It is so easy for us to talk with others who are blind. Often, many of the same interests are shared. For many, finding a place of our own in which we feel we can contribute with sighted people is difficult. The lack of sight or limited vision on our part becomes an almost insurmountable barrier neither side seems able to get beyond. We try everything to put those with vision at ease. Humor doesn’t work; honesty fails to break down the barrier. We long for a place of acceptance and inclusion that will go beyond the evening of which we are a part. We want to contribute and become friends. What efforts have you made to break down these walls? How successful have you been? What has worked for you? If you are at a meeting or gathering, how do you end up a part of things instead of in a corner waiting for food or someone to talk to? At what point do you attempt conversation with those around you? Does it fall flat? How do you make it work? Is there some special way you handle food or drink? Do you sacrifice either in order to be a part of the gathering? Do you study an organization ahead of time so you may know better what you can contribute? How do you determine when and if it is appropriate to offer your special skills without being pushy? How do you encourage sighted people to trust your abilities? Is there some way in which you have gone the extra mile to begin this process of connection? Have you taken the initiative in getting beyond the discussion of blindness and how have you done it successfully? Have you familiarized yourself with visual areas of interest for the purpose of making communication in a situation with sighted people easier? Have you taken advice from sighted friends about body language or anything else that helped you fit in more effectively with sighted people? How have you shown your independence in a group situation so they are at ease with you? Is it important to lay groundwork for expectations both sides will respect from the very beginning? In our world, it is true we will need help. How can we offer what we have and get past the perception of helplessness or pity which so often stands in the way of meaningful communication and future relationships? Even when our talents and expertise are respected in a career we have been a part of for many years, we are often left without anyone to talk to in meetings. Have you found ways to break this isolation? On our next meeting of Issues Facing Persons Who Are Blind, we want to hear from you. What works? Come share your challenges, questions, and experiences with us.

Presenter: Bonnie Blose
E-Mail: bookmaven1@frontier.com

Host: Ken metz
E-Mail: kenmetz@dslextreme.com