Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How do you navigate social events? (self.Blind)
submitted by Chaserly
Hi,
I’m looking for advice on navigating social events.
If you’re blind and can’t see, do you just wait for people to approach you? Do you wait to hear your name?
In instances like networking events, baby showers, receptions, etc... there can be many people moving around. What do you do if you can’t see anyone?
I’m looking for advice on navigating social events.
If you’re blind and can’t see, do you just wait for people to approach you? Do you wait to hear your name?
In instances like networking events, baby showers, receptions, etc... there can be many people moving around. What do you do if you can’t see anyone?
matt_may 8 points 4y ago
I stand and people talk to me and bring me things. It's horrible.
Chaserly [OP] 3 points 4y ago
This is how I feel about it.
multi-instrumental 4 points 4y ago
Stand in the middle of the room and scream, "Please come over and talk to me!!".
It's super effective.
It's super effective.
Chaserly [OP] 3 points 4y ago
Will do lol.
I’ll definitely get more attention, if me hitting everyone with my cane didn’t give me enough.
I’ll definitely get more attention, if me hitting everyone with my cane didn’t give me enough.
Gemstone2810 1 points 4y ago
I'm sorry but this made me laugh so hard
HDMILex 3 points 4y ago
You go up to people and fucking talk to them. Don't be "that blind guy standing in the corner".
This is actually a really good question. I used to use Aira to figure out what people are doing, describe the people around me etc until I figured out talking on the phone while actually connecting with people offline isn't exactly the easiest, most focused and smartest idea. Your mileage may vary, however.
This is actually a really good question. I used to use Aira to figure out what people are doing, describe the people around me etc until I figured out talking on the phone while actually connecting with people offline isn't exactly the easiest, most focused and smartest idea. Your mileage may vary, however.
aaronespinozaca 1 points 4y ago
Can you tell me more about how you use to use Aira in social situations. That's a great way to use it. Also what you are doing with Aira now?
Chaserly [OP] 1 points 4y ago
I read the first part and was like, “wow this person is really mean” haha.
I haven’t heard of Aira until you mentioned it. It’s a nice technology and the idea behind it seems cool BUT... not sure how I feel about it, it’d be a major invasion of privacy (not that I care, but others might). If it was a family member then I’d might be more open to it. Plus my job will never allow it.
I haven’t heard of Aira until you mentioned it. It’s a nice technology and the idea behind it seems cool BUT... not sure how I feel about it, it’d be a major invasion of privacy (not that I care, but others might). If it was a family member then I’d might be more open to it. Plus my job will never allow it.
CloudyBeep 1 points 4y ago
In some circumstances, it might be better than a family member because Aira agents are trained to provide really good descriptions, and you don't have to worry about bothering family members when you need help—the help is negotiated entirely around your schedule.
Type_ya_name_here 2 points 4y ago
Finding yourself in the thick of it, middle of the room, meeting new friends and stuff usually solves this problem.
If you ‘look’ blind it’ll help you with making a connection. If you don’t then...we’ll I guess you’ll also be fine since there’s a good reason you’re there.
This. is a good question for my blind parenting blog.
If you ‘look’ blind it’ll help you with making a connection. If you don’t then...we’ll I guess you’ll also be fine since there’s a good reason you’re there.
This. is a good question for my blind parenting blog.
Chaserly [OP] 1 points 4y ago
I was thinking this... if I look blind enough then it should be ok. Which means I’ll probably have to wear sunglasses and stuff.
oncenightvaler 1 points 4y ago
First, I try to always go to events with people. When that doesn't happen or can't happen I try to gauge the size of the gathering before I go (this includes size of room + # of people present)
Secondly: this was not included in your query but it should be how am I getting to and from the event?
Once at the event I usually look for the nearest chair or get someone to help me along to it. I then fold up my cane politely and look like I am looking around so I can greet people, this includes having my palm ready to shake hands and just having a friendly well presented warm vibe about me.
I usually can manage from here but if not the best possible advice is to ask if you are unclear what is happening or where most of the people at the event are located.
Secondly: this was not included in your query but it should be how am I getting to and from the event?
Once at the event I usually look for the nearest chair or get someone to help me along to it. I then fold up my cane politely and look like I am looking around so I can greet people, this includes having my palm ready to shake hands and just having a friendly well presented warm vibe about me.
I usually can manage from here but if not the best possible advice is to ask if you are unclear what is happening or where most of the people at the event are located.
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