[nabs-l] advice

[Lavar.phillips at hotmail.com]

Kathryn This will be a big issue for you if you do not speak up. I have very 
good sight in my left eye, but not enough to see 20/20. when I cant see 
something I ask people I don't care what they think because if you don't 
speak up no one will know and you will not get the full benefit of the 
meeting.  Jedi I  disagree with your statement that people who are blind or 
visually impaired who do not carry a cane are trying to sighted. I think if 
they did not need it in their life and could get around without hurting 
themselves then what is the sense of a cane.  I do think that a person 
should know their limits and ask for help. So Kathryn ask for help at the 
meetings even if that means recording peoples names and numbers and when 
they ask why you are doing it say cause I am visually impaired.

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Jedi" <loneblindjedi at samobile.net>
Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2010 11:33 PM
To: <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] advice

> 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
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>> nabs-l:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/loneblindjedi%40samobile.net
>
> -- 
> Email services provided by the System Access Mobile Network.  Visit 
> www.serotek.com to learn more about accessibility anywhere.
>
> _______________________________________________
> nabs-l mailing list
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> nabs-l:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lavar.phillips%40hotmail.com
>