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

[Teal Bloodworth]

having lived in many different places i know most of the people very well 
that i would be talking to. But when people that i dont know are around i 
wait for them to say something or join in on a group discussion. As for 
knowing they are there...i cant lie i have touched people in inappropriate 
places then said sorry i didnt know you were there and kept walking. Later 
you can ask that when people approach you to announce themselves until you 
remember their voices. This is a discussion common on this list.

            -Teal
----- 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 12:30 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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>
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