> > nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
> >
> >
> >
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>
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