[Ohio-talk] FW: COMs 4110- Reflection Submission

Fri Apr 27 19:43:13 UTC 2018

Wow, that is really powerful - both from the perspective of the author, and
for the professor who made the difference in this person's life. Thank you
Jw for sharing.

Best Regards,
Sheri Albers, Vice President
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
513.886.8697
Sheri.albers87 at gmail.com

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

-----Original Message-----
From: Ohio-Talk [mailto:ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Smith, JW
via Ohio-Talk
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2018 1:27 PM
To: NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List (ohio-talk at nfbnet.org)
Cc: Smith, JW
Subject: [Ohio-talk] FW: COMs 4110- Reflection Submission

It is the end of our semester here and one of my final assignments in one of
my classes is to write a final reflection paper on a topic that we have
covered.

I thought that I would share the reflection of one of my better students as
I think that some of you will find it to be both encouraging and satisfying
as we continue to impact how people see blindness and visual impairment in
our society.

Read on below and enjoy as I did while grading it!

jw

Dr. jw Smith
School of Communication Studies
Scripps College of Communication
Ohio University
Schoonover Center, Rm. 401
Athens, OH 45701
smithj at ohio.edu<mailto:smithj at ohio.edu>
T: 740-593-4838

If you see someone today without a smile, why don't you give them one of
yours?

My Bio<http://www.ohiocommstudies.com/people/smith/>

Check out some of my music here<https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jwsmith22>

From: Rich, Danielle
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2018 9:15 PM
To: Smith, JW <smithj at ohio.edu>
Subject: COMs 4110- Reflection Submission

Hi Dr. Smith,

Below is my reflection paper. Thank you for a wonderful semester! I truly
enjoyed your class, and am extremely glad I took your course.

All the best,

Danielle

Danielle Rich

Dr. Smith

COMS 4110

25 April 2018

Reflection Paper

            Societal perception both drives and inhibits what individuals
believe they have the capacity to do. Throughout the duration of life, the
opinions of others, especially on a community level, alters the actions that
one chooses, or not chooses, to take. This phenomenon is particularly
relevant for those with disabilities, principally within the blind
community.  Society has a knack for de-normalizing those that do not align
with the cultural standard. To many, those with disabilities are incomplete
and helpless. Those without disabilities are quick to take pity on those
that do have disabilities, without having the capacity to realize that those
people are comfortable in their own skin. Within his work, "Practicing Law
as a Blind Lawyer: What It Takes," Scott LaBarre outlines the misconceptions
individuals hold towards what those with disabilities are able to achieve.
LaBarre is a distinguished, blind lawyer, who has worked on a plethora of
unique and beneficial legal cases. Throughout the following pages, LaBarre's
work will be utilized to counter the stereotypes towards the blind
community.

            This semester, our class studied and discussed various elements
pertaining to individuals with disabilities. However, there was one
predominant theme that appeared within the confines of each conversation.
Those without disabilities are notorious for doubting those with
disabilities. To my dismay, I, too, and guilty of this. We may attempt to
overcompensate by offering to lend a helping hand when it is not needed, or
by incessantly asking if they do need help. For this reason, I chose to
write my reflection on LaBarre's work. Upon graduation, I am attending law
school. Prior to reading LaBarre's piece, I had not considered the
possibility of an individual with a disability entering the legal realm. I
believe that there is a stereotype in the professional world against those
that have disabilities, and that those that society deems outside the norm.
Thus, when reading his work, I perceived the misconceptions that many
individuals hold. LaBarre is capable of defending, arguing and winning
cases, and excels within his practice. His dedication to his career and to
overcoming challenges is explicated as he states, "The key element for being
a successful blind lawyer is a positive attitude and confidence in yourself
as a blind person. You must believe that you can be effective and competent
as any sighted lawyer. The only true limits placed on you are those dictated
by your ability, imagination, and willingness" (LaBarre 133). I believe that
he is an amazing example not only for the blind community, but for anyone
who feels as though stigmatization prevents them from achieving their
aspirations.

            Similar to other course materials, the themes presented within
LaBarre's work coincided with additional course material. In the film, At
First Sight, the story of Virgil, is depicted. When Virgil's girlfriend,
Amy, learned that he was blind, she was surprised. As Virgil was attractive,
educated and employed, his blindness did not occur to her. Both Amy and his
sister attempted to overcompensate and to protect him, which irked Virgil.
Both LaBarre's work and Virgil's story depicted the most prominent theme
within our course- the need for autonomy. Independence is vital for
self-esteem and self-efficacy. Without autonomy, individuals feel seemingly
helpless. Within the film, Virgil injured himself and grew infuriated when
his sister kept insisting that she help him. When discussing how he may
travel for work, LaBarre explains, "I will not and do not bring my legal
assistant if the only purpose for doing so is being guided" (134). Similar
to other adults, those with disability to do want to be treated differently
based on one factor.

LaBarre's statements made his work extremely effective. He exhibited how he,
working against the norm, earned his JD, and competitively practices in the
field of law. From his work, and also from additional materials, my
worldview of those with disabilities has dramatically shifted. When we
ventured around campus blindfolded, I was initially horrified. I was flooded
with concern that I would trip, and I was shaken due to the fact that I was
unaware as to where I was. However, with time, I grew slightly frustrated. I
did not like having to depend upon Halle, my partner, to guide me around
campus. I felt as though by her leading me, I lost a degree of my freedom
and independence. No amount of class discussions or readings could make me
feel the way that our in-class activity did. It is sometimes difficult to
learn how to act appropriately until you are on the other side. Those
without disabilities believe that they are doing an individual with a
disability a service by aiding them. Holding a door, providing directions,
or leading them across the street are seemingly minute actions, but directly
diminish the sense of their independence. Like those without disabilities,
people do not want to be belittled or aided without request. This experience
resonated with the content in LaBarre's essay. When on business trips, he
does not want the help of a guide unless it is absolutely necessary. He has
found means to compensate for his blindness, and does not allow it to deter
him from providing immaculate legal defense and counsel. LaBarre preps and
reads by utilizing Braille, and works as timely as an individual with
vision. Throughout the duration of the semester, the central focus has been
that individuals with disabilities are just as capable as those without.
LaBarre not only encompasses this narrative, but proves that a disability
does not define you.

The stories, narratives, and discussions have significantly altered my
perspective. Oftentimes, it is easy to ignore and overlook situations that
are not particularly relevant to us. As I do not have an individual with a
disability in my interpersonal network, the information presented to me
throughout the semester was fairly new. Studying the courtesy rules,
listening to TED Talks, and reading articles as LaBarre's provided me with a
heightened degree of insight I previously did not have. LaBarre's work
embodied the fact that disabilities are not a defining factor, and that
those with them do not have to be outside of the societal norm. On an ending
note, I have truly enjoyed the presented material this semester. Throughout
my tenure at Ohio University, it has been quite rare for me to learn
information that I will carry with me for life. However, the knowledge I
gained within this class is quite unforgettable. In my future career, I look
forward to the prospect of working alongside an individual similar to
LaBarre. It is my hope that one day, the cyclical pattern of stigmatization
towards those with disabilities will be broken.

Danielle Rich

Ohio University '18

Chi Omega Fraternity | Career & Personal Development Director

Industrial-Organizational Psychology Research Assistant

Phi Alpha Delta | Pre-Law Fraternity

Psi Chi | International Honors Society for Psychology

Associate Justice | Ohio University Student Government
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