From Katrina Wright, Atlanta, GA:

While I generally feel positive about attempts by Ziegler readers to inspire each other, I think everyone needs to be a bit more realistic. Take independence, for example. If one person gets help from his wife to do all sorts of things, I don't think it would be fair for him to instruct someone who has virtually no support on how to be more independent, without considering that he may be unfamiliar with the complexities of that situation.

In my opinion, the best advice anyone can give is that which is useful both to those who have help and those who do not. One might offer information on grants for purchasing adaptive technology, on the pros and cons of e-commerce without sighted assistance, and so forth. Having help may make these suggestions easier--but they are not rendered useless by having no help at all.

Another point some people should consider is the economic feasibility of the options they present to enhance independence. People who have not always been blind, for instance, should remember that their financial resources may be different from those of us who have never worked.

I would also challenge every blind person to raise the bar when dealing with assistance provided by social-service agencies -including vocational rehabilitation programs. I think some representatives of those agencies consider themselves as somehow better than we are. Whenever I come across a situation where this is the case, I promptly inform those who should be aware of it. In this way, I not only help myself but also make things easier for others.

Those who seek information on how to become more independent--using resources they have already or need more information about--can contact me at integrity1forme@yahoo.com. I will give informed, objective advice, without passing judgment on anyone who needs help.