San Francisco continues to be a legal crucible for blindness civil rights and on Monday, December 6, 2010, the next chapter in our long struggle will take place in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. If you want to witness how civil rights are won one step at a time, please consider attending this hearing and lending your support.
The following is an announcement from Stephanie Enyart’s legal team: “The blind community is encouraged to rally behind Ms. Stephanie Enyart as her case is argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Ms. Enyart is a blind law school graduate seeking admission to the California Bar. She has requested to use JAWS on the Bar Exam. The testing entity denied her request citing security concerns. It is important for the court, the press and other interested parties to understand that the blind community cares about this issue. Blind students should be able to take standardized tests using their assistive technology. It is no longer acceptable that all blind test-takers should be required to use only human readers when their preferred method of accessing print may be through another method such as computer screen review programs. Members of the blind community are encouraged to attend the public hearing on December 6 to show their support for Ms. Enyart’s position.”
Attendees will need a government-issued photo ID to enter the courtroom.
When: Monday, December 6, 2010, 1:00 p.m.
Where: John R. Browning U.S. Courthouse, United States Court of Appeals – 9th Circuit, Courtroom 3, 3rd Floor
Address: 95 Seventh Street, San Francisco, California 94103
Please share this with your contacts to ensure a strong turnout in support of Ms. Enyart and blindness civil rights.
Lately I read a blog concerning people who are visually impaired but are sighted. The topic evolved around the feelings of guilt felt by people who use a white cane with a red tip. The guilt stems from the fact that a white cane with a red tip signifies that the carrier is blind. These individuals feel that a yellow cane with a red tip would help to distinguish between blind and sighted but visually impaired.
I wonder if others feel that a yellow cane with a white tip is something that is needed. The cane for visually impaired people is carried so that others will recognize that the person has difficulty seeing and give the courtesy of space and possibly assistance.
BobP (Fuzewase@aol.com)
Best of luck in this important case. It is frustrating that we still have to fight so hard for basic rights.