[Community-service] How do you deal with doubt when performing Community service?

Tue Feb 3 14:05:42 UTC 2015

The first thin I will say is to be very patient. Often times, people will want to put you in a corner and leave you to do some tiny task or no task at all. I start by doing something basic. Then, as I am doing that, I talk to those around me, offer help where I see it is needed, and work from there. Often times, progress comes from forming a relationship with those around you and showing them that your blindness is not what defines you. 
Aleeha Dudley and Seeing Eye Dog Dallas 
Vice President, Ohio Association of Guide Dog Users 
Vice President, Ohio Association of Blind Students 
Both proud divisions of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio 
Email: blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com <mailto:blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com> 
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. 
“The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears.” - Arabian proverb 

> On Feb 2, 2015, at 10:50 PM, Cheryl Fields via Community-service <community-service at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi, I completely agree with Jonathan. It is also good to make sure that you
> share the proper techniques and your limitations with others. When I am at a
> site, the first item of business is orientation. While doing this with a
> sighted person I educate them while they assist me. When it is set up as a
> give and take situation things seem to work better. Don't be afraid to ask
> questions, it is probably the question everyone else wanted to ask. Others
> will observe your actions and usually follow your lead. 
> When there is lots of push back at a location, exercise patience. Cheryl 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Community-service [mailto:community-service-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of jonathan franks via Community-service
> Sent: Monday, February 02, 2015 9:50 PM
> To: Marianne Denning; Community Service Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [Community-service] How do you deal with doubt when performing
> Community service?
> 
> Hello all,
> One thing I commonly do  when performing community services is to
> demonstrate my capabilities that typically society would not view a blind
> person could do. For example, I have taught a class of 3rd graders, offered
> to give visitors a tour of the place I am volunteering, created and
> implemented accessible games for the blind to the sighted community as well
> as helped coordinate and participated in a birthday party event for homeless
> children.
> 
> Actions definitely speak louder than words, it is a good practice to be able
> to advocate for yourself vocally, however demonstrating these actions will
> help at least a small subset of the population realize that we can defy
> expectations. The more occurences that we perform these actions will
> increase awareness and start to dissipate the stigma attached to the
> capabilities of blind people.
> 
> I hope this helps
> 
> Best
> 
> Jonathan Franks
> Board Member
> national Federation of the Blind of Texas 1st Vice President National
> Federation of the Blind of Texas- Austin Chapter
> 
> 
> 
> On 2/2/15, Marianne Denning via Community-service
> <community-service at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> I believe a part of the problem is that we are considered one of the 
>> groups people volunteer to "help" so it can be disconcerting to the 
>> general public when we want to volunteer.  I am also looking forward 
>> to answers to this question.
>> 
>> On 2/2/15, Hindley Williams via Community-service 
>> <community-service at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> Hi All:
>>> I am certain that many of us have encountered our sighted 
>>> counterparts underestimating our abilities at service sites. As a 
>>> division of the National Federation of the Blind, we know that we 
>>> have the ability to serve and to teach others about our abilities. 
>>> But dealing with others doubting our abilities is quite common at 
>>> service sites, as well as other places. What are some ways that we as 
>>> blind people can show the community as a whole that we are competent 
>>> and able to serve? Or, in other words, what are some techniques that 
>>> we can use when dealing with doubt from others?
>>> I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
>>> Best,
>>> Hindley
>>> 
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>>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
>> Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
>> (513) 607-6053
>> 
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>> 
> 
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