[nabs-l] advice

[Jedi]

forgive my candor as I mean what I'm about to say with all due respect. 
Most blind and visually impaired people who don't carry canes are 
attempting to pass as sighted. However, most also find themselves with 
similar problems to your own and wonder how they can maintain their 
appearance of being mostly sighted and yet deal with the fact that they 
are not. The reality of your situation is that, unless you're willing 
to say you're illiterate or learning disabled, there isn't any way for 
you to stay in the closet as it were and still get the information you 
need. As I see it, you have two choices: you can verbally identify 
yourself as a blind or visually impaired person and ask them to 
identify themselves based on the fact that you can't read their tag, or 
non-verbally identify your need by carrying a cane or wearing a tag 
that says "blind" or "visually impaired" on it. I assume you wish to 
conduct yourself with dignity, so I highly suggest you consider 
carrying a cane. I don't blame you if carrying a cane brings fear that 
people will treat you differently. Unfortunately, they will. However, 
your own comfort with your vision impairment will eventually rub off on 
people to the point where they will treat you as a colleague rather 
than some interesting display. This process is far easier than 
wondering what the best way of meeting your needs without coming out 
is. As I said, please forgive my frankness; I have been in this 
situation myself and can honestly find no better way to assist you than 
to be completely straightforward with you.

Respectfully,
Jedi

Original message:
> Hi List!

> I have run numerous times into the same dilemma and I am convinced this
> dilemma will become more and more of a problem as I move on in my career,
> unless I do something about it, which is why i am posing this problem to
> you:

> Recently I went to a meeting of a professional organization here in DC. Not
> surprisingly, each of the attendees were given name tags with one's name and
> either place of work or study to wear during the event, to help initiate
> networking. I am partially blind, and don't feel the need to carry a cane
> with me. However, I can't see other people;s name tags, and can't comment or
> respond to what is written on them. i would like to be able to ask peopel
> who they are and where they work without looking liek I can't read. has
> anyone perfected a introduction by which they can do this?

> I would appreciate any thoughts.

> Sincerely,
> --
> Kathryn CARROLL
> American University
> 631 521 3018
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