[nabs] social techniques for crowds and events

[Ann Pimley]

Ashley, 

If it is a government event I always ask for any handouts or powerpoints to be sent to me days before the event. If it is a non-government group that is open to the public, then I do the same thing. I think the only groups that wouldn’t be required are private clubs, but I am not completely sure.

 

If someone helps me get food, and then wants to seat me I request to be seated next to other people. That way I can get to know them, and join in their conversation. If no one else is sitting down (It is too hard for me to hold my cane, something to drink, and a plate with food), then I sit down and get up as soon as I am done and walk to the sounds of people talking. 

A few times I have just stood still and listened to voices in the room to see if there were any I recognized. Some of these times people came up to me and asked if they could help. You can either strike up a conversation with them, or ask them to help you find someone that you know in the room. 

 

Ann 

 

From: nabs-bounces at acb.org [mailto:nabs-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf Of Ashley Bramlett
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 7:44 PM
To: National Alliance of Blind Students. Discussion list for NABS
Subject: [nabs] social techniques for crowds and events

 

Hi all,

 

When I’m in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people its kind of hard to feel a part of the group initially.

I cannot see familiar faces. I can find a seat with my cane. But breaking the ice to meet people is hard.

Personally I like sitting near the front to see the speaker better with my limited vision, and I can also hear better too. Toward the back of a room, there is more noise and people moving around.

 

What are tips for getting to know people and finding who is there? If it’s totally new, I don’t recognize voices. Do you just say something to a nearby person “hi, how are you? I am {your name} and it’s good to be here.”

How do you deal with slides you cannot see? Do you contact them ahead of time for an alternative format?

When I say structured activity, I mean something where people sit down in a room to hear a speaker, have small group discussions, or see an event.

Some examples:

1. any club activity on campus

2. a religious activity such as bible study

3. a meeting in the community of similar interest people such as a writing club or toastmasters group.

4. a conference

When you have a general crowd, its even harder to know what is happening or find people. Examples are at a game or pep rally or reception.

I’m planning to join some groups soon such as a writer’s club and perhaps a bible study. I might join toastmasters because I like speaking and want to polish my speaking skills. And I’m heading to homecoming too. So I got to wondering tips and how others feel. 

Sometimes I don’t feel included. People might say Ashley, I’ll help you get some food and then proceed to describe it and serve me at the counter. But then after I’m seated they wander off. 

Thanks.

Ashley

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