[nabs-l] Personal characteristics and traits of successful blind people

[Julie McGinnity]

This brings up another discussion entirely: do we need to be better
than our sighted colleagues to make it in the world?  Do we need to
make ourselves look particularly successful so that others will not
overlook us because we are blind?

Here's one idea...  I feel like blind people who are successful don't
over emphasize their blindness.  It is one of many characteristics
that define them(us).  We are blind, and we need to deal with it,
learn necessary skills, and continue to develop our talents and skills
in other areas.  We are not just blind; we are people.

A counter argument would assert that due to the widespread
misconception of blindness, we need to be constantly on our gard and
focusing on educating and advocating.  Personally, I think this is no
way to live our lives, but I bet that I am not the only one who
worries about how certain activities will work for me or whether a
certain professor will treat me differently because of my blindness.
Maybe it's reality...  What do you guys think?

On 3/27/14, justin williams <justin.williams2 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hard down skill.  All the other intangibles are nice, but if you aren't
> good
> at something, then they don't count for as much; you have to make yourself
> useful to folks, and try to have a little bit more knowledge than everyone
> else around you.  Understanding the value of good training, personal
> development, a wealth of knowledge, and great technique.  Learn any thing
> you can.  Learn also how to interweave your blindness skills into the
> normal
> skills of what you as a person need to no.  Learn what you do, and what you
> don't do.  Also, be willing to explore, and adapt.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Phil
> Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2014 6:29 AM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> Subject: [nabs-l] Personal characteristics and traits of successful blind
> people
>
> Hi all,
>
> I'm working on a research paper, and would like to hear what you think.
> Obviously there are external factors such as accessibility barriers, social
> and attitudinal barriers and so on that affect a blind person's likelihood
> of success in life.  But if we focus on personal characteristics for a
> moment, what do you think are some personal characteristics that can help a
> blind person succeed, or ask in a different way, what characteristics and
> behavior traits do successful blind people around you exhibit? And what
> makes you cite these traits?
> For example, some have rightly pointed out that a sense of curiosity and
> exploration is key, both curiosity to explore one's physical surrounding,
> intellectual curiosity to explore different subjects and career
> possibilities, and so on. Others have also pointed out having the courage
> to
> be different is important as a blind person.
> What else do you think are important characteristics or behavior traits?
> Hope to hear lots of diverse views on this.
> Thanks!
>
> Best,
> Phil
>
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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