Thursday, February 3, 2011

Blind Driver Challenge

I’ve been pretty fortunate to witness some great events in my lifetime - but on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at 11:30am, being present for the first blind driver to go around the Daytona Speedway was the best of them all.

I was surrounded by about 300 very enthusiastic National Federation of the Blind/Blind Driver Challenge event supporters, and a gathering crowd of Daytona race fans.

On Saturday, none of that seemed to matter. It felt like the moment was everything, and that a blind person would be driving a car for the first time in history on one of the world’s largest driving stages, and I’d be there with 300 other people who are blind to bare first-hand witness. Once the announcer began, I distinctly felt a rush of excitement. Over the speedway loud system, the announcer broadcast each step of the driver’s progress, from key receipt to driver prep to the slow journey around the track. The once energetic, boisterous, and loud assembled audience, was now dead silent - as if any noise might disturb the blind driver, who of course wasn’t at all close enough to hear. Once the blind driven car successfully completed the lap, a thunderous cheer like I’ve never heard before rose from the group. It was “blind” pandemonium!

Yes, this was a very calculated and structured drive under particular conditions. Yes, the speed was slow and measured. And, yes, it was just the initial and first step towards a person who is blind being able to independently operate an automobile. But it was dramatic, inspiring, and allowed us all to take an encouraging peak at what the future of being blind might be like.

- Kevin Daniel, Inland Northwest Lighthouse Executive Director

Inland Northwest Lighthouse Employees Attend Spokane City Council Meeting

On January 10th, Inland Northwest Lighthouse employees Ryan Strickland and Mark Shiveley had the opportunity to speak at the Spokane City Council meeting. The issue they addressed was the proposal to use funds that were designated for transportation to retrofit sidewalks that had become uneven and broken. Mark and Ryan stressed the importance of well maintained sidewalks for all pedestrians, including people who are blind and visually-impaired. They were able to share their personal experience from both the perspective of a dog guide user and a cane traveler. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the proposal didn’t pass. We were heartened, however, by encouraging words from Council Member Richard Rush on the overall progress and understanding of these issues compared to just a few years ago:

“Thank all of you for your excellent contribution to the dialogue at City Council yesterday. I was wonderful to have such a professional, knowledgeable and credentialed group pushing our community toward healthy and sustainable outcomes."

"Going into yesterday’s meeting I genuinely believed our position had a chance to prevail. In retrospect it is clear there are other political agendas afoot that prevented this outcome from being realized. The good news is that the dialogue we had yesterday at Council would have been inconceivable just two years ago. The conversation has moved significantly due to your efforts. Thank you!"

"I have to add that you are on the right side of history, just a little ahead of it. That is the definition of leadership. I deeply appreciate your sharing of this leadership role with me as we continue this endeavor. Best wishes!” - Richard Rush, Spokane City Council, District 2 Position 1

Many thanks to Ryan and Mark for attending the meeting, and for speaking to the importance of travel safety for blind and visually impaired individuals in our community.

- Paula Hoffman, Vice President of Government Affairs