If you live with disability long enough you will encounter many unreasonable people—bus drivers who don’t want you on the bus; teachers who wish you weren’t in their classrooms; information technology personnel who wish you’d just go away; taxi drivers who won’t pick you up; airport personnel who behave disgracefully; college professors who opine that students or staff with disabilities don’t belong in the agora. The list is considerable.
I wrote this morning that Syracuse University refused my request for a sighted guide in order that I might teach in Istanbul. The message I received said quite simply, there’s no money in the budget but perhaps other departments can fund the request. But no there was direct mention that the request was being explored or was probable of success.
A colleague and friend wrote me today to say I was too hasty in my judgment. In effect the proposal was being discussed and I pulled out too soon. Life with a disability is exhausting and even the most level headed advocates can get tired. I did not see in the email responses to my request any mention that there was ongoing discussion of the accommodation request. Apparently, unbeknownst to me, there was something afoot to make my request possible.
So I apologize now for saying that SU didn’t honor my request. I can’t however apologize for my frustrations. No one said the proposal was being appropriately discussed. I was left with the impression it was up to me to find the support.
I’m soured on the business and it will take me some time to absorb my feelings. SU is not as disability friendly as it should be—a matter that’s been of considerable concern to students and faculty here for some time. But in fairness, my request was not officially denied.
Planet of the Blind 