[Blindtlk] Transition

[Bob Hachey]

Hi all,
My transition took place in 1975 after seventh grade at Perkins. Eighth
grade was at my local public school. I was given a tape recorder, two
Braillers and all of my books were either on tape or Braille. I received O&M
instruction prior to the school year. Academically, my transition went very
well; I also had a TVI. Socially, well, let's just say that it's not easy to
be the new kid in school in eighth grade and being blind does not make that
any easier. 
I divided the students into three groups. The largest group were the
avoiders. IT was obvious that they were extremely uncomfortable relating to
a blind kid. Then there were the pittiers. They meant well, but that got old
really quickly. The smallest group were the bullies, (only 3 or 4 of them,
thankfully. The bullies would do things like put sawdust in my hair in wood
shop or tacks on my seat in English class. 
One day, one of the bullies slapped at me as we were taking our seats. I was
able to grab him by the wrist. He was a skinny kid with a scrawny neck. I
slammed him to the ground and yelled at him to "buzz off". I think my
English teacher was in shock. She sent me to the principal's office where I
learned that this bully was a known troublemaker. While the principal
lectured me on how I should not act out like that in class, I think he
understood why I did it. I made a promise to him that I'd not do that again
and he let me go with no punishment. The bullies left me alone after that
day.
Bob Hachey