I think one of my biggest peeves has to be the way a lot of people react to folks who are (legally) blind/have visual impairments. Over at ONTD people have a ball with Scott's (American Idol) vision. It's really sickening. I'm just really tired of the stupidity that's out there.

My dad's legally blind. He has Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), he doesn't have any peripheral vision (it's like he has "tunnel" vision). He can't see in the dark and bright lights wash everything out. Recently his vision has become even more fuzzy and foggy than before. He uses a white cane when he's out in public, mostly just a sign for people to move out of the way because he probably won't see them and will walk into them (though he does also depend on it when someone's not there to guide him at the time) because a lot of people remark that he "doesn't look legally blind" since he wears glasses and his eyes look "normal." *head->desk* Stereotypes...

Anyway, when we're out and he's using his cane...instead of moving out of the way, a lot of people have the tendency to go out of their way and into his path and walk right towards him as if they expect him to move out of their way. I...er, it just doesn't make sense!!! I really don't get it! I wish someone out there could explain it to me because...really, why!?!?!

And it's just odd to me o come across people who do not know what a white cane is or what i is used for but for those who may be in this position, here's Wiki's take on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_cane

I also want to point out (since it doesn't seem like something that would cross the mind at the time), do not pet or try to interact with a guide dog while it is "working" and helping it's person. It may create confusion for the dog and in turn could create problems.

Earlier today I came across the Model White Cane Law. Going back to the thing about people moving into my dad's path after they see him with his cane, I think I'm going to print out this Law and hand it to them with #4 highlighted. lol, maybe then they'll get the hint!

"4: Any person or persons, firm or corporation, or the agent of any person or persons, firm or corporation who denies or interferes with admittance to or enjoyment of the public facilities enumerated in section 2 or otherwise interferes with the rights of a totally or partially blind or otherwise disabled person under section 2 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor."