[Blindtlk] Visually Impaired/ Living in the middle?

[Christopher]

Hi Mari,

Your question is a great one, and I see some great responses here, too. I'll
only add a quick thought since I've thought about this "life in two worlds"
for some time now. (Okay, my thought might be a few paragraphs long).

I spent eight months at the BLIND, Inc. center in Minneapolis, Minnesota
from 2011 to 2012. The work was hard and challenging indeed, but worth the
struggle and has had lasting impacts. I came to the decision that training
was necessary after some realizations in my junior and senior years of high
school.

Firstly, I should say I struggled with my blindness identity my whole
adolescent life. I knew it was an obstacle (as I saw it), but didn't admit
that I should embrace it--I chose to ignore it as much as possible. This
began to change as I took on more responsibilities in my community,
eventually to the point that becoming fully independent was the only option!

It sounds to me like you're near the point of wanting more independence, or
at least reconciling the two identities: being blind and also being part of
a sighted world. I encourage you to delve into the realities of being blind,
especially as it regards a "positive view of blindness" and becoming truly
competent in daily activities. If you look into a training center and see
the potential there of accomplishing these goals, I'd say you are in fact
best off taking part in one of these programs. 

Continue to ask these questions. You're on the right track even by
searching!

Best,
Christopher Meyer

Christopher S. Meyer
B.S. Student in Public and Nonprofit Management, Publlic Affairs
Indiana University - Indianapolis
President, Indiana Association of Blind Students (INABS)



-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mari
Hunziker
Sent: Saturday, February 8, 2014 1:12 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: [Blindtlk] Visually Impaired/ Living in the middle?

Do any of you visual impaired folks out there ever feel like your living a
life ~ half in the sighted world and half in the blind world?

I don't mean to offend anyone with this question. I merely want to know how
to understand what I am feeling. I am visually impaired and I function like
a sighted person except for a few exceptions. I can ride a bike, not on a
main road but I do enjoy riding with my children in our neighborhood and
around the lake. I read with a CCTV and use a magnifier when I am shopping
to look at price tags, labels, and ingredients. I don't use a cane unless I
am in an unfamiliar place or by myself. I did not learn braille as a youth
but am trying to learn it now. I want to see it instead of feel it (I'm
working on it). In my situation do you think it is necessary to attend a
program that will improve my blindness skills? I don't even know what they
would be?

What would you do?

Thanks,
Mari Hunziker






*"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Philippians 4:13Have A Blessed Day!Mari Hunziker * *Super Spark Your
Life!!!*



*http://www.supersparked.com <http://www.supersparked.com>512-670-9950
home512-587-1463  cell*
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