[nabs-l] Regarding Another Blind Student on Campus

[Arielle Silverman]

Hi Vejas,
You mentioned that this student uses a cane at night. I think this is
a positive sign that he has already received some training and is
willing to at least consider using nonvisual skills some of the time.
He may simply not know about VoiceOver or not realize how effective it
is. I am not sure if he would need to go to a training center just to
learn VoiceOver and related skills.
It also sounds like you already know him well enough that he's told
you about his difficulties using his phone in the sun. If you are
going to see him again, perhaps the next time he complains about the
sunlight, you could casually mention that you use VoiceOver on your
phone and ask him if he has ever tried using it. If he hasn't, this
will give you the chance to teach him some basics. If he has, you can
listen to his response to figure out if perhaps he has a misconception
about VoiceOver that you could clear up for him, or if he has a
legitimate reason for not using it.
Generally my approach is not to preach about nonvisual techniques
uninvited, but to casually bring them up if somebody complains about
the problems they are having using visual techniques.
Best, Arielle


On 11/19/16, Lizzy via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi Vejas,
> 	I still agree with Kennedy's first assertion though.
> Definitely don't approach your fellow student in a "this is
> what you should do" kind of way or even in a "this is what I
> do" sort of way.  Just be yourself and do you.  When he sees
> what you're doing and how you're living life, trust me,
> he'll ask for advice.  You could slip your time at LCB or
> something about a training center into the conversation once
> or twice if it seems fitting just to test his initial
> reaction.  But definitely don't lead with that foot.
> Everyone is at different points in their readiness to accept
> blindness and blindness skills so I think the best way to
> get him thinking about training is to show him that you have
> the confidence to take charge and live the life you want
> thanks to an NFB training center.  The reason I give this
> advice is because I don't think I'd like a perfect stranger
> telling me what they think is best for me when they don't
> even know my personal situation.  So during your lunch, I'd
> advise you to get to know him before you give him advice.
> Even if it is coming from a good place, he may not view it
> as such...  And the last thing you want to do is push him
> away from training.
> HTH,
> Lizzy
>
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