[Journalists] backpacks are unprofessional?

[Darrell Shandrow]

Hello Martha,

I suspect this is a cultural issue that has to do with the customs observed 
in various types of environments and situations more than it is a hard and 
fast rule. We've just learned that many sighted reporters for at least one 
well-known media organization do wear them. Perhaps, you might consider 
asking your professor to justify his/her rule against wearing backpacks. If 
the argument makes sense, and you can handle all your specialized blindness 
gear some other way, then don't wear the backpack. If, however, the argument 
is not logical and/or you really need the backpack as a consideration 
involving your disability, then an exception to this rule for you would 
quite likely be considered a reasonable accommodation. If the professor 
gives you a hard time or marks you down for wearing one, check with your 
university's disability resources office and the dean of your school of 
journalism. I'm sure that, once that's done, a reasonable accommodation or 
workable compromise can be reached. :-)

Regards,

Darrell

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Martha Harris" <latinanewschic at hotmail.com>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing li" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: <Journalists at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 9:39 PM
Subject: [Journalists] backpacks are unprofessional?


Hi Everyone,
I'm a journalism major; as part of our magazine production, we have to go 
out in to the community to sell ads, talk to Lions Clubs, have tables at 
local events, ETC. We have two conditions: dress professionally, and don't 
wear a backpack. I totally understand the dress professionally, but what do 
you all think about backpacks? Do they make us look too much like students 
and not professionals, and if so, why? As a blind student, would I not be 
taken seriously because "she doesn't know that everyone else has different 
bags?" or something like that?
Personally, I prefer the backpack. It is painful to have the strap of a 
messenger bag, satchel, or large purse on my left shoulder with the bag on 
the right side of my body, and having the strap on my right shoulder with 
the bag hanging on the left gets in the way of my hand with the dog. Our 
professor says that since our target audience is permanent residents between 
35 and 55 years old who live in the two surrounding counties and not 
students like the traditional college magazine, we shouldn't look like we 
come from the university when we go into the town. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Martha
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