[humanser] Acknowledge or ignore?

Fri Mar 27 13:10:29 UTC 2009

Mary and list,
As I read this thread, I am reminded of the speech by Dr Jernagan 
"Nature of Independence" It's been a while since I've read the entire 
speech but I remember that his point is that whatever works best is 
ok. Taking an arm in a new or group situation doesn't make you any 
less independent. It sounds like you enjoyed the tour and got a lot 
out of it because you did take an arm. If you had gone by yourself 
you may not have had the same experience because you would be having 
to pay attention to keeping up and all that other stuff.
      In my opinion I don't think there is a need to make any issue 
or write any letters about taking an arm. In that situation you did 
what made you most comfortable and sounds like you had a good time 
and made a good impression which is what you want. You cannot control 
what others think. I think that the letter of thanks you sent is 
correct. No need to write anything about taking his arm because for 
you it felt like the right and natural thing to do in that situation. 
If you get the intern and find yourself there again, you will figure 
out what feels best for you. When you get the chance, look up 
Jernagan's speech on the nfb site. I think I have it in braille and 
will read it myself soon. I wish you success.
Peace,
Cari
At 09:25 PM 3/26/2009, you wrote:
>David,
>Thanks for the idea. I did email a thank you note that was more directed to
>the supervisor's sense of humor and welcoming spirit. I want to avoid
>appearing to be a stalker by sending to many emails so, as of this writing I
>have not addressed the issue. Maybe I am projected more into the situation
>than need be. I will admit, part of me wishes I had engaged the topic while
>I was there, in the moment. I may send a snail mail note of thanks offering
>words of gratitude for his offering an arm in an unfamiliar situation and
>stating that it is nice to learn a new environment with a seasoned veteran
>and I hope that I will eventually be part of the ranks of the veterans. I
>might then offer, "If you have any further questions or comments that I may
>answer, please do not hesitate to contact me." This way, if there is any
>question or issue, I open the opportunity for dialog and, if I am
>hyperconscious, I won't prompt undue attention.
>Thanks for your thoughts.
>Mary
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>Behalf Of David Andrews
>Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 10:11 PM
>To: Human Services Mailing List
>Subject: Re: [humanser] Acknowledge or ignore?
>
>You could write him a thank you letter, saying something like I
>enjoyed meeting you .....  I want to thank you for allowing me to
>take your arm during the tour.  This arrangement makes for efficient
>group travel in an unfamiliar area -- although I normally travel
>unassisted with my long white cane.    ..... or something like that.
>
>Dave
>
>At 06:47 PM 3/25/2009, you wrote:
> >Hoping you all can help me with a dilemma that may appear silly but, it's
> >heavy on my mind.
> >Recently, I went to an interview for a year-long, extern training
>experience
> >at a state psychiatric hospital. I currently work on a psychiatric unit at
>a
> >research hospital. 7 Other candidates were also there. So, day begins with
>a
> >panel interview with 2 of the 10 supervisory clinicians with whom I'll be
> >working. Following that, there is an group tour where all candidates come
> >together to tour the facility, a large, multi unit facility with 6 separate
> >wings and a series of locked units and external courtyards.
> >
> >When the group tour was beginning, the tour guide, another supervisor who
> >heads up the assessment tasks and is the Director of Training, asked me if
> >I'd like to take his arm and tour the facility. In the moment part of me
> >wanted to decline, lest the perception be that I am unable to negotiate the
> >facility on my own, but, for efficiency I accepted, thanking him for"front
> >row seats". The tour went well, I laughing and joking with the supervisor,
> >discussing aspects of the therapeutic milieu, patient challenges, and
> >training opportunities. All felt like it went well. Down to the moments
>when
> >I was leaving the interview and the same supervisor was in the exit way
>with
> >another candidate who was asking a question. As I was going through the
> >supervisor stopped me and asked me to be in touch. Long story short, I felt
> >content with the experience, that is, until I reflected on it. I am
> >wondering if I should address the sighted-guide issue and my capacity for
> >independence and autonomy. Part of me feels like I should, in some way
> >emphasize my comfort in negotiating the facility on my own and another part
> >of me feels I would be magnifying something that need not be an issue.
> >
> >I work on a unit and have had no problems in the past... Any thoughts? Do I
> >say something or do I leave it alone? They will be interviewing on three
> >other dates and will decide on 3 trainees for the next academic year.
> >Decisions will be made on April 13. Let me know your thoughts.
> >Mary
> >
> >
> >
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Love and Peace,
Cari & Little Minnie Cat