[nabs-l] advice

[Briley Pollard]

Let it also be said that the more comfortable you are with yourself and your blindness, the more comfortable others will be around you. I'm not saying you won't run into people who are uncomfortable, but if you seem confident and capable, especially in professional settings, most people will be put at ease.

Briley 
On Mar 23, 2010, at 4:53 PM, Maryann Migliorelli wrote:

> Hello,  I didn't respond to this for a while but hope that you will consider
> this thought.  I know plenty of folks who do consider themselves blind but
> don't carry a cane openly when they aren't using it.  They do, however, keep
> one in their bag or purse for convenient use when they do need it.  That
> being said, they are very comfortable with their blindness and have no
> problems asking for visual help when it's needed.  If you are comfortable
> enough with your blindness and don't wish to carry a cane with you at these
> meetings, you might just get comfortable saying, "Hello, I'm (blind,
> visually impaired, not seeing well today, pick something that works for you)
> and can't read your name tag.  Will you please share your information with
> me/"
> 	Sometimes we have to ask this question even with the obvious signs
> such as canes or guide dogs because people just don't think about it.  Let's
> face it, we're an anomaly to most people in these situations.  Generally
> people just take it for granted that everyone there will read their name
> tag, and that they will do the same.  It's just something to keep in the
> back of your mind going in so that you can be conscious of it and get
> comfortable asking for the information you want.  I've been having to do
> this at networking events for years.  It does get easier with time and as
> you become more comfortable with talking openly about your blindness.
> I hope this helps.
> Maryann Migliorelli 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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