[blindkid] Introducing your child to new people

[Susan Harper]

I Carly, I have this issue, as my husband is a pastor.  I just say, Vinnie
is blind and that you have to say to him, "Vinnie, Carly here, glad to meet
you!" and let him touch you hand.  This is a long process if there are many
people, but it is worth it to let help the child orient to new people.
 Sometimes, I say, "Vinnie, I want you to meet Carly, Carly say hello to
Vinnie."  This helps with voice recognition.  We had to teach people to come
up to Vinnie and say, "Carly is here Vinnie".  You will decide what words
you want to use.  The most important thing is to be consistent.  This has
worked for us.  Hope this helps.Blessings,
Sue H.

On Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 2:20 PM, Carly <e400clb at yahoo.com> wrote:

> I am wondering if any of you could offer some pointers about how you
> introduce your blind child to new people, particularly in a social setting
> where there are lots of people? For instance, in visiting a new church. How
> do you introduce your child to new adults and new children? How do you
> direct your child to respond? My son will often "ignore" the greetings of
> other people. He is low vision, and he will buzz around a room, putting his
> face 2 inches from each table and toy to examine it, rushing past people
> without acknowledging their presence. The Sunday school teacher asks me if
> he needs anything special. I tell her that she can encourage him to sit
> close to the front if there is a story or movie, but otherwise, that she
> should not allow him to do anything the other kids aren't allowed to do, and
> to expect him to do what they do (to not fail to participate). However, I
> feel like I'm missing a lot in terms of offering direction to him and to
> them.
>  Also, to the other children who stare at his dark glasses and cane. I want
> to be able to offer some reassurance that their curiosity is fine, and what
> this is all about. Suggestions greatly appreciated! Thanks! :) Carolynn
>
>
>
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