[nabs-l] Finding seats VI that does not use cane or dog

Thu Sep 19 23:03:47 UTC 2013

Thanks for the input

On Thu, Sep 19, 2013 at 3:44 PM, Jamie P. <blackbyrdfly at gmail.com> wrote:

> I didn't use a white cane for years growing up, and didn't start until I
> was almost out of high school. Now, in college, there are rare occasions
> when I go without my cane and know what you mean by having to walk up and
> down the rows of tables to find an empty seat. There are a few things that
> I do, whether I have my cane or not, that have worked for me.
>
> 1. Walk up and down the rows. I used to worry that people were staring at
> me and thought I looked stupid, or creepy, too, but have learned that most
> often, no one notices. I've even known sightlings who do the same thing
> when they're looking for seats in a crowded place.
>
> 2. Just walk past the end of each row. Stop and ask someone seated at the
> end "Excuse me, are there any empty seats in this row?" A simple yes or no
> question is easier for a lot of people than finding a seat for you. If they
> say yes, walk down the row until you find it. If they say no, try another
> row.
>
> 3. If you need to ask someone to just find you a seat, say something like
> "Excuse me, can you please help me find an empty seat? I can't see well and
> don't want to distract people." At that point, they shouldn't have any
> questions for you.
>
> Best,
>
> Jamie
>
>
> On Thu, Sep 19, 2013 at 2:29 PM, Suzanne Germano <sgermano at asu.edu> wrote:
>
> > Not sure. I already have a lunch box on it. I can't bring smaller than
> half
> > gallon because I am gone for 12 hours on Tuesday and thursday and really
> > don't want to pay for water. I swear I need an assistant to help carry
> all
> > my stuff lol.
> >
> >
> > On Thu, Sep 19, 2013 at 12:11 PM, Anjelina Cruz <anjelinac26 at gmail.com
> > >wrote:
> >
> > > Could a bigger thermos attach to your bag so you'd have a hand free
> > > for a lightweight id cane?
> > >
> > > On 9/19/13, Suzanne Germano <sgermano at asu.edu> wrote:
> > > > It would be very difficult I use a roller bag because I carry 30lbs
> of
> > > > equipment with me portable cctv, laptop etc and then I have to bring
> > 1/2
> > > > gallon of water in the other hand since I am on the surface of the
> sun
> > in
> > > > phoenix. I tried a backback but there is not one big enough for all
> the
> > > > crap I bring.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On Thu, Sep 19, 2013 at 11:38 AM, justin williams <
> > > > justin.williams2 at gmail.com> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >> Carry a cane would be my answer. Without it, it is diffidult to
> > > indentify
> > > >> you as visually impaired.
> > > >>
> > > >> -----Original Message-----
> > > >> From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
> Suzanne
> > > >> Germano
> > > >> Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2013 2:12 PM
> > > >> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> > > >> Subject: [nabs-l] Finding seats VI that does not use cane or dog
> > > >>
> > > >> I don't use a cane or dog but when I walk into a room like the
> > > >> engineering
> > > >> tutoring center, I find it very hard to know where an empty seat is.
> > > >> these
> > > >> are tables that hold 6-8 people.
> > > >>
> > > >> Being someone use does not use a cane I find people difficult if you
> > say
> > > >> for
> > > >> example "I am visually impaired would you mind showing me where an
> > empty
> > > >> seat is" It seems they have to go through the song and dance of "you
> > > >> don't
> > > >> look blind" "why don't you get glasses" but rarely answer the
> > question.
> > > >>
> > > >> Because I am not obviously visually impaired I feel very
> uncomfortable
> > > >> just
> > > >> walking up and down between all the tables looking for a spot when
> > just
> > > >> off
> > > >> to the side I may have missed one. I feel like everyone is wondering
> > > what
> > > >> the hell I am doing and thinking I look stupid.
> > > >>
> > > >> I know this comes from years and years and years of being teased and
> > no
> > > >> one
> > > >> understanding legally blind and I should just get over feeling like
> > they
> > > >> think I look stupid. But in the meantime does anyone have any good
> > > >> techniques?
> > > >>
> > > >> I did use a cane in high school. Partially for identification and
> > partly
> > > >> for
> > > >> mobility but I still had issues with people because I would ALWAYS
> get
> > > >> the
> > > >> comment "Your not blind" They could never just answer my question
> like
> > > >> what
> > > >> bus is this
> > > >>
> > > >> Suzanne
> > > >> _______________________________________________
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> >
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> > > >> .com
> > > >>
> > > >>
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> > >
> > > --
> > > Anjelina
> > >
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