Letters to the editor

Sure there's programs out there that assist or say they do. But I find that they just don't work well.  Why am I bringing this up? Well my father is blind. He's also a near senior living off the small disability pension.

Looking for a place to live in this city for a visually impaired person is like looking for a needle in a stack of hay. Everyone is perfectly content with average working class persons, but as soon as you say "he's blind" to anyone (renters, patrons, random people) they back away and give a dirty look.

Don't they deserve the same if not a little more respect then a visual person?
  
I guess what I'm getting at is there has got to be something done to help regulate or communicate to this community that visually impaired persons have the same rights to rent a place as a visual person does.

Personally looking for a place to rent for my dad, I've heard many excuses that are just out of this world and actually had a door shut in my face when I said he's visually impaired but perfectly capable to care for himself.

Due to lack of communication and community support my father is unfortunately living on the streets with his little dog. I have done the song and dance for six months and only one person attempted to help.

The shelter won't take him due to the dog. (he is too old and apparently too small to be certified) I can't take him because I barely have room for me.

Will anyone help? Who knows? I'm scared for him. I'm scared for all blind people who may come into hard times.

This city needs to become aware that blind people are still people. We need to act now to get the word out that visually impaired people need better sources to assist them in hardships.

Thanks for listening and I pray something can be done.
  
 

Marsha McIntyre