[acb-hsp] ice breakers and topics for facilitatingsomeadjustmentto vision loss groups

[Linda Samulski]

Hello:
 When I was  the transition counselor at the Center for the Blind in San
Diego, I ran peer support groups all of the time. I really enjoyed it.

I would always try to size up the groups a little before  starting by
introducing myself, and figuring out whether the group was more
introverted or extroverted.
Sometimes if I felt the group was progressive, I would have them
introduce the people who were sitting beside them. They were given about
twenty minutes or so to get to know their partner beside them.    One of
the first questions I would ask them is "what did they do before going
on   this journey  of vision loss. What kind of work, or hobbies did
they enjoy?  How might they re-adapt that activity so they could
continue to do it or something similar, or what would they like to learn
that is  different

I would give them an assignment that they would have to tell the group
about a movie they listened to, or a book or news report. For those who
didn't really want to talk, I would ask simple and gentle  open ended
questions.
Of course, they always enjoyed talking about themselves, and some of
them would come to the blindness part and then get lost or depressed,
but we always ended on a positive note with hope

Over the next few group sessions, they all had to come up with a
project, it could be going shopping visiting an exercise program, or
something to help the center, or whatever they chose. They had to get
outside themselves and give back somewhere. Ultimately, they all had to
come with their own personal project, or goals.  Some because they were
chronically ill, or too disabled, might come up with reading a book a
month, or calling someone every day to encourage them.
Others came up with steps for a plan to either go to work, or volunteer,
go to school, or some recreational program they could transition to.
Just thought I'd share as this was such a fun time for me to watch
people grow and adjust to their blindness.

Regards, 


Linda Samulski

Outreach and Student Services Coordinator




PO Box 1692, Palm Springs, CA 92263
Phone: 760.329.6257 - Fax: 760.329.2866


Mission Statement:  Guide Dogs of the Desert improves the lives of the
blind by creating opportunities 
for life-changing independence, and by conducting community and outreach
programs.

 

 


-----Original Message-----
From: acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf
Of peter altschul
Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2013 10:57 AM
To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals
Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ice breakers and topics for
facilitatingsomeadjustmentto vision loss groups

Hi:

For what it's worth, I hate icebreakers unless they are directly 
related to the work being done.

I am also not a fan of setting time limits, although they are 
sometimes necessary.  Generally, if people believe they have some 
control about what they're learning, complaining decreases - 
amazing how this works.

Best, Peter

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