[humanser] Good evening.Re: Questions about Use of Aira in Counseling Work, Disclosures about Blindness, Readers, etc.

[Miranda]

I completely agree with all that you have said here. I am sorry if I indicated that I would never discuss this with clients or that I would never bring up my blindness at all. I to believe that it depends on what is best for the client and our working relationship. I too have found that conversations surrounding my blindness have opened other avenues of communication between myself and clients. It also tends to break down any barriers that might otherwise be present. As you have noted, Conversations about diversity definitely open the lines of communication. I have also found that being comfortable with my own disability has helped clients to be more at ease with whatever they are facing at that moment. For my junior field placement last semester, one thing that I did was to assist with diversity trainings for volunteers coming into the agency. I took this time to allow questions to be asked of me regarding my blindness in a safe space, both for me and the volunteers present. My internship last semester was in a domestic violence shelter for women and children. This semester, I am helping to plan programs for parents and caregivers in and after school child care setting. I receive questions about my blindness and my dog guide from the students in the afterschool program, and I have needed to gently remind other staff that it is OK for the students to ask questions without interference.
Thanks again for sharing your insight and experience. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! I definitely understand the emotions associated with this time of transition.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 18, 2019, at 8:02 PM, Sarah Meyer <sarah.meyer55 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Miranda,
> Congratulations on being almost finished with your BSW! I appreciate
> your input.
> 
> I will say that from where I was at a few years ago compared to where
> I am now, some of my perspective about discussing my blindness has
> shifted. Maybe it's time passing and getting older, experience and
> seeing that being willing to have candid conversations and modeling
> that for clients can be meaningful, or just learning about having
> conversations about various diverse identities and again the modeling
> and invitation of those conversations. Most of the time, my clients
> don't have any questions or concerns, and the few times there has been
> a question or comment, it has usually led to strengthening the
> relationship or to me learning something about the client that they
> would have otherwise not shared with me. As I write and reflect on
> this, I actually am seeing the value in being willing to have these
> brief conversations with my clients. I think that we need to examine
> why we choose to discuss, or to not discuss, and if it is about us or
> the clients and the work we do with them. I think it is best to think
> about what will be most beneficial to my client, our working
> relationship, and the work we will accomplish? A lot of this probably
> comes down to style and approach to therapy, too.
> 
> Please feel free to reach out with any questions, whether on or off list.
> 
> All the best,
> 
> Sarah
> 
>> On 2/18/19, Miranda <knownoflove at gmail.com> wrote:
>> I would love to receive insight regarding these topics as well. I wonder if
>> this would be a helpful on list discussion, for others wishing to learn
>> more.
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>