Disabled Culture Experience

            
             I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. - Helen Keller .
             Helen Keller was a handicapped woman, who tragically became deaf and blind as a child. Despite these difficult physical impediments, Keller learned to accept her disabilities, and through determination, she was able to communicate effectively with those around her. In turn, Keller developed world-wide known organizations to help handicapped peoples with disabilities. Helen Keller is viewed as a historical icon within the disabled culture due to her efforts in coping with her disabilities and basically defeating her handicap. The quote I chose from Helen Keller emphasizes a major focus of those who have, or have experienced a disability: motivation. Without motivation, members of the disabled culture would be considered helpless in trying to achieve contentment within this non-disabled world.
             On Saturday November 16, 2002, I simulated a disability in being blind. In doing so, I wore dark sunglasses and carried a cane, while adventuring through Fashion Valley Mall with my roommate, Lisa. My main purpose of this exercise was to "see- if I would experience any sort of discrimination or a different treatment from employees at the mall as well as the guests of the mall. Overall, I wanted to try to experience and understand the hardships that a blind person may endure in trying to communicate with others.
             Upon entering the mall with my cane in my left hand, and Lisa "assisting- me to my right, I received several glances and stares from the guests of the mall. Since I was able to see out of my sunglasses, I noticed right away that people would move to the opposite side of my walking path. I assume this is because they did not want to get in my way while walking. Additionally, a young girl pointed at me and whispered to her mother, "What's wrong with that lady?- Automatically, the mother pushed down her daughter's arm, and laughed nervously because I was in listening distance.