[humanser] Letting them know you're blind

[Justin Williams]

If it is relevant.  I work at a center for independent living, so I do
because I'll meet them anyway, but if I were a counselor, I wouldn't until
they met me.  Then, even hwen I did, I wouldn't focus on it, or allow it to
become a topic of conversation as not to distract from the session. Also, if
I wouldn't tell someone I was African-american, I wouldn't tell them I had a
disability/ or was blind, or whatever.  Not unless it really is going to
benefit the consumer.  As AI mentioned above, I don't mind disclosing as an
ILS because at a CIL, that's what we're all about.  We aren't therapists.
Justin

-----Original Message-----
From: HumanSer [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lisa via
HumanSer
Sent: Tuesday, May 1, 2018 6:56 PM
To: 'Human Services Division Mailing List' <humanser at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Peacefulwoman89 at cox.net
Subject: Re: [humanser] Letting them know you're blind

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


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