How a blind, resourceful and respectful girl creates opportunities

Posted in Sandi's blog on 23 March 2010 | 0 Comments

When I was in Toronto visiting my dad in February, it was mighty cold. After 20 years of London winters, anything sub-zero in daytime is just not on. But Torontonians kept on commenting on what a mild winter it was and thought I was ridiculous with my suitcase full of thermal underwear.

But one day, there was a snowstorm and nobody wanted to go out. Even my dad said not to come to the hospital. I conceded, but by midday, I had cabin fever. I wanted to go shopping as the hotel was walking distance from so many lovely shops that I had yet to visit, but no one was interested. Too icy. Too windy. But if I wanted to go out by myself, why shouldn't I be able to? But I would need help - someone who could guide a blind person and possibly owned a pair of muklunks. Simple.

I called a large sight loss charity. I explained my situation and made it clear that I was willing to pay someone for their time. The receptionist was polite, but it was clear that she was thinking, "What does this woman think we are? An escort service?" I explained that I appreciated this was an unusual request, but that they must have access to volunteers who would want to earn some extra cash, but nothing. She just said no and gave me the number of another charity.

I rang, and through an array of automated menus, finally got through to a real person, but before I even got to state my request, the guy shouted that he was on a conference call and I had to call him back in 20 minutes. This was not going to happen, since I am not a masochist and didn’t fancy being shouted at again!

I then rang Fighting Blindness. This was not something that they did normally, but they had a network of volunteers and surely one of them would want to earn a few bob. And amazingly, they did manage to do find someone, but unfortunately, the person didn’t show.

Hmmmm. I rang the concierge. Within minutes, the hotel manager despatched his assistant, who had no experience whatsoever guiding a blind person but was intelligent, respectful and compassionate. She had a sociology degree and a wicked sense of humour so we had plenty to talk and laugh about. We had a blast.

And what is the moral of my little story? Well. I am afraid that it is the same moral as most of my bleetings. With respect and compassion, anything is possible.

0 comments | Tags: Independence, Life, Shopping