[nabs-l] Educating staff?

Wed Feb 16 00:12:29 UTC 2011

On Feb 15, 2011, at 1:49 PM, Joshua Lester wrote:

> I like those Blindness Courtesy rules. I'd like them in a manageable
> format, so I can give them to every sighted person in my hometown. I'm
> tired of the same old, same old! Too many people think that I can't
> care for myself, because of my blindness. It's about time thoughts
> concerning us change. Thanks, darion for posting this. Blessings,
> Joshua
> 
> On 2/15/11, Darian Smith <dsmithnfb at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Hello all,
>>  I have not read  every message on this topic, so please forgive any
>> rehashing that may take place as a result.
>> There is  a  page on the NFB website  dedacated to the  "courtesy
>> rules of blindness"
>> I've pasted the text from that page, and wanted to see what people
>> thought about  this.  would this be something you would tell someone
>> about blindness? does this representyour views and feelings, ordo you
>> have a slightly different view.  Below is  the text.
>> 
>> THE COURTESY RULES OF BLINDNESS
>> Ten simple, straightforward pointers which encourage sighted persons
>> to feel comfortable and at ease with blind persons, is also helpful to
>> know.
>> When you meet me don't be ill at ease. It will help both of us if you
>> remember these simple points of courtesy:
>> list of 10 items
>> 1. I'm an ordinary person, just blind. You don't need to raise your
>> voice or address me as if I were a child. Don't ask my spouse what I
>> want—"Cream in
>> the coffee?"—ask me.
>> 2. I may use a long white cane or a guide dog to walk independently;
>> or I may ask to take your arm. Let me decide, and please don't grab my
>> arm; let me
>> take yours. I'll keep a half-step behind to anticipate curbs and steps.
>> 3. I want to know who's in the room with me. Speak when you enter.
>> Introduce me to the others. Include children, and tell me if there's a
>> cat or dog.
>> 4. The door to a room or cabinet or to a car left partially open is a
>> hazard to me.
>> 5. At dinner I will not have trouble with ordinary table skills.
>> 6. Don't avoid words like "see." I use them, too. I'm always glad to see
>> you.
>> 7. I don't want pity. But don't talk about the "wonderful
>> compensations" of blindness. My sense of smell, touch, or hearing did
>> not improve when I became
>> blind. I rely on them more and, therefore, may get more information
>> through those senses than you do—that's all.
>> 8. If I'm your houseguest, show me the bathroom, closet, dresser,
>> window—the light switch, too. I like to know whether the lights are
>> on.
>> 9. I'll discuss blindness with you if you're curious, but it's an old
>> story to me. I have as many other interests as you do.
>> 10. Don't think of me as just a blind person. I'm just a person who
>> happens to be blind.
>> list end
>> 
>> In all 50 states, the law requires drivers to yield the right of way
>> when they see my extended white cane. Only the blind may carry white
>> canes. You see
>> more blind persons today walking alone, not because there are more of
>> us, but because we have learned to make our own way.
>> 
>> Best,
>>  Darian
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 2/15/11, Alexander Castillo <alexandera.castillo at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Hi Ashley, I would let your fellow staff members know that it's not
>>> "sighted guide" as many blind people quite often lead blind people,
>>> and use a phrase like "human guide," as opposed to dog guide, or
>>> animal guide.
>>> 
>>> I think you are correct in your approach in saying that we are all
>>> different. There is no one way of interacting with someone blind, but
>>> there are more effective ways than others.
>>> 
>>> For example, if you are going to do human guide, the person following
>>> should lightly place their hand on your elbow: you should not grab
>>> someone by the shoulder and lead them.
>>> 
>>> Your question for me, is one which is always  strange to consider, as
>>> I wouldn't think of training  fellow staff on how to interact with
>>> Latinos, unless they were traveling to a particular Spanish speaking
>>> country and needed to understand cultural differences in etiquette and
>>> such.
>>> 
>>> So, is there such a thing as blind etiquette?
>>> 
>>> I would stick to the basics, Human guide...
>>> 
>>> What are the typical interactions which your fellow staff members have
>>> with blind individuals? This might help in determining  the approach
>>> you  might want to take on when doing this training.
>>> 
>>> Thanks for reading,
>>> Alex
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> Darian Smith
>> Skype: The_Blind_Truth
>> Windows Live: Lightningrod2010 at live.com
>> Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/goldengateace
>> 
>> "You could be shown the road, given the vehicle, even handed the key.
>> But only you can have the drive."
>> 
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> 
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hey guys I have made them into a word doc