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

[Jedi]

Valerie,

To address a sighted person, you could just say their name. "Hey 
Robert?" When Robert speaks up, you'll have the information you need to 
turn your nose to the appropriate height. But since you'll be looking 
in Robert's direction as you address him, he may not even be the wiser 
regarding your uncertainty about his physical characteristics or his 
exact location.

As to facial expressions, some of them are arbitrary, but the basic 
ones aren't. Perhaps you squinted at the wrong moment or something. 
Sometimes, sighted people can over-rely on facial cues just as we 
sometimes over-rely on vocal cues. How often have we said to a sighted 
friend (or any friend) "You sound sad. Are you okay?" They may be just 
fine, but we've judged their tones as indicating sadness. This stuff 
happens all the time and isn't worth serious concern when it happens. 
Clear communication usually does the trick so long as both parties are willing.

About your friend and the seat. As strange as this sounds, he may have 
thought you were offended just because you said no. Don't forget that 
many sighted people expect that you'd say yes because that's what they 
think they'd do if they were in your shoes.

Respectfully,
Jedi
Original message:
> 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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