[Nfb-krafters-korner] blind child with residual vision in a sewing class

[Morman, Ed]

Howdy, list members.  This is Ed Morman, of the tenBroek Library at the
Jernigan Institute in Baltimore.

 

I'm temporarily joining this list in order to get suggestions for a
response to a reference question we received at the library.

 

Patti Johnson, a TVI in Florida, recently sent me this question:

 

Hi!  I teach VI students and I have a 10 grader, with albinism/ legally
blind, who is taking a sewing class.  Could I please have articles, to
give to her reg. ed. teacher, who is quite afraid of having her fully
integrated into her packed sewing class?  Thanks!  PJ


In response, I suggested she read the piece about learning sewing that
Ramona Walhof published in a Kernel Book a few years ago.  I also asked
for advice from Natalie Shaheen, who is a member of the Jernigan
Institute's education team.  Here's what Natalie wrote:

I think the literature Ed passed on will be helpful. The most important
thing in this situation is to make sure the classroom teacher knows the
nonvisual techniques used by blind people to sew. If your student uses
these techniques she shouldn't have trouble keeping up with the class.
However, if the student tries to use her limited vision she will
struggle a great deal. I speak from experience as a blind person. On at
least two occasions I was forced to learn to sew something for a class
or club. I didn't know any blind people when I was a kid so I did things
the only way I knew how-visually. I ended up doing very little of the
sewing independently and didn't enjoy any of it because I strained my
eyes so much that I got headaches. I don't know that I would have ever
loved sewing as it's not really my kind of hobby; but the negative
experiences I had as a child left me with no interest in pursuing sewing
as an adult. I can't enlighten you on the alternative techniques
employed by blind people who sew but there are many people in the
federation who could. If you need more information let us know and we
can track down people who love to sew and would be happy to share their
wisdom.

I hope the "krafty" folks out there who sew will be willing to share
their wisdom.  When you reply, please make sure to include Patti as a
recipient.  Her email address is johnspj at bay.k12.fl.us

Many thanks!

 

Cordially,

Ed Morman

Edward T. Morman, MSLS, PhD

Director, Jacobus tenBroek Library

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND JERNIGAN INSTITUTE

200 East Wells Street

   at Jernigan Place

Baltimore MD 21230

410.659.9314 x2225

410.685.2340 (fax)

 

Promote Access to Science Education for Blind Students

Vote for the NFB Youth Slam in the Pepsi Refresh Project
<http://www.refresheverything.com/nfbyouthslam> , or text 101913 to
Pepsi (73774)

 

 

Cordially,

Ed Morman

Edward T. Morman, MSLS, PhD

Director, Jacobus tenBroek Library

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND JERNIGAN INSTITUTE

200 East Wells Street

   at Jernigan Place

Baltimore MD 21230

410.659.9314 x2225

410.685.2340 (fax)

 

Promote Access to Science Education for Blind Students

Vote for the NFB Youth Slam in the Pepsi Refresh Project
<http://www.refresheverything.com/nfbyouthslam> , or text 101913 to
Pepsi (73774)