[Blindtlk] Thank you very much!

Sat Mar 8 12:23:29 UTC 2014

When I was sighted, I would spill things all the time, so I would not blame that on being blind.  Now that I am blind, I have not had an accident yet.  It will happen, but not because I am blind, it will be because I am just clumsy sometimes.

I read another response that said you just have to take small steps.  It might be a hassle the first couple of time, but you can get the hang of it.  .  I was at a blind training center a couple of years ago and we were taught to hold the tray just above the hip bone, pressing into your side with enough pressure so that the tray remains straight and stable along the hip line.  The arm is over the top of the tray and the hand hold the edge of the tray that is away from the body so that you can press the tray into your body so the tray is stable and it will not fall.  Then you can use the other hand for your cane.  It worked very well for me.  I know there are other techniques and you have to find out what works for you.  If you can get a cheap tray from eBay or a thrift shop then you can always practice at home.  Just try putting a bookor something on the tray and practice.  Then you may be more confident carrying at least one plate at the restaurant and jusst letting the waitress bring your drink.  just my two cents contribution.

> On Mar 7, 2014, at 5:49 PM, "Tom Cramer" <tom.cramer1 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello everybody,
> 
> I just wanted to say thank you for your posts and suggestions.  I think you
> all basically were right on with what my family and people said about it
> being too challenging and a big hassle and not really worth trying on my
> own.  This would be difficult for a blind person without any sight, and
> someone sighted also reminded me that carrying a tray with food would not be
> very wise of me because I'd easily have the chance of spilling or accidents.
> Not really wise to try and use a cane and carry a lot of food.
> Believe me, I have no problem asking for any kind of help.  It might just be
> easier to go grab a burger somewhere.
> Thanks again for your thoughts.  It's always good to get ideas.
> 
> Tom
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Arielle
> Silverman
> Sent: Friday, March 07, 2014 11:00 AM
> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Handling a big buffet
> 
> And I think it goes without saying that if you get extra help from wait
> staff, be sure to tip generously. That makes it a partnership and makes it
> more likely they will want to help you in the future.
> 
> Arielle
> 
>> On 3/7/14, Hyde, David W. (ESC) <david.hyde at wcbvi.k12.wi.us> wrote:
>> First, there are no dumb questions. Secondly, given a choice, I don't 
>> do buffets. Not given a choice, it depends upon the situation. 
>> Preferably, I ask someone for help. If it is at a conference, 
>> particularly for parents of blind children, I do as much as I can of 
>> it for myself. If I need to locate the utensil, I work around the outside
> of the container to find the handle.
>> I will generally take too little on to the plate, rather than too 
>> much. I can always come back. I ask what is in the container. I find 
>> tongs a bother since there does not seem to be enough tactility to 
>> tell what is being grasped in them, and sometimes how much is in them. 
>> I find building a salad to be the most difficult.
>> 
>> I always make a second trip for the beverage, since I have the plate 
>> in one hand, and the utensils and napkin in my pocket. Again, I may 
>> ask someone to grab me a deink when they go to get one. The absolutely 
>> worst buffets are those where you build your own sandwich. Those I always
> ask for help.
>> 
>> The bottom line, If you need help, or if it will make you feel more 
>> confident about what you're doing, get it. There are very few 
>> situations where you need to use a buffet to send a message.
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tom 
>> Cramer
>> Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2014 11:46 PM
>> To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Handling a big buffet
>> 
>> Hello,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I hope this isn't a dumb question.
>> 
>> I'd like to know from other blind people, especially those who are 
>> totally blind, how they handle big buffet type of restaurants when 
>> they're not with sighted people.  I'd like to be able to go to a 
>> couple of places that are close to where I live but don't really know how
> to best handle them.
>> 
>> How much do you do independently and how much do you ask of the wait
> staff?
>> How do I best know what's on the buffet line and how do I best get it 
>> on my plate without slowing others down?  Is it easier for the wait 
>> staff to get my food and carry it for me or is that something I need to do
> as well?
>> 
>> This place has wonderful food and I'd like to go this weekend but 
>> haven't done it without sighted family who isn't around right now.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> All tips are appreciated.
>> 
>> Thanks.
>> 
>> Tom
>> 
>> 
>> 
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> 
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