By Marcia Cummings

This article appears in

subjects: Attitudes and Beliefs About Vision Impairment, Deaf Blindness & Disability

related issues: Understanding Blindness

Editor's Note: Marcia Cummings is AEBC's National Secretary. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Please, give me back the second!

The second it takes to hear the traffic move at the beginning of a cycle-why should I trust you more than traffic patterns?

The second it takes to hear where the nearest subway door is-yes, I can hear them open and would rather make my own choice!

The second it takes to verify the direction of an escalator-there is a convenient way to do this-its not rocket science!

The second it takes to find the beginning of a staircase-thats what my white cane is for!

The second it takes to turn around after passing that landmark--then again, maybe I was enjoying the walk!

The second it takes to find the door-its often easier if I open my own doors-then I know where the door actually is!

The second it takes to avoid your groping hands-I often wish I could return the favour and grope you, too!

The second it takes to avoid the probing questions-just why do you need to know where I am going?

The second it takes to be independent-unless thats too much to ask?