Learning about the Blind

Blind Beatitudes

(posted on GDA grads list)

>BLESSED ARE THEY that refrain from shouting when they speak to me.

>BLESSED ARE THEY that talk directly to me and not to some one else.

>BLESSED ARE THEY that say who they are when entering a room and say hello to
me.

>BLESSED ARE THEY that say goodbye to me when they leave so I am not left
speaking to the air.

>BLESSED ARE THEY that do not hesitate to say "SEE" when talking to me.

>BLESSED ARE THEY who tap my shoulder gently when they approach from behind
>or from the side when speaking to me.

>BLESSED ARE THEY who wait for me to extend my hand before shaking it.

>BLESSED ARE THEY who place my hand on a object such as the back of a chair
>when telling me where it is, so I can seat myself.

>BLESSED ARE THEY who do not leave me in a strange environment without
orienting me to it.

>BLESSED ARE THEY who offer me their arm so they can serve as my guide,
>instead of grabbing, pulling or shoving me.

>BLESSED ARE THEY who come up to me in a large crowd and offer to help me
when I appear disoriented.

>BLESSED ARE THEY who do not embarrass me in a group of people by openly
referring to my blindness in word or action.

>BLESSED ARE THEY who laugh with me when I tell a joke related to blindness.

>BLESSED ARE THEY who read me the menu and its prices and allow me to order
my own meal.

>BLESSED ARE THEY who take me to the cashier so I may pay for my own meal.

>BLESSED ARE THEY who do not distract my guide dog from being my active eyes.

>BLESSED ARE THEY who treat me like a human being, for like it or not I AM a
human being.