Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Socializing a middle schooler (self.Blind)
submitted by 96tears
I have a 13 year old student who is fully blind and her grandparents and doctor want her isolated in school or home bound during virus season, which usually lasts for months during the school year. She is deprived of friends in public school due in part to these lengthy absences, though she is mainstreamed. She isn't interested in the school clubs available (especially if it means modifying the activities) but likes foreign languages, reading and robotics/technology. She doesn't go to the lunchroom or recess due to noise. With such a small bubble around her of adult interaction and students who move on quickly and form their own cliques, what could I do with other kids and her to get her more included without making everyone feel obligated to socialize? What about when she's not in school? Is there an online space that might be appropriate for her alternatively?
I'm reaching out here because I have fewer options than what educational literature would suggest to me and I'm not versed on social media for the blind. Any advice or ideas would help, or just a personal experience story. Thank you.
I'm reaching out here because I have fewer options than what educational literature would suggest to me and I'm not versed on social media for the blind. Any advice or ideas would help, or just a personal experience story. Thank you.
estj136 7 points 5y ago
Wwow! Sounds very unfortunate. Is there a good reason she’s kept at home for virus season? It sounds very nonsensical really. What does she have with the noise? I find to be a poor excuse. If your sighted student doesn’t like noise they still have to go to the crowded area right? I think people are babying her too much. I see no reason for her isolation when she is in school. She is choosing such isolation. Maybe try to get her in to a language club or group or a robotic activity?
I think she is making excuses whilst at school, maybe learnt from her doctors or guardians and it shouldn’t be encouraged. I work well in crowds. A blind person can do that well.
I think she is making excuses whilst at school, maybe learnt from her doctors or guardians and it shouldn’t be encouraged. I work well in crowds. A blind person can do that well.
96tears [OP] 1 points 5y ago
It really is a cooky situation! Things at school before this season's isolation were frankly out of control and the parent was coming up to school and allowing her not to go to lunchroom despite my disapproval. They say the isolation is necessary due to her reduced lung capacity from a rare syndrome and adrenal disorder; that getting the flu could cause her serious hospitalization. I will continue to request and look into more extracurricular activities for her when she's in school.
estj136 1 points 5y ago
Sounds like a poor excuse. What happens to her in groups? What is her behavior like in class?
I just don’t necessarily know if that’s a appropriate solution. It sounds more like a health issue more a blind issue though. Maybe research that health disorder the lung infection thing and see how others have handled it? If others sighted go the lunchroom in public spaces all the same, then okay, no excuse. I mean sighted or blind honestly that kid would have issues socializing. Have you asked what’s the difference in a classroom and a lunchroom?
I just don’t necessarily know if that’s a appropriate solution. It sounds more like a health issue more a blind issue though. Maybe research that health disorder the lung infection thing and see how others have handled it? If others sighted go the lunchroom in public spaces all the same, then okay, no excuse. I mean sighted or blind honestly that kid would have issues socializing. Have you asked what’s the difference in a classroom and a lunchroom?
KillerLag 3 points 5y ago
Depending on her health, isolation may be necessary. For some diseases, a lung infection could mean a death sentence. Especially if she also has something else that reduces her immune system. I'm not saying that is the case, but that is a possibility.
estj136 2 points 5y ago
This whole thing reminds me a lot of Secret Garden hahaha! There is probably a better solution then this one they are using!
96tears [OP] 1 points 5y ago
She is quiet in class but truly is friendly. In some groupwork this year TA did ok with helping interations so the kids wouldn't think she was selfish. She doesn't want help, to prove her independence, but then that's not group work.
estj136 1 points 5y ago
Ah, I see. That’s good at least that she isn’t completely unsocialized or something. Yeah, I would still encourage involvement or inclusion.
LanceThunder 2 points 5y ago
i'm just spit-balling ideas here but what if they started a creative writing club at the school? she could also learn about computer programming as i believe there are some languages that are accessible but that isn't a very social activity.
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