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

[Marianne Denning]

I think this is an important question.  There are ways to use both her 
remaining vision and nonvisual techniques.  There are several needle 
threaders that can help her thread the sewing machine needle.  I prefer a 
floss needle threader for this if it will work in the machine.  She can use 
an envelope or small piece of white paper slid behind the needle to help her 
see the needle.  It is important to experiment with different options.  A 
rehabilitation teacher could have several great ideas about sewing.

Marianne Denning
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Morman, Ed" <EMorman at nfb.org>
To: <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2010 8:33 AM
Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] blind child with residual vision in a 
sewingclass


> 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)
>
>
>
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