[nabs-l] Spacial Awareness as a Totally Blind Person

[Mark J. Cadigan]

I also feel as if the not understanding and being able to consciously 
replicate facial expressions has impacted me on the social seen. You would 
be amazed at the amount of people that think I don't like them or that I am 
angry when I don't return a smile, wink, or wave.

Is there any behavioral expert's out there that have a system to determine 
when one of these visual methods of communication is in play and respond to 
it in kind?

Mark


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Valerie Gibson" <valandkayla at gmail.com>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 1:30 AM
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Spacial Awareness as a Totally Blind Person


> I'm curious about  the same thing--visual communication and how to
> effectively start a conversation so that the sighted person knows
> you're speaking to them. I understand moving your head in the
> direction of which they're speaking helps, but what if you "know"
> someone is beside you, but you cannot accurately judge hight or
> anything so you don't know where their eyes are generally located.
> being a short person, this is difficult.
>
> Another thing that interests me is why certain facial expressions mean
> certain things and why.  One guy thought he'd offended me when he
> asked if i'd like to take a seat. I was far from offended, but i guess
> something on my face registered  offense.  it's hard to portray what
> you want the sighted person to see if you've never seen, or been
> explained, this.
>
> just my thoughts...
>
> On 10/12/09, J.J. Meddaugh <jj at bestmidi.com> wrote:
>> I've learned over the years that being totally blind presents a unique 
>> set
>> of challenges not seen by thsoe with some vision. Of course the converse 
>> is
>> true as well. For me, one of my biggest places where I feel I could 
>> improve
>> involves spacial awareness. I'm curious to hear from others with any tips 
>> on
>> ways to be better aware of their surroundings. How do you effectively and
>> consciously avoid other people's personal space when talking or walking 
>> from
>> place to place?
>> A lot of these situations seems to come up at parties, also, when it's
>> sometimes difficult to figure out the best place to stand or sit and hold 
>> a
>> conversation without looking awkward. And of course, as a blind person, 
>> if
>> you try to walk around and talk to people, some sighted people will just
>> start asking you where you are going or if you are looking for something.
>> Surely there must be ways to just fit into the group.
>>
>> Finally, some of these challenges apply when trying to network at a
>> conference with unknown people. Does anyone have any tips for how to
>> politely but effectively start a conversation or break into a group
>> conversation between others which has already started?
>> I'm talking about the various networking receptions which are held by
>> companies or take place at conventions and other events.
>>
>> Thanks for any help.
>>
>>
>> J.J.
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