The Hedden Herald: The Braille Institute and The Blind Stokers

Friday, September 6, 2013

The Braille Institute and The Blind Stokers

This year Brent wanted one thing for his birthday (2-8-13). He wanted to hang out with the visually impaired in Palm Springs. At first I thought this was a strange request. Actually until we got there and starting getting to know these great people I thought it was strange. This was an opportunity that he really felt inspired not to pass up and it turned out to be such a great thing. He's sort of pseudo joined this club here in SD called the Blind Stokers that puts someone with visual impairments on the back of a tandem bicycle as the stoker and a sighted person on the front of a tandem as the captain and you go together for a ride. Obviously there is no way a visually impaired person could ride a bicycle alone and this system allows them to have some of the freedom they otherwise miss out on. The group was in Palm Springs for a ride event but the day before they were there to show this group from the Braille Institute what a great adventure it would be to have a club like this in their town especially with the Institute being already established. At first you're really careful not to say anything that would offend them about being blind or partially blind but after these guys get to know you you're cracking jokes about how pathetic you are for being able to see! We had such a great time with them both days and feel so blessed to be able to have had this adventure. Every so often when the timing works out, Brent picks up someone who's captain can't make a ride and he goes with the Blind Stokers for the morning. At first I didn't like the idea of him leaving his original stoker (Emma) behind but I understand now that it's only a once in awhile type of thing. I'm really hoping that we have this opportunity more often because it was super super great!