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

Fri Sep 20 00:44:43 UTC 2013

Hi Suzanne,

I agree with everyone else re: using a cane. I think it makes these
kinds of situations a lot less awkward. People might still wonder why
you are using a cane if you can see some things, but I always feel
like those wonderings are other people's problem, not mine. If someone
is really curious they will ask and it will become a good educational
opportunity.

My strategy for finding a seat is to come up to a table that sounds
quiet and gently touch the back of the first chair. If it feels like
it is empty, I then gently reach out a little more toward the front to
confirm the chair is empty. If it is taken, then I walk to the next
chair and check that one, or ask the person occupying the first seat
if other seats at their table are open. I have never had problems with
that method and since I use a cane, there's no weirdness about why I'm
asking the question.
I also think your roller-bag situation sounds unnecessarily obnoxious.
I am wondering if you could switch from the portable CCTV to a more
compact solution like speech software or screen magnification on your
laptop or screen enlargement and speech on an I-device?

Arielle

On 9/19/13, Julie McGinnity <kaybaycar at gmail.com> wrote:
> 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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>>
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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
>
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