Disability Travel - News: Passenger detained - "blind test"?

Blind passenger is removed from delayed flight:


A U.S. Airways representative said Cantisani was an unruly passenger who had refused to exit the plane.

During the struggle with police, Cantisani said, he lost his retractable walking cane, making him unable to navigate.

Officers told him they had done the "blind test" and didn't believe he was blind, he said.

Vanore said he knew of no "blind test" administered by police.


Full story: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20090512_Blind_interpreter_detained_at_Philly_airp ort_says_he_has_nightmares_from_arrest.html

Is this just about the "blind test"?

Cuz this was posted elsewhere. Interesting debate once the video was seen.

Thanks - can you let me know where "elsewhere" is? I did a search to see if it was already being discussed, but came up empty.

I'm happy to close this thread and redirect to the other one, if you're able to let me know where it is.

Thanks - can you let me know where "elsewhere" is? I did a search to see if it was already being discussed, but came up empty.

I'm happy to close this thread and redirect to the other one, if you're able to let me know where it is.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-safety-security/953276-blind-interpreter-detained-philly-airport.html

My issue with this story isn't whether or not the pax was disruptive, but rather what qualifies the police to administer a "blind test" and what the heck is one? Do they wave things in front of his face to see if he reacts, or what?

I hate to think that those of us with some type of non-obvious disability would need to have a "proof of disability" ID card, but there are days when I feel like we're heading that way in America. On my bad days, I no longer hesitate to use special parking (for which I do have a legal permit) but sometimes when I do, I get critical remarks like "You sure don't look disabled." What, I'm supposed to post the results of my last cardiac echo on my forehead? Maybe my lung function tests, too?

Anyhow, back to "blind test": I don't believe there is any such valid test that can be administered by law enforcement in the field, and unless the individual's conduct threatens immediate harm to cops or others, the disability should be accepted as stated until proven otherwise.

if someone questioned why I was using my disabled parking permit I think I would ask to see their medical degree!