LYFT. Discrimination.

Last Thursday after a WE (Women Entrepreneur) meeting, I pulled out my phone and requested a ride from my LYFT ap.  I mentioned to one of the women how much I loved the possibilities with LYFT.  I was meeting a friend at City Creek and being able to just call for a ride was wonderful.  (I'm blind with a guide dog.)  I see the world with possibility and lemons that turn into lemonade so those times of access denials weren't on my mind yet.   

As I waited for the driver, that moment of angst ... will this driver deny me because I am waiting here with my guide dog, Georgie?  YES that happens far too frequently for me, my friends with guide dogs and many others with service animals.  Imagine requesting a LYFT ride -- certainly with a destination in mind/anticipated time needed to be there and  with that additional concern of will I get that ride?  Will this driver deny me?  

I've lost count of how many times I've been denied access.  MANY.  Each time after having a driver drive away, stop and refuse to open his door for me, walk out from my house - with my mom and have the driver tell us he won't take us because of my guide, ... I could go on and on of the experiences.  However, each time I call the Lyft phone number to issue a complaint and then request another ride. 

It comes at a cost in many ways for me:

1.  There is simply added concern - uncertainty as you wait for that ride.
2.  One must allow for extra time because if I need to be to an appointment at 9 then I need to give myself extra time incase they deny me.  Denial also entails advocating -- making the phone call to LYFT to issue a formal complaint.  
3.  This discrimination no matter how confident you are .. takes its toll on you emotionally for a moment, a day, longer depending on the situation.  
4.  And, in the end it is just not right.  I think who else has this happened to today.  What can I do about the situation?  How can I advocate?  

Last Thursday was a different situation.  I was picked up by the Lyft Driver fine.  Georgie, my guide dog, slid into the back seat and rode from Farmington to City Creek lying by my feet.  The driver and I visited briefly and then I returned some phone calls on the drive.  I got out and thanked him.  Two days later I receive an email from Lyft indicating an additional $100 had been assessed to my account because of damages to his car.  I was shocked as I thought back to our ride.  Georgie was quietly sitting by my feet the whole time.  Two pictures were sent -- one of his floor where yes there were a few hairs on the floor.  The picture of the seat was covered with scratches.  I am not sure how his seat was scratched ... I know it was not from my guide dog who was sitting on the floor for the whole ride. My husband looked at the pictures and indicated those scratches do not match up to Georgie at all - she would have been scrambling all over the seat.  She was sitting at my feet the whole ride.  This is how guide dogs are trained to behave.  

I've really appreciated Lyft and the freedom they have given me inspite of the challenging times with access denials.   However, this new scenario has some added concerns.  So, anytime a lyft driver wants to decide to charge me and declare my dog has done damages they can?!  Anytime, they want to deny me access they can?  

As I called the Lyft Customer Service to report ... "Miss Becky, I can tell you I'm almost 95% sure I can get this charge reversed.  We don't charge for damages service dogs do to cars.  We take this very seriously when our passengers with service animals are denied access.  REALLY????  I told him the evidence just doesn't seem to support that.  Consistently I hear from others with guide dogs who are denied.  Each time I call for a Lyft it crosses my mind briefly unless it becomes a reality then I have to take the appropriate action.  

I told him calmly :) -- lets make it clear my guide dog did not do any damages to his car.  Let's not change the story.  

I've heard mixed reports on what recourse there is and also that Lyft and Uber do not need to follow the ADA laws and that they know that.  I've observed they are talking the talk .. yet their actions don't demonstrate that they really are a place where I can confidently push that 'confirm ride' and know that I will be picked up free from discrimination.  

Disappointing to say the least. For now, I am taking a pause on my Lyft account while I sort through other options.  Thankful I do have many other options.  

Just as when I was told to leave a grocery store in 1998, I won't just sit and let this happen. 

What are your thoughts?  Insights on this topic?  Thanks for sharing ... 

Look up, move forward.  

PD:  Becky and Georgie (sitting at my feet) at City Creek.  Photo cred: Rick Egan - SL Tribune.

Retinitis Pigmentosa. Living an Active Life

When I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa there was an unknown of how could I be active.  Through the years, I have learned many different options and activities to living an active life with blindness.  I am SO grateful.  You might enjoy this video.

I love living an active life

Surrendering into Serenity

Surrendering into Serenity

This is what I am faced with right now in my life's journey. While I'd like it to be different, I must allow myself to face the reality of what is happening -- when you surrender you release attachment to how you feel your life should be and invite yourself to be in the presence of your life exactly as it is. While naturally difficult to do, surrender is an act of courage. Dr. Alan Wolfelt

Picture of the family - all Aggie gradutes now.  (And why did the photographer have Kendall be on top of sweet Pantera!?  Thankfully it was brief! 

 In the spring after my diagnosis actually around this time,  we travelled to UCLA for a consult with a specialist in Retinitis Pigmentosa.  In the gift shop at the UCLA Medical Center was a magnet with the Serenity Prayer.  Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.  At the time, it didn't mean a lot.  I was engaged and even though I was sitting in a retina specialist's office, blindness seemed far into the future. The message of Surrender began to come much sooner than I anticipated.  After I turned in my driver's license as a young mom,  I felt a heaviness and a sense of being alone.  I recognized that although I had wonderful support, Retinitis Pigmentosa was mine.  I had the choice on how to respond. The last of all human freedoms, the power to choose one own's way given any set of circumstances.  Victor Frankle  To bounce back and have joy in my life, I would need to surrender to the changes/losses that were happening as my vision continued to decline.  I could learn new ways to complete my education.  I could learn new ways to travel independently.  I could learn new ways to manage my home.  I could learn new ways to enjoy the activities that I loved to do. Although the world was going dark for me physically, I could create so much light in my life.  

Such peace comes as we surrender to what is ... 

What has been your experience with surrendering?  

Courage

We all have moments etched in our minds: joyful ones and hard times that become opportunities :).   One of those days for me was a spring afternoon many, many  years ago.  I even remember what I was wearing on this day: khaki pants and a favorite lime green and orange blazer :).  Maybe it would be back in style now!? The time frame was: young wife and mom, working part-time at an elementary school,  still adjusting to loss of my driver's license, in the middle of cane training and my vision was declining. I had recently gone to the retina specialist where I learned I had a secondary complication in my eyes -- Macula Edema (swelling in the macula - which causes further damage to the vision).   I was taking a medication that was a diuretic and was making me very sick.  The previous day I had been in the hospital getting an IV.  They were trying to find the balance of using the drug to be effective with the swelling while not impacting my health in other ways.  On this day I was beginning to experience kidney stones and was exhausted and in pain. I was also feeling discouraged as I knew the doctor would probably need to take me off this medication that was reducing the swelling.  I recall walking up the stairs hoping to have a few minutes to lie down before the kids came home from school and had various after school activities that I wanted to attend.  This simple quote helped me recognize my courage in that day and allowed me to cut myself some slack as well :).    
  

Does a day of courage come to mind for you?  

Yielding in our Resilience

A previous post resharing:

Yielding in our Resilience

Now probably seven years ago, I was running up the steps on our side yard with Cricket, my guide dog at the time.  (She was on leash and not guiding.)  The sprinklers suddenly came on.  In an effort to get out of the way quickly, I became disoriented and ran full force into an electric box on the side of our house!  I hit so hard that it knocked me down and out.  I got up and after sitting there for a few minutes went into the house and told Steve about my latest adventure!  Other than my head felt a little sore, I felt fine so we didn't go into the hospital.  I actually ran the next morning.  I was training for a marathon.  After that I started feeling worse.  However, I went into work.  We were getting ready to go on a big vacation.  I felt I could push through the day.  As the day progressed I began to feel a little, perhaps my colleagues would say a lot, spacey. My colleagues intervened, called Steve, cancelled my appointments for the rest of the day and reminded me it was time to pull back and get to the hospital! I would learn I had a concussion.  I was told no running or anything else that wold raise my blood pressure and lots of rest.  In the days ahead,  I learned about fatigue like I had never  known.  It seemed even having a conversation was draining.  As much as I wanted to push through ... it was time to yield.

Lao Tzu said,  "Water is fluid, soft, and yielding.  But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield.  As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard.  This is another paradox.  What is soft is strong."

I love this quote.  One of the lessons learned from my blind resilient journey over and over is to be flexible in riding the ups and downs.  Finding that balance of  pushing with tenacity and grit and also the times we need to let go - surrender - yield.  It isn't easy to yield.  However, I have found so much joy in this process of letting go and yielding to what is.  An authentic journey is about finding that balance, listening to our hearts and bodies, and finding that adaptability to cope with those harsh realities of life.  

During this time of recovery, I had a friend who sent me the sweetest email basically acknowledging that sometimes blindness (could insert whatever challenge we are facing) is hard and to be compassionate to myself.  Her kindness and compassion helped give me the space to yield and heal.  

"When we ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand.  The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief.  Who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness.  That is the friend who cares." Henri Nourwen

I wouldn't advise anyone running into an electric box.  However, the last two years when I plant the flowers around this electric box, I reflect on the beauty and the lessons learned from this experience.  Even though I reassured Steve this won't happen again he placed padding around the electric box.  This is a reminder of his love and support.  

I returned from our trip and was able to resume training for the marathon.  As I sat out and couldn't run a good friend kept telling me ... your body will remember and catch up.  Indeed it did.  

Becky, Cricket (who passed away last year) and Georgie (current guide dog) by the electric box and flowers :).   Shady morning sorry not great picture. 

Can you think of a time that an electric box was turned into flowers? Perhaps a more common phrase is lemons turned into lemonade?  A time of pushing became yielding and lessons and beauty learned in the journey?  

Diagnosis Day. Power of Support in our Resilience.

Diagnosis Day. Power of Support in our Resilience.

I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (a degenerative eye condition) on a December morning at the age of 18.  I was a freshman at Utah State University at the time feeling like my big challenge was which boy to date on a Friday night :).  After leaving the opthalmologist's office,  a 'good friend' (now my husband :), Steve was one of the first people I shared this new information.  We were at a dance that evening and I said ... I've got Retina something - Pigment or something like that.  I couldn't remember what it was called.  I just knew that my clumsiness, inability to see at night and no peripheral vision now made sense! I hadn't grasped yet that my vision would continue to deteriorate.  It would take a while for the diagnosis to set in.  That night I recognized the power of support and friendship in our challenging times.  He sincerely cared.   

I didn't know anything about navigating blindness and some of the challenging and amazing waters to come.  As I reflect on this day 35 + years later, the ability to reach out to others has blessed my life and helped immensely.  

Steve and I kayaking in beautiful Sausalito, we will soon to celebrate our 35th anniversary.

I selected the name of our business:  Resilient Solutions, Inc. because I love the concept of Resilience and am inspired each day by the stories of others' ability to bounce back from difficult situations.  Indeed: 

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.  CC Scott

We each have a story.   My resilience grew as I heard from others ... their examples, their strength inspired me.  I recall shortly after my diagnosis, my parents took me to California to meet with a therapist - she had Retinitis Pigmentosa.  She had a thriving practice, and I recognized that just maybe that could be me someday.  I am touched and appreciative of my parents' amazing support and  helping me see the value in reaching out to others. 

The power of support/connecting with others is indeed an attribute in our Resilience. Reflecting on the many, many incredible people who have been on my team.    

Supportive people give us the space to grieve and work through our emotions.  They know how to listen and when to offer just enough encouragement without trying to solve all of our problems with their advice.  Good supporters know how to just be with adversity -- calming us rather than frustrating us.  Brad Waters, LCSW

Sense of Humor in our Resilience

Sense of Humor in our Resilience

I remember the first time I could laugh about something funny about my blindness. Steve and I were at the video store - I had wandered off to another isle and then gone back to who I thought was him and was being a little flirty. Only problem was ... it wasn't him! Okay yikes! After I recovered from my embarrassment, found Steve and we got in the car we laughed about this embarrassing now funny experience. Below is one of those other funny embarrassing moments.  I had to think for a few moments to remember what the actual embarrassing experience was as the memory I hold dear is the three of us laughing hysterically.  Let's do it again, girls!  (I didn't realize it but I was bringing another man into the picture (not realizing it was a stranger :)).  Poor guy!

This is a great article on Sense of Humor Tips.  It starts with a smile!  I remember when I started using the cane and felt like people were looking at me.  I decided to simply smile back. This has become such a habit now for years ... I always greet someone with a smile.   I recognized that it felt great and also was helping my awkwardness be replaced with connecting with others.

I hope you have had a good laugh today - finding something a little funny in your Resilience Journey.

The Story we tell ourselves. Blind Runner.

So, a funny story from our recent family trip to Hawaii.  We started the mornings with a relaxing routine ... some family members ran, relaxed, slept in - before we met up for a Bonsai Acai or Smoothie - stop at Teds Bakery and then over to sit on a concrete pad by the beach and enjoy breakfast.  Loved these moments together as a family.  

I love a vacation with a combination of some relaxation and some planned adventures!  As a woman who is blind, I love some routine and familiarity, too.  The running trail had some bumps -- some rather large unexpected ones.  Steve and I chatted about what was our best communication plan after a bit of a twisted ankle.  321 big bump ... little bump - we chatted away.  I thought to myself, I love love how we problem solve and are creative!  Whether it is running along a trail in Hawaii or something else ... it works!  Find a way!  

So, this last beautiful morning, we had  gone out for a run.  After my knee surgery, I'm still getting back into running!  We did some stints of walking, too.  We ran past the crossing guard (picture below) and then turned around and were running back.  On our way back Steve high fives a lady -- with my peephole of fuzzy vision I could see she was in maybe a grey tank.  Here is the funny party -- in my mind I think Steve is really friendly to her - must have been a lady we passed on the way going the other direction and this lady must have been friendly too.  Cheering each other on in running is pretty common.  I love the camaraderie of runners.  He mentioned after we had run by -- she was in her zone.  It still didn't click until we were further past when he said Natalie was in in her zone.  What I said - that was Natalie (our daughter) we ran by!  Yes, she seemed to be running in her zone -- didn't want to disturb her too much so I just high fives her.  We get back to the Air BnB we were staying with and I said Natalie I'm sorry I wasn't more friendly - I didn't realize it was you!!!  She said -- yeah, I had started running and planned to run to you -- but I ran there and you guys weren't too friendly so I kept running.

We laughed.  So, my story in my head was Steve was really friendly with another runner that we didn't know; Steve's story was Natalie is focused in on her running and so I'll just give her a high five and not disturb her too much.  Natalie meanwhile was wondering why her parents ran past her with simply a high-five.  

Picture One:  Steve and Becky standing in front of the beach in Heleiwa on North Short of Oahu.  Becky is wearing a running vest that says - Blind Runner.

Picture Two:  Becky and the crossing guard.  Fun note:  as we were crossing to go on the hike:  Pillbox; I had my cane.  He asked me some questions about my vision.  Turns out he has a good friend with a sister who has Retinitis Pigmentosa.  Small world!  

Picture Three:  Becky and my daughter Natalie (who I ran past!) smiling with our helmets on at the Zipline.  What an amazing adventure!!  

Happy Sunday!  What story have you told yourself -- that may or may not be true :)?  

What adventure would you like to try?  

Becky Andrews, Relief society conference

What a special day to spend the morning with the YSA in Logan, Utah and then some lovely family time.

Retreats for Women who are blind or low vision

Why attend a retreat specifically for visually impaired women?At times when facing vision loss, many women may feel isolated because they often don't know anyone who shares their unique challenges. This retreat is an opportunity to connect and share stories with other women experiencing vision loss. You will also leave with empowering tools and new insight through experiential activities. This retreat is an experience to truly own and celebrate who you are and your story. 
 
Becky Andrews, LCMHC, who is blind from Retinitis Pigmentosa and Lisa Bradford, LCSW will lead you on an amazing journey of connection, learning, growth, adventure and laughter. 
 
What attendees said about the 2016/2017/2018 retreat: “I really treasured everything about this experience more than I ever imagined. I will definitely recommend this program!” – J
 
“I felt such a sense of renewal after the retreat. The facilitators were fantastic. Felt like you kept things safe and compassionate for everyone. Really appreciate all the details and
 planning.” –S

"I left empowered to show up in ways I hadn't believed I could. I now feel like I have a group of women - friends - who understand me that I can stay in touch with and will help me implement what I learned."
 
“Location was perfect, liked the variety too. It was awesome to walk about in two cities using my cane skills with visually impaired ladies. Made me feel like a warrior at times! The food was amazing!” – K
 
“I learned a lot from the curriculum. It helped me understand myself better. I can now talk about being in the arena of life and really living wholeheartedly.” –M

We are pleased to be offering one retreat in 2019:

July 11-14, 2019 in beautiful Park City, Utah at the National Ability Center Lodge. We will hike, participate in the ropes course, equestrian activities, tandem cycle and connect through various activities and discussions. Life-long friendships and tools to navigate your journey will be just part of the take away from this experience. You can visit their website at: www.discovernac.org

Retreat is $695 which is all inclusive from arrival at the SLC Airport on Thursday to returning back to the airport on Sunday. To join us, send a deposit of $250 to the Oasis Center for Hope, 1355 North Main, Ste. 1, Bountiful, Utah 84010. A conference call will be held on Wednesday, February 6th at 8 PST to answer any questions you might have. Contact Becky at becky.lpc@gmail.com if you'd like to join us (and to get the call in info).

Contact Becky Andrews, CMHC, at becky.lpc@gmail.com and follow on facebook at: Becky Andrews, Resilient Vision for more details on our Retreats.

Retreat is limited to 12 women.