[humanser] practicum issues

[Merry Schoch]

Hello Laura,

 

Welcome to the list!! It sounds like you have done a great job at advocating for your self.    I am the president of the division and a social worker in private practice.  From my inquiry with our National office the school you attend should be advocating to ensure you get the best experience and not be discriminated against; however, if this does not occur then we may have to explore other options.  The myth that we need vision to read body language is one that continually comes up.  There has been an article addressing this issue that has been posted to this list in the past.  I will look for it and resend it to the list.  When I was looking for employment after graduation I was confronted with the driver confidentiality issue too and your response to this issue, as well as the reading body language issue were right on.  If you are not having the same experience as your sighted peers than this is discrimination and should not be tolerated.

  

 

If possible, I would appreciate a telephone call so we can discuss this issue in detail.    I may be contacted at 813  625 1850.  I will be out soon after typing this message but I will be available this evening and most of Saturday.

 

Below I have pasted a link for a student toolkit for self advocacy created by the NFB.  

 

You can find the toolkit at https://nfb.org/self-advocacy-higher-education 

 

I appreciate your self-advocacy efforts and also reaching out to this list.

 

With warmest regards and support,

Merry C. Schoch, LCSW

National Federation of the Blind

Human Services Division

President