[humanser] Letting them know you're blind

[Peacefulwoman89 at cox.net]

Cheryl, would you tell a client in advance if you were Asian? Would you tell a client in advance if you used crutches? 

You might consider introducing the characteristic of blindness if you use a method that differs from pen-to-paper, or an alternative method of conducting assessments or keeping track of time. 

Finally, part of the therapeutic relationship is building trust. Trust is based in part on open communication. It seems reasonable at some point in your relationship with clients to let them know that you will do your best to answer any questions that arise when working together. 

I hope this helps. 

From,
Lisa Irving

-----Original Message-----
From: HumanSer <humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Cheryl Wade via HumanSer
Sent: Tuesday, May 1, 2018 3:41 PM
To: Cook, Shannon via HumanSer <humanser at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Cheryl Wade <wadecher at msu.edu>
Subject: [humanser] Letting them know you're blind

Greetings, listers,


Have any of you pondered the idea of letting new clients know that you, as a therapist, are blind?


In a former job, I used to ask if the person were allergic to or 
disliked dogs, and then mention I have a guide dog and am blind. I have 
not used this technique in my new job. I have lost a couple of clients, 
for reasons I'm not sure about, and my supervisor wonders if  I should 
make the fact of my blindness known to clients before I meet with them. 
Perhaps they are uncomfortable? If I do let them know, what might be 
some good ways to go about doing that?


Thanks.


Cheryl Wade, MA, LLPC, CRC


_______________________________________________
HumanSer mailing list
HumanSer at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/humanser_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for HumanSer:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/humanser_nfbnet.org/peacefulwoman89%40cox.net