running off the topic of "A TOUCHING STORY" by mathguy...

[Timmay]

I have an idea.  I am sure many of you will participate.  Why not go out this week and help a handicapped person out.  Doesnt have to be a big thing at all.  Just approach them when you see them out in public and if you feel you can help taht person even if it is for just 5 minutes.  You know to think about it, look at all what we, those without a handicap can do in 5 minutes or even in one hour vs what a handicapped person can do within that time.  It isnt much to ask for.  So lets go out there and just be a friend to that person at least once today.  You never know what could "blossom" from that point on.   Like with the guy who walks past my store every morning like clock work who is blind.  Tomorrow I am going to walk with him for a few blocks.  I never see anyone talking with him. 

Are you all in on this?  Lets do it and post up what we all did this week
Have fun and good luck.
Timmay

[The Scottish Ambassador]

Great idea Timm! Just a note of caution - they may feel frightened if you force them to accept help, especially if they dont know you. I worked with adults with LD's and MH problems for 7 years and they feel sometimes feel intimidated and apprehensive around people they dont know. 

[Timmay]

Well I dont mean  to just walk up to someone and grab their bags out of their hands.  Of course you would ask them for permission.  Just dont walk up to someone like some kind of perv or something.  Do it politely please.

[Mikekoz13]

This is a great idea Tim. I don't come across handicapped folks on a daily basis but I do try to perform a "random act of kindness" daily.

So if you are someone that doesn't generally see handicapped folks, just do something nice for a stranger.

Sorry Tim..... didn't mean to hijack your thread..............

[Timmay]

Nahhh you are fine Mike .....just helping someone out is awesome in its own way

[Timmay]

Well, I didnt get to do what I wanted today.  The blind guy who usually walks by, hasn't yet today.  I sure hope he is ok.

[wpruitt]

Having a good friend who is handicapped (blind), you sometimes need to approach this very carefully.  Many people with disabilities don't want help (and I have been shot down trying to offer assistance).  Sometimes the best way is to do it in an off-hand manner. Example:  At a bus stop, don't asked a person if they need help finding their bus. Rather casually ask which bus they are riding, then say something like, "Here comes the 23 bus".

[Timmay]

I have to add that I didnt state my intentions very clearly.  I guess my intentions were to be a friend to this person.  Walk with them if they are walking and strike up a conversation.  All too often do we just walk past a person and give them a nod, or a Hello, good morning..etc.  Just let that person know you care I guess is what I am saying. 

[champ007]

I have to add that I didnt state my intentions very clearly.  I guess my intentions were to be a friend to this person.  Walk with them if they are walking and strike up a conversation.  All too often do we just walk past a person and give them a nod, or a Hello, good morning..etc.  Just let that person know you care I guess is what I am saying. 

Timmayy, Although its good intentions but this might not be the best approach. Someone who knows this person may think your a perve or something and start trouble.
maybe you should stop him and have a few conversations first, then offer to walk with him.
Just a thought.