Frightnight

Abstract

At some point in the life of every disabled person, discrimination will be experienced in one form or another. Sometimes that discrimination may take the form of something minor like cutting in line in front of a blind person or talking to a paraplegic as though he/she was a child. At other times the discrimination is more serious: preventing access to a public event or establishment, or harassing them into leaving. On October 27, 2003, I was harassed into leaving a public event, an elaborate haunted house, because I am blind. After several minutes of harassment, instead of fighting my way inside, I decided to leave. I still question whether or not that was the correct decision, but I felt compelled to share my story with others so if they have a similar experience, perhaps they will be more prepared to make their own decision.