I'm not an SG, I just can't see anything.

[February]

Been thinking about the recent trip (can't believe it was three weeks ago already that i left to go) and had a thought I wanted to mention but I keep forgetting.

I know there were moments that I looked like an absolute and total SG and I just thought it might be good to give folks- both CMs (though 99.9 percent of the cms I encountered were wonderful) and fellow guests alike (since I didn't go into parks my interaction with other guests was limited and most of the people I did meet were great...) a little reminder that if a guest looks like an idiot- it might be that they can't see where they're going.

I know when i first got to the contemporary to check in that I couldn't find the elevators in the south wing even though they were right there. I asked a Cm who looked at me as if to say...'duh' and said "right behind you..."

I said, "Oh, thank you, I have very low vision and the door blended into the wall.' i don't know what their reaction was because they had already turned away from me.

at the contemporary monorail station when i got off the train i had a horrible time finding my way through the maze of gates to the elevator.

i bumped into one of the gates in front of me and a cm yells "YOU CAN'T GO THAT WAY!" and I said, "I can't see well, I'm sorry, I'm trying to find the-"

"FOLLOW THEM." he pointed to the guests in front of me, who were going to the escalator, and i just did though escalators are a danger to me.

of course i could forgive the monorail cm's anything at the time- this is not why i mention it. because i can tell you that previously when it had happened to me before (all those silver gates look alike with my limited one eye vision right now) there was another cm at another time and he could see i was turned around, and i said 'elevator?' and he just opened the gate right in front of me and very sweetly made it easy for me to find.

but it occurred to me that at times, maybe in crowd control situations for parades and the like- when people may not appear to be listening or following directions- it could be that they can't see or hear well.

just something for people to keep in mind before they brand every idiot who tries to throw away their french fries, misjudges the swing on the flap of the trash can and ends up with the fries at their feet instead an SG. could be they're just mostly blind.

(yes, that was me. I cleaned up the mess...)

bru

[Goofyernmost]

So do you use a white cane or any other method to inform others that you are visually impaired?

If you don't, I would highly recommend it. Although you didn't make an intentional effort (I don't think) to make CM's sound mean and uncaring, it sure came across that way.

If you have a problem that needs a more intense form of assistance, please be sure that people know ahead of time, not after they have embarrassed themselves by making a seemingly uncaring remark. CM's are human and capable of misunderstanding a situation.

[GaTechGal]

Bru, glad to hear that you're back on your feet and zipping around. You bring up a good lesson that I may try and pass along to the kids - if you see someone that seems like they need assistance, a simple "Excuse me..." is polite and may be welcome. They may not need it, but you've been polite.

[DisneyMom]

I don't think Bru was trying to make anyone look bad, just a Gentle Reminder
that there are a lot of people with invisible disabilities out there. If someone isn't doing the expected thing, maybe they really can't see, hear or are confused by the situation (like my son).

On the other hand, the CMs are handling trying to guide THOUSANDS of guests everyday. The ones who can do it without going bonkers are amazing!
So I would try to not take anything too personally. Learned this regarding people giving my son looks and attitude for minor differences. I always think now,
someday.....you might be the one in our shoes. ;)

[February]

So do you use a white cane or any other method to inform others that you are visually impaired?

If you don't, I would highly recommend it. Although you didn't make an intentional effort (I don't think) to make CM's sound mean and uncaring, it sure came across that way.

If you have a problem that needs a more intense form of assistance, please be sure that people know ahead of time, not after they have embarrassed themselves by making a seemingly uncaring remark. CM's are human and capable of misunderstanding a situation.

i don't have a white cane because i've been having surgeries and so was supposed to have my vision restored by now. i do have a forearm crutch that i used when i walk and so people can tell there are disability issues.

i didn't mean to make anyone look bad. i thought i'd stated that 99.9 percent of the cms were wonderful.

consider this thread dead, please. i'd delete it if that were an option at this point. last thing i'm in the mood for these days is making anybody mad around here.

in fact i'm gonna take a little break from the board for a bit. those who want to should know how to find me (and if not you can always tap march on the shoulder and he'll get my attention.

see you guys when i've had a chance to regroup.

bru

[joanna71985]

Don't worry about it Bru. I hope you'll come back soon. :)

[SueOKW]

I just want to tack this on, because this is a good reminder and people don't always think... you have to assume the best before you assume the worst..

When I am in an elevator and someone gets in to go up or down just one floor I force myself to think that he or she could have a hidden disability. Thinking that way is actually less stressful than getting all bent out of shape because "it's just one floor for cryin' out loud!"

I will remember when people ask me questions or have behavior that LOOK stupid to me, doesn't mean they are stupid. Looks are deceiving.

thanks for reminding me about this, i'm glad you did.

[hobie16]

Don't worry about it Bru. Everybody needs a little help now and again. I'm sure once the CMs realized it was your turn they did a yeoman's job.

And taking mental health break is always good too. I've been on one for over six years and I'm still not well. :twisted:

[SpeedFreak]

I would have to say that if I was working in the Contemporary, I would be in a bad mood too. In fact, whenever I am in the Contemporary, I usually am in a bad mood. But about half of that is the station, which was obviously designed by somebody without experience with SGs. Well, with guests in general I suppose, but a station that you cannot keep an eye on everyone is a bad design however you look at it. Especially with only 1 CM present.

But I didn't take any offense to what Bru said. I'd believe the CM's reactions since there are many people who would rather ask about something, than look around them. Or up at the sign that tells them exactly how to get to where they are going. So the people who truly need to ask are sandwiched between 2 or 3 other encounters with perfectly healthy guests asking the same thing. Doesn't make how they said it any better, but if it makes you feel any better Bru those 2 or 3 other people are generally too dull to pick up what the CMs are feeling even with perfect eyesight.

[turkeyham]

At DL I have been there when they have blind awareness days. I do yeild to blind guests in the park. My mom and dad told me always give them space.

Bru, I hope you are feeling better soon.