[humanser] Concerns about nonverbal communication in counseling?

[Shannon Cook]

Hi,

I would also remind them that just because they had one experience with one visually impaired volunteer, that does not automatically translate into the same issues with someone else.  We are all as different as any other sector of the population. They would not be allowed to say that they had a bad experience with someone of a particular race, so they have concerns with hiring someone else of that same race.  Most people would not even consider that kind of mindset.  Our challenge as a movement is to get employers, businesses, and citizens to adopt that same attitude.

Shannon Cook, MSW, CPM
-----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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