[humanser] Concerns about nonverbal communication in counseling?

[Justin Williams]

Maybe if you can connect them with other counselors who are blind they can
get some incite in to how it works.  Did you give them any of your
techniques that you use?  If you are still working them out, I understand,
but if you can, tell them what you do.  Sometimes though, it's hard to
describe 
Justin
-----Original Message-----
From: HumanSer [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Miranda via
HumanSer
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2017 5:03 PM
To: humanser at nfbnet.org
Cc: Miranda <knownoflove at gmail.com>
Subject: [humanser] Concerns about nonverbal communication in counseling?

Hi everyone,
I previously came to you regarding concerns posed by the volunteer director
for my local sexual assault response program. While I have not yet pursued
that opportunity further, I am coming to you with concerns from another
organization.
I am being rather abruptly dismissed from wanting to volunteer as a client
advocate with my local  pregnancy center, simply because the volunteer
director has concerns about my "limitations" of missing non-verbal
communication, based on a previously unsuccessful attempt to work with
another visually impaired volunteer. Part of the email reads, "I have some
concerns as to how you can effectively serve as a peer counselor with your
limitations. Communication is a vital part of counseling young women and
due to your restriction in reading body language and/ or facial expressions,
part of that communication could be missed. In the past we have attempted to
work with a visually impaired volunteer counselor and have been
unsuccessful. I hope you understand our concerns and accept our appreciation
for your interest."
I will add that this is after multiple conversations regarding my attending
the initial training, and my willingness to purchase the training materials
ahead of time so that I could independently scan them into my computer.
I recognize that this concern stems from a lack of understanding, and the
sighted perspective of relying on nonverbal communication every day.
However, I will admit to being at a loss as to how to respond from the
practical side of The role of a counselor.
Could any of you in such a role shed some light and provide insight?
Thanks as always for your time and encouragement, and have a wonderful
weekend!

Best wishes, Miranda


Sent from my iPhone
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