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

Tue Oct 13 20:05:21 UTC 2009

It is interesting when you talk about the energy in the room. I too find 
that helpful in gauging facial expressions and also where people are and 
sometimes even postures or stances.  I feel the energy a person gives off 
and that allows me to have correct proximity in speaking to them or standing 
in line or what ever the case.  I also found if I hone in on the persons 
specific energy I can usually tell what facial expression they have or at 
least close enough to know how to react.  Also content of conversation helps 
and if you know the persons personality that also helps.  Generally though I 
can sense what is going on in the room or with an individual by reading the 
energy.  However it isn't always accurate their are lots of variables, and 
many people are not in tune to the vibrations of energy so I am wondering 
how they would either get in tune to energies or what they would do instead.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Aziza C" <daydreamingncolor at gmail.com>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 12:06 PM
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Spacial Awareness as a Totally Blind Person

> I've often found my self just conscious of the energy people give off,
> and their gaze upon me. Granted, when someone keeps their gaze on me
> for quite some time I tend to feel enrvous, but it is enough for me to
> be able to tell that they are looking at me. Also, the energy in the
> air can be helpful. Tention or lightness is something I can normally
> gauge well. This may not determine the exact facial expression someone
> is using, but it can eliminate some others.
>
> I also must be made to laugh when being photographed. I can't just
> smile on command. At least, not often. Only my friends who know how to
> make me smile can get me to smile by simply telling me to.
>
> I do notice that I don't always portray how I feel with facial
> expressions. For example, today I was standing on the street corner
> waiting for a friend of mine and when he walked up to me he said he
> was sorry he was late and said I looked really mad. I was not mad at
> all, I was actually enjoying the light rain and the wind on my face
> and thinking back to my childhood, but I guess I looked mad when he
> saw me. Or sometimes when I fall into deep concentration my nephew
> will often say I look sad even though I am not sad at all.
>
> Aziza
>
> On 10/13/09, Teal Bloodworth <tealbloodworth at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 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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>>
>>
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>
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