[Ncabs] I need your help

Fri Dec 7 04:17:05 UTC 2012

Hi, all,

The one misconception I have on my mind is we are not invisible. Stop
talking to us in the third person; we are right here.
Daria

On 12/6/12, Cindy Bennett <clb5590 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Great idea! Here are a bunch of mine. And, if you want a good what to
> do when you see a blind person list, I think the NFB has one. I know
> that a version was drafted at BLIND, Inc., and I could get it if you
> wish. I'm glad that you're doing this, and I think it will bring forth
> some great discussion!
>
> If you see me using a white cane, and if I am not following the
> straightest/most efficient path, or if I do not engage in direct eye
> contact, please do not assume that I have lessened cognitive
> abilities. I may, and I may not. Please do not speak to me
> unreasonably loudly or use endearing terms such as "sweetheart" and
> "honey." I am a competent adult, and I would prefer to be addressed as
> such. We have all learned not to judge people by their appearance.
>
> My hearing does not compare to that of a superhero.
>
> If you feel that I may need help or if there is visual information
> that I may wish to know about, please ask me, with verbal language, if
> I would like help or to know such information. Getting my attention by
> physically grabbing me is inappropriate and I may think that you are a
> dangerous person.
>
> If you do ask me if I need help, and if I say no, please do not get
> offended. You probably could be very helpful, but I am making the
> choice to figure out something on my own, and I would prefer if that
> choice was respected. I would award you the same respect.
>
> I am not offended by certain language such as the word "blind" or
> "see." I am blind, and if others have other opinions, then they will
> correct you. Also, I "watch" TV and I "look" at the sunset, not
> "listen." I prefer to use words that align with the rest of society.
>
> My dog is not a compass. I direct it where to go; it does not direct me.
>
> I have interests just like you. Not all of us are weirdly obsessed
> with the stereotypes you see in the movies such as music, massage
> therapy, or guide dogs. If someone does like these things, it is
> doubtful that blindness is the sole reason for such a fascination.
>
> Yes, I am a blind guy, but I am aware that my partner is attractive.
> In fact, that may have been one of the things that drew me to him/her.
> So please don't "let me know" as a stranger in public. That might make
> him/her or both of us uncomfortable. We all have strategies for
> knowing if people are physically attractive or intelligent regardless
> of the presence of sight. And no, for guys especially, it is not by
> inappropriately touching women and blaming it on blindness like you
> see in the movies.
>
> Helen Keller is not my hero. I respect the role that she played in our
> society, but I look up to a lot of other famous people who were/are
> not blind.
>
> I may have blind friends, but I also enjoy interacting with all types of
> people.
>
> My abilities are not limited to intellect. Some blind people are quite
> talented tradesmen, and I am happy to get my hands dirty along with
> everyone else if the job that needs to be done requires physical
> labor.
>
> If I am hanging out with a sighted person, they are not my "worker."
> We are just friends who hang out like everyone else. Sometimes, my
> friend might help me with something, but I assist them as well.
>
> There are a variety of alternative techniques that I incorporate into
> my work. So when I apply for a job, please do not look for the reasons
> why I may not be able to do the job that have to do with blindness and
> immediately dismiss me as a candidate. I would not waste your time
> applying for something I could not foresee myself doing, so try to
> break away from your fears of unfamiliarity and get to know how I do
> things. You never know, some of my techniques might be helpful for
> sighted people too.
>
> If you treat me with respect, I am happy to answer any questions you
> have about blindness. I enjoy educating people. I probably don't have
> an hour to stop and talk in the street though. So if you really want
> to get to know me, then introduce yourself, and maybe we can get
> coffee. And, as much as I can teach you about not only blindness, but
> about myself, I'm sure you'll have plenty to contribute about yourself
> that I can learn as well. There is no set manual for how to interact
> with blind people nor should there be. We are just people. We just
> want the basic respect that you would award anyone else.
>
> Cindy
>
> On 12/6/12, Currin, Kevin <kwcurrin at live.unc.edu> wrote:
>> Hello fellow blind students of North Carolina,
>>
>> As some of you may remember, I am trying to put together a presentation
>> to
>> give to sighted people about blindness. I want to get as much good
>> information as I can from as many people as possible. Therefore, I would
>> greatly appreciate it if each of you could write down a misconception
>> that
>> you think sighted people have about blind people (or blindness in
>> general)
>> and tell me on the call. If you cannot make the call, please email me
>> your
>> ideas.
>>
>> A few examples that I have are:
>> Just because someone uses a cane doesn't mean that they are totally
>> blind.
>> There are different levels of blindness.
>> Blind people don't walk around feeling bad about being blind all the
>> time.
>>
>> These are just a few of mine.
>>
>> Thanks and happy studying,
>>
>> Kevin
>>
>>
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>
>
> --
> Cindy Bennett
> B.A. Psychology, UNC Wilmington
>
> clb5590 at gmail.com
>
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