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

[Julie McGinnity]

Hi Suzanne,

Water coolers and water fountains are your friends.  I am a singer and
understand the need for hydration.  That was one of the first things I
did when learning this new campus for grad school.  Water cooler water
is nice and cold too, so if you can find those, then it will be a real
treat.  That way you can carry a smaller bottle of water and have a
hand free.

Honestly, though not carrying a cane may make it more complicated,
finding an empty seat as a blind person is not fun.  I have some
vision, so I tend to do what I call the awkward blind hover when
looking for a spot.  I stand at a table where I don't hear noise,
wait, listen, and look for people at the table.  I don't recommend it.
 It is much more efficient to simply ask another student or worker if
you're in a cafeteria setting.

I would then definitely recommend finding a way to use a cane.

On 9/19/13, Elizabeth Mohnke <lizmohnke at hotmail.com> wrote:
> Hello Suzanne,
>
> I would also suggest using a cane as a means to identify yourself as being
> blind or visually impaired. Although in addition to identifying you as blind
>
> or visually impaired, the cane could also help you navigate various places
> you find challenging when using your vision alone.
>
> I think the teasing goes away as you get older. However, I am not quite sure
>
> if this holds true with the notion of others thinking that you can still
> see. I remember hearing someone say this about me because apparently I was
> looking this person directly in the eyes from across the room. I could
> barely make out the general outline of this person given the distance and
> the lighting conditions much less be able to visually identify any details
> of this person. However, nonetheless, the person still questioned my ability
>
> to see.
>
> I know you can use a cane with a roller bag, so perhaps you can experiment
> to see which technique works best for you. I know you have concerns about
> placing your water bottle in your bag. Have you tried using a smaller
> bottle, and then refilling it at a drinking fountain? Or perhaps you could
> try using one of those water bottles that you can strap on your back like a
>
> backpack.
>
> I would definitely encourage you to give the cane another try. I really like
>
> the long NFB white canes because they are so light when compared to other
> canes. If you are interested in trying out one of these canes, I believe
> there is an application form on the NFB website you can fill out to get a
> free white cane.
>
> However, I also understand making the transition to a long white cane can be
>
> difficult for some people. I know this to be true because it has been
> something I have struggled with in my own life. So if you are still in that
>
> stage where you are just simply not ready to make this change in your life,
>
> then perhaps you can just simply ask someone where there might be a chair
> available, and leave the part about being visually impaired out of the
> conversation.
>
> Warm regards,
> Elizabe
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Suzanne Germano" <sgermano at asu.edu>
> Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2013 2:12 PM
> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> 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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-- 
Julie McG
National Association of Guide dog Users board member,  National
Federation of the Blind performing arts division secretary,
Missouri Association of Guide dog Users President,
and Guiding Eyes for the Blind graduate 2008
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that
everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal
life."
John 3:16