[nabs-l] Freshman year

[Ashley Bramlett]

Lilly,
good advice. I also advocate and meet with professors ahead of time. 
Although, usually they understand I need the first week's handouts, and that 
is enough to start me off; then I schedule a meeting in their office hours. 
If I need to go into more detail or they wish to have a meeting before 
class, I do so. Sometimes with more visual classes, I find it’s a good idea 
to meet ahead of time.

I think Katie has vision and may not use a cane. In this case, it makes it 
harder to tell people you're blind because you don't have an obvious symbol 
with you. If your eyes look normal, its easy for people to forget you cannot 
see as well.

I'd say education and just being like all other students is the best combat 
against negative perceptions and bad experiences. Joining clubs of interest 
may help. this way you can talk about the common thing, not your vision.
You might want to mention what you can see briefly and move on. If you do 
talk specifics, state it in functional terms about how you use your vision, 
not medical terms. For instance, I say I have tunnel vision; I state then 
this means I see what is ahead of me so if I am shown something, put it in 
front of me, not to the side. I do not say, "I have a narrow field of vision 
less than ten degrees with nystagmus" To them that won't make sense and 
stating medical terms is unneccessary.

HTH,
Ashley

-----Original Message----- 
From: Liliya Asadullina
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 7:14 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Freshman year

Hi Katie,
My name is Lily and I am going to be a freshmen in college as well.  I
understand you have had bad experiences in high school, after telling
people that you are blind.  I have dealt with a few myself.  As far as
I have heard from some of my blind and sighted friends who are already
in college, they say that people are more accepting in college.  It's
more of a time when people our age or around our age learn to grow up.
Of course you will not meet all mature people, but just be yourself
and tell them that you can't see.  Express to them that even though
you are blind, you can still accomplish as much as they can.  Get
involved with a few extra curricular activities and prove to them that
you are an independent, and smart individual.  The most you can do is
educate them about blindness and be outspoken.  You will have to get
out of your comfort level, but I am sure by the end of your 1st
semester you wil have a good sullection of caring friends.
Another thing, make sure you advicate for yourself in class and where
ever you choose to go outside of the academic area.  For example, I am
emailing my professors ahead of time and letting them know that I am
blind, but that I have the capability just like anyone else to get my
work done and learn.  I will explain to them how I will be taking
notes in class and what kind of tecchnology I'll be bringing with me.
I will be meeting with my professors a week before classes begin, and
will be asking them if they have any questions for me.
Outside of class, just reassure your peers if they have any questions
for you about blindness to feel free to ask.
Like I said, just be yourself and make the most out of your year.
Be confident in you!  You've got this!
College is full of diversity and if someone does not accept you for
who you are and because of your blindness or lack of some vision, then
they aren't worth being friends with...
People come to college from all different areas around the world and
each student has something unique about them.   So just reach out to
those around you and show them that no matter what, you can succeed.
I understand what you are going through in your mind though.
I am saying this to you, but at the same time I am nervous for college as 
well.
Beeing that I had some blind skills training at the Colorado Center
For The blind though, I do feel more confident about going to college
and in myself too.
Also, I am not as nervous to be dorming with a random room mate away
from my home town and family.
Good luck with starting this fall, I believe that you will do well!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me any time
at: Lily2011a at gmail.com.
Or my school email: lasadull at masonlive.GMU.edu
Cheers!
Liliya

On 7/17/12, Katie Cl <katminecce at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hi my name is Katie and I am going to be a freshman in college this fall. 
> I
> was wondering how other people handled telling others they couldn't see. 
> In
> high school I had a bad experience and don't want it to happen again. Any
> advice would be helpful.
> THANKS
>
> <3 Princess Cy-I <3
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