[nabs] social techniques for crowds and events

Fri Oct 14 13:21:01 EDT 2011

Ashley, 

I can’t always get everything, but if there is a speaker at a government event they are still supposed to send you all the materials in alternative formats. Some events you have to register for, and others you know what organization is sponsoring the event, so you can ask them. I bug them to get the materials from the speaker. If it is a government organization , and they don’t provide materials in alternative format, then I ask them to provide a reader/scribe to read everything to me. They don’t always like to do this so they usually send me the materials electronically. If they don’t send me the materials after I have asked a couple of times, then I politely remind them that they are legally responsible to do so. 

Here’s some examples of how to carry all the food.  If possible wear an outfit that has pockets in it. If any of the drinks are in a bottle or a cup that has a lid, you can put it in your  pocket to carry it. Or put the drink on your plate, and then put your food around it, so you can carry your food and drink in one hand. 

Ann 

From: nabs-bounces at acb.org [mailto:nabs-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf Of Ashley Bramlett
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2011 11:20 AM
To: Discussion list for NABS, National Alliance of Blind Students.
Subject: Re: [nabs] social techniques for crowds and events

Hi,

I’ll probably ask for accessible handouts if I can. But I don’t always know the leader; and often other members speak up at events or meetings, so it’s not like the leader can give you the info all the time, even if they know you need it, because they don’t have it. Example a guest speaker may bring in their own visuals or write on the board. If they write something, I’ll asksomeone to read it to me during pauses or a break.

Government should give you accessible handouts. But in reality that doesn’t happen. I was attending a training seminar with army publishing directorate in both summers I worked there. They passed out a packet of papers. I took one like everyone else as I always do whether in a class or whatever. I asked at the end for copies of the handouts and they never got them to me. I think I ended up scanning them at home. I still participated by listening and someone described the picture to me for one exercise so I felt included despite not seeing the packet of papers;; but this was in a group I knew—a group of coworkers and others in otdifferent nearby offices. I don’t know i f the same acceptance would be there in other stranger groups; I would hope so as we are adults.

I was invited to disability mentoring day held next wednesday for an EEO office of customs and borders. I requested electronic handouts in text format but did not get them yet. I’m hopeful she’ll send them Monday or tuesday. But given inaccessibility in the government of online sites, databases, and training and the fact that they’re probably doing a hundred things at the last minute for the event, I wonder if I’ll got those materials.

I’m making the most of it either way and am glad to meet the staff for informal interviews afterward.

This is a structured event where you need to socialize and take notes from the presentation and I do not know anyone. There is likely food mid morning for us. I will ask for help with that. 

Have any of you managed to carry a plate of food, a drink and a cane at the same time? I need three hands!

If they don’t give me the handouts, I’ll politely ask again. But more importantly IMO is to present a positive, confident image of myself so I’ll be asked back for a job. That’s easier said than done in an unfamiliar crowd and place.

Ashley

From: Ann Pimley <mailto:apomerai at verizon.net>  

Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 11:59 PM

To: 'Discussion list for NABS, National Alliance of Blind Students.' <mailto:nabs at acb.org>  

Subject: Re: [nabs] social techniques for crowds and events

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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