[nabs-l] advice

[Darian Smith]

Agreed, Brileyy.
  When you  become  comfortable in your  identity (however you
identify yourself), you certainly are going to  feel more comfortable
in your own skin and  this results in you being more confident.
 I know I am  generalizing this statement, but  I think that  it's
inportant to  give  this wider context because   I feel that as  blind
 students we  find ourselves struggling with more than just  our view
and the public's view of being blind.
  I think using a cane maybe a good idea in this situation; I know
that I would, but  it's really up to what you have available to you
and  your feeling about the situation you are going to be walking
into.



On 3/24/10, Briley Pollard <brileyp at gmail.com> wrote:
> 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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-- 
Darian Smith
Skype: The_Blind_Truth
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