Using Face Book to Inform – I’m Blind
Explaining my sight loss to old friends and acquaintances has never been an easy task. In the months following my surgery I had many experiences with this. Some didn’t go as well as I hoped. There were several people who just couldn’t take the news. I imagine they believed I would become a different person. I didn’t realize the conversation explaining my blindness would be our last.
Recently I had a chance to reconnect with a past manager who I think greatly influenced my work style. I considered her an early mentor who gave me several opportunities that directly impacted my career. It took me a while to reach out and call her. I was pretty sure she had already heard about my sight loss through our network of former co workers. I have a lot of respect for this person and it would have really bothered me if my blindness now became my dominant characteristic.
It was great not only to speak with her, but to realize that although she heard the news she was still interested in supporting my career and the things I am capable of accomplishing. That’s a big difference from those who immediately question what I will “be able” to do. I don’t blame anyone for such a reaction, it stems from our ignorance of disability. However, here’s a concept, let’s focus on abilities and potential.
Maybe I’m pushing this social media thing but, can Face Book and similar social apps be a tool to aid this process?
Here’s the concept:
My assumption is that anyone I friend request or friend requests me on FB would visit my profile to answer the natural questions.
- What does he look like now? Sighted folks seem to always be concerned with that! 🙂 Okay, I still find myself asking that question too!
- Does he have kids?
- Ooh, I hope he’s available? Sorry, I just threw that in there for the ego!
So, I updated my Face Book profile to reflect some of the work I have been doing as an advocate for blindness related issues. I pointed to this blog for individual’s to get an eyeful/earful of what I have been about for the past few years. All of that to say, I am blind and I’m still the same T.Reid. If you’re good with that, then holla, otherwise peace!