[nfbcs] You are amazing

[Robert Jaquiss]

Hello:

     This topic is more appropriate to the blindkid or pibe-division lists.
A brief answer is that only about 10% of blind children learn braille. There
are an assortment of reasons for this; not enough qualified teachers,
students not given the right amount of instructional time etc.

     I don't often run into the situation you describe, but one time, I was
at the Smithsonian and began reading the braille instriptions on a map to my
sighted friend. I didn't notice, but the area around us got quiet as a
number of people watched the blind man read the map.

Regards,

Robert


-----Original Message-----
From: nfbcs [mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Jolls
Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 5:13 AM
To: nfbcs at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfbcs] You are amazing

I know this is a forum on computer related topics, but I don't know of a
general list where I can post this question, and I wanted to pose this to
other braille readers for an opinion.  If you would prefer that this not be
discussed here, just let me know and I'll take it somewhere else.

 

I am a visually impaired braille reader.  I had my reasons for learning the
skill such as realizing that my vision was terrible and I knew I had to find
some alternate method that might give me better reading speed.  I don't
consider myself a "hero" or anything like that because I read Braille.  It's
just a tool.  I can read print, but I can't read it easily or quickly and I
just needed to try and find another method.  It just so happens that Braille
is a good alternative.  And even though I read Braille, I'm not the fastest
reader.  I'm still working on that one.  

 

That stated, I am amazed at the number of normally sighted people that tell
me "you're so amazing" when they see a sighted (albeit partially
sighted/visually impaired) person reading Braille.  It seems they think that
learning Braille is some superhuman impossible feat akin to climbing Mt.
Everest that they couldn't possibly accomplish ... like it's a skill that
only a select cadre of gurus are capable of learning.  Sometimes I get tired
of hearing the comment, but usually I politely say "thank you" and move on.

 

I'm just wondering if any of you have experienced this, and how you handle
it?  What's your take on why people are so amazed?  It seems logical to me.
Simply put ... when you have problems doing things the conventional way, you
find a method that you can use effectviely.  So what's the big deal?

 

Anybody want to comment?
 		 	   		  
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