[nabs-l] need to vent and very discouraged right now.

NMPBRAT at aol.com NMPBRAT at aol.com
Fri Dec 6 00:56:38 UTC 2013


Hi Melissa,
I'm sorry that you had such an unfortunate experience but  don't let it get 
you down or your hopes up.  It can be done.  I too  had a similar 
experience with a rehab counselor who told me when I stated I  wanted to teach, he 
said it was not considered a "blindness friendly field" and  that I needed to 
look at other careers.  I essentially told him he was  wrong and that his 
job was to assist me in whatever area I wanted to  pursue.  I told him that I 
didn't want to have a job that I hated, simply  because it was "blindness 
friendly".   He didn't like what I had to  say....and still didn't have a 
great attitude....but he was forced to work with  me...that is, until I had the 
fortunate experience of being moved to a  different rehab counselor who was 
totally supportive of what I wanted to  do.  
Fast forward....my degree is in Special Ed. but I have worked  and taught 
both special ed. and regular ed. students over the years.  I am  currently in 
my 12th year of teaching in the public schools.   I  actually got my 
teaching job the following school year after I  graduated.  Yes, I was fortunate.  
I don't want to say it  was easy...as I did quite a few interviews.....but 
it wasn't impossible  either.  Yes, there were people I interviewed with 
that I could tell just  by how they acted that they weren't too keen on a bind 
teacher.  However,  that wasn't the case in every scenario.  In fact, I 
actually turned down 2  teaching jobs before I accepted the third one (for 
various reasons).  I  also have met other blind teachers who have also had 
successful  careers.   And as far as finding a job....I know plenty of totally  
able-bodied, well-educated people who have spent many years searching and  
interviewing and can't get a teaching job.  So blind teachers or child care  
workers are not the only ones who struggle sometimes to find a job.  The  
success is more based upon other factors like education level, other employment  
experience or volunteer experience (both of which helped me), the need for  
teachers in general in the area where you apply for jobs,  etc.  
I think someone else suggested that you research articles  about blind 
individuals in the teaching field....and I think that was an  excellent idea.  
You may just have to educate this individual about  how possible it is.  
It is truly unfortunate that people in these positions have  the negative 
attitudes about what is possible for individuals with disabilities  to be 
successful at....I never have quite understood how or why they  end up in these 
positions.  
Just remember.....it's YOUR future.....and you need to make  sure to 
advocate for yourself and what you want your future to be.  I have  never 
regretted once what I said to the counselor I  had.  Although it isn't possible 
because he is retired....I have often  wished I could go back and say to him 
"Look at me  now!"  
Don't give up.  It can be discouraging...I totally  understand....but do 
not let it stop you!
Best wishes,
Nicole  
 
 
In a message dated 12/5/2013 5:47:25 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
lissa1531 at gmail.com writes:

Took a  napp and processed what happened too me today.  But I am still  
bothered by this episode.  Read on if you like.
I was very  encouraged and hopeful yesterday during and after my meeting 
with 
the  devision of vocational rehabiletation.  Then this morning the job  
specialest called me.
He basically told me that if I was hired by a  school or daycare center 
that 
does not serve blind children that I will  not find a job.  And that I 
wasted 
my time and rehab's money.   He also said that it will be a liability for 
anyone to hire me.
this is  coming from someone who is suppose to believe in me and to be in 
my  
corner.  I don't think this is the case at all, and he hasn't even  met me. 
Still upset and now discouraged.  But have to focus on  finishing school.
I have worked very hard and been through so much  hell.  I haven't given 
up. 
But But I want to give up and scream for a  while .
I was so mad.  I plan to tell him so wednesday during  our meeting.
But by then I plan to be calmed down and handle this with  dignety and 
education and not anger.
thank you for reading and letting  me vent and share.
off to finish with school forever.
Best,
Melissa  Green and Pj
I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities.  
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