Originally Posted By DAR I was going to the mailroom on my floor when a blind gentleman who works for us asked me where a certain meeting room was on our floor. So did I A) take him by the arm and lead him to the correct room? Or did I B) simply raise my hand point and say it's over there? If you guessed then you're correct. The lesson as always. I am an idiot.
Originally Posted By lilgoofymom Don't feel bad, you were taken off guard. Did you help the gentleman find the correct room? If you did, then all is good. : )
Originally Posted By RoadTrip As you didn't shout "IT'S OVER THERE" thinking that somehow blind folk can't hear very well either, you're OK.
Originally Posted By beamerdog LOL, I have a service dog who helps me with mobility and many times I'm offered help in walking across the street. Even when I tell them I can see. I'm sure the gentleman saw the humor in the situation. Not to worry ;-)
Originally Posted By christiemarsh88 A little OT, but just a little My mom was at the DMV the other day, and a woman came in with a service monkey. A service MONKEY. Can you believe it? It wasn't clear what service the monkey provided, as the woman didn't seem "differently abled" in any obvious way. Something new every day, huh?
Originally Posted By Sara Tonin I saw something about service monkeys on television...also heard they are training miniature horses for seeing eye animals...they have a longer life expectancy than dogs...horses can live 30 years.
Originally Posted By christiemarsh88 Wikipedia: "Other than dogs, the three most popular species for service work are capuchin monkeys, miniature horses, and domestic cats. Capuchin monkeys are trained to perform manual tasks such as grasping items, operating knobs and switches, and turning the pages of a book." Very, very interesting. And BTW, DAR, if I were in that man's position, I don't think I would have been offended. Pointing is a common way of communication, and I'm sure it's not the first time someone's failed to make the proper accomodation for his disability.
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost The best one I have seen is a service Boa Constrictor. Said it coils around him slightly and can sense when he is about to have a seizure. I don't know what it does then...calls for help? Dials 911? Haven't a clue. Didn't matter because in spite of ADA laws to the contrary I was unable to find a bus driver to drive the bus with the Boa on board. We can't stop them from riding but we also can't make someone drive if they think it is unsafe to be distracted to that degree. There is no limit to the creativity of our fellow human beings.
Originally Posted By beamerdog Monkeys have been used for a long time. I can't imagine living for years with an animal who approximates most closely to a two-year old child. Cats??? The cat I had was totally untrainable. That's why I loved her ;-) Miniature horses don't cut it in metropolitan areas. I do love the little hightop sneakers that they wear.
Originally Posted By beamerdog IMHO I think that boa constrictors and pigs on a plane are way out there.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd I love my cat, but I can't really see him being any help to me whatsoever. I think he's actually tried to kill me on several occasions by tripping me down the stairs.
