[tabi] Gathering planned at the Museum of Florida History 10/10/14 from 2 - 4 to protest denial of lady and guide dog access

  • From: "Sila Miller" <Silamiller@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2014 20:03:55 -0400

Hello Everyone,

 

Today I learned of some very disturbing news. Tiffany Wilson, DBS employee and 
long-time guide dog user went to view the Braille Quilt located at the Museum 
of Florida History last week and was quite forcefully removed from the museum. 
Ms. Wilson and her guide dog, Orlando were on their lunch hour and decided to 
make a quick visit as she works in the downtown area.

 

Ms. Wilson attempted to explain the laws regarding guide dog access and that by 
law, she isn't required to show identification. However, museum officials 
weren't hearing it and would not cooperate. Things escalated and it ended with 
security guards surrounding Tiffany and Orlando and actually putting their 
hands on both lady and dog.

 

Tiffany returned the next day, armed with printed copies of the guide dog 
access legislation, ADA, and her dog's school identification. Museum personnel 
were still uncooperative and unwilling to allow her access. To date, numerous 
emails protesting this intolerable denial of access have gone unanswered. 

 

A protest/gathering is planned for Friday, 10/10/14 at the museum, locate at 
500 South Bronough Street from 2:00 - 4:00. DBS officials, members of the 
Florida and National Association of Guide Dog Users, guide dog teams and other 
concerned citizens from the community will be on hand to demonstrate their 
concern. All are welcome to join us.

 

 What a story the "Braille Is." by Jeanine Kane quilt will now have to tell. 
What a shame we're still having to overcome this backwards way of thinking.

 

"Braille is the key to open the door." What is the key to open the door for 
professional dog guides who give their lives to lead their handlers? 

 



Below is a recent article about the Braille Quilt made by a lady who lives here 
in Tallahassee and who works at the Lighthouse of the Big Bend.

 

 Feel the Words
Brittany Lesser 1:36 a.m. EDT September 21, 2014

Quilt with Braille on it (Photo: Special to the Chronicle )
Quilts often tell a story, sometimes of love, or memory, or a unique tradition.


But, few convey that message in braille. On display at the 33rd Annual Capital 
City
Quilt Show at the Museum of Florida History is a work titled, "Braille Is." by 
Jeanine
Kane. The work is among more than 100 fiber artworks available for viewing 
through
Oct. 19. The piece features a key between the symbol for braille and a door.
The quilt reads, "Braille is the key to open the door."


Kane, a vision rehabilitation therapist at the Lighthouse of the Big Bend, said 
she
made the quilt to increase the awareness of the importance of braille as a form 
of
communication.


"Braille is just as essential for communication as print is," said Kane. "I love
working with students who learn braille and getting to see the expression on 
their
faces when they discover they can read again."


This is the second braille quilt that Kane has made. It was made two years ago. 
The
letters on either side of the key are made with rope and the quilt itself is 
cotton.
The braille print is made using fabric puff paint.


The quilt was chosen by Quilters Unlimited of Tallahassee for inclusion in the 
annual
show. "To my knowledge we have never had a quilt with braille in the show 
before,"
said Museum Director Dr. Jeana Brunson. It is a unique and original submission.


The partnership between the Museum of Florida History and Quilters Unlimited of 
Tallahassee
has a long history. This is the 33rd year they have collaborated to produce the 
show.
This year's theme is "Starry, Starry Night" and features a quilt made by Linda 
O'Sullivan
and members of the Friday Frayed Edges Sit and Stitch group. The show offers a 
Visitor's
Choice Award selected by public vote, and a silent auction that funds charitable
initiatives of the guild. There is a scavenger hunt and drawing activity for 
young
visitors.


To see the braille quilt or any of the other beautiful quilts on display, come 
to
the Museum of Florida History at 500 South Bronough Street through Oct. 19. The 
Museum
is open Monday-Friday 9-4:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sunday 
noon-4:30
p.m.


For more information, visit the Museum's website at museumoffloridahistory.com 
or
see all of the quilts on their Pinterest page at pinterest.com/museumFLhistory.

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