[nabs-l] socializing tips in crowds and meetings

Fri Oct 14 01:29:28 UTC 2011

Just look toward them then. And in a professional setting if your eyes look 
weird, you might want to wear sunglasses so people don't notice them.

-----Original Message----- 
From: Humberto Avila
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 9:14 PM
To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] socializing tips in crowds and meetings

Hello, but how can I make eye contact with someone if I am blind. I can
understand looking in the face, but not looking in the eyes since I might
beam my eyes "crooked" or "slightly crooked" at someone as I look into their
eyes, and I think  this is also embarracing.

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Ashley Bramlett
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 5:10 PM
To: shogle at students.kennesaw.edu; National Association of Blind Students
mailing list
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] socializing tips in crowds and meetings

Sam,
One thing that helps me is to act interested. I see too many blind people
who have their head down, rock their head, or look down.
This shows a disinterested image; it's a body language thing and people
won't approach you easily with a hunched over person "staring" at the floor.
You need to sit up straight and have your head forward. I have central
vision so its more natural. But even ify your fully blind, having your head
up and making eye contact is a good habit.

I often have people approach me and introduce themselves so far. But I don't

meet as many people then. If I'm lucky, the individual will take me around
and introduce me to some of their friends. I wonder if nonverbal
communication would help. Anyone learned gestures? Has that made a
difference?
Ashley

-----Original Message----- 
From: Sam Hogle
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 7:54 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] socializing tips in crowds and meetings

Hi Ashley. I completely agree with what you're saying here. I'm a dog
user, and because of that, I feel that this topic is even more
important. For example, it never fails that a friendly dog will guide
you in to a room and find you a chair, but not make sure it's an empty
one. lol
Also, I agree with the whole issue of trying to break the ice with
people. For the record, it's just a little aukward
when you're talking to someone without realizing they've walked away. I
guess that's just something I've gotten used too. However, I agree it's
good to have tips. After all, if you're at a social event where you're
supposed to break off in to groups, it would be just a little
embarrassing to turn to see if you can join a group only to discover
you're talking to a wall and not a person. Anyway, I guess what I'm
trying to say here is I am also in the club that could benefit from any
tips, and I'm sure there are many more of us.
Sam
On 10/13/2011 7:40 PM, Ashley Bramlett wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I've not been the best at finding people and integrating into a crowd or
> going to a structured event and feeling comfortable. Once I know people,
I'm
> okay. But breaking the ice is hard. I'm a cane user and I'll find a spot
> to sit but may not know who is around.
>
> What are tips for getting to know people and finding who is there? I
> cannot see familiar faces. If its totally new, I don't recognize voices.
> Do you just say something to a nearby person "hi, how are you? I am {your
> name} and its good to be here."
> How do you deal with slides you cannot see? Do you contact them ahead of
> time for an alternative format?
>
> When I say structured activity, I mean something where people sit down in
> a room to hear a speaker, have small group discussions, or see an event.
> Some examples:
> 1. any club activity on campus
> 2. a religious activity such as bible study
> 3. a meeting in the community of similar interest people such as a writing

> club or toastmasters group.
> 4. a conference
>
> When you have a general crowd, its even harder to know what is happening
> or find people. Examples are at a game or pep rally or reception.
>
> I'm planning to join some groups soon such as a writer's club and perhaps
> a bible study. I might join toastmasters because I like speaking and want
> to polish my speaking skills. And I'm heading to homecoming too. So I got
> to wondering tips and how others feel.
>
> Sometimes I don't feel included. People might say Ashley, I'll help you
> get some food and then proceed to describe it and serve me at the counter.

> But then after I'm seated they wander off.
>
> Thanks.
> Ashley
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