O T: Meeting the sighted (humor)

[Charles Hallenbeck]

What To Do When You Meet A Sighted Person!

People who use their eyes to receive information about the world are called
sighted people or "people who are sighted." Legal "sight" means any visual
acuity greater then 20/200 in the better eye without correction or an angle
of vision wider than 20 degrees. Sighted people enjoy rich full lives,
working, playing, and raising families. They run businesses, hold public
office, and teach your children!

How do Sighted People Get Around?
People who are sighted may walk or ride public transportation, but most
choose to travel long distances by operating their own motor vehicles. They
have gone through many hours of training to learn the "rules of the road" in
order to further their independence. Once that road to freedom has been
mastered, sighted people earn a legal classification and a "Driver's
License" which allows them to operate a private vehicle safely and
independently.

How Do You Assist A Sighted Person?
Sighted people are accustomed to viewing the world in visual terms. This
means that in many situations, they will not be able to communicate orally
and may resort to pointing or other gesturing. Subtle facial expressions may
also be used to convey feelings in social situations.  Calmly alert the
sighted person to his surroundings by speaking slowly, in a normal tone of
voice. Questions directed at the sighted person help focus attention back on
the verbal rather than visual communication. At times, sighted people may
need help finding things, especially when operating a motor vehicle. Your
advance knowledge of routes and landmarks, particularly bumps in the road,
turns, and traffic lights, will assist the "driver" in finding the way
quickly and easily. Your knowledge of building layouts can also assist the
sighted person in navigating complex shopping malls, and offices.  Sighted
people tend to be very proud and will not ask directly for assistance. Be
gentle yet firm.

How Do Sighted People Use Computers?
The person who is sighted relies exclusively on visual information. His or
her attention span fades quickly when reading long texts. Computer
information is presented in a "Graphical User Interface" or GUI.
coordination of hands and eyes is often a problem for sighted people, so the
computer mouse, a handy device that slides along the desk top, saves
confusing keystrokes. With one button, the sighted person can move around
his or her computer screen quickly and easily. People who are sighted are
not accustomed to synthetic speech and may have great difficulty
understanding even the clearest synthesizer. Be patient and prepared to
explain many times how your computer equipment works.

How Do Sighted People Read?
Sighted people read through a system called "Print" this is a series of
images drawn in a two dimensional plain.  People who are sighted generally
have a poorly developed sense of touch.  Braille is completely foreign to
the sighted person and he or she will take longer to learn the code and be
severely limited by his or her existing visual senses.  Sighted people
cannot function well in low lighting conditions and are generally completely
helpless in total darkness. Their homes are usually very brightly lit at
great expense, as are businesses that cater to the sighted consumer.

How Can I Support A Sighted Person?
People who are sighted do not want your charity. They want to live, work,
and play along with you. The best thing you can do to support sighted people
in your community is to open yourself to their world. These people are vital
contributing members to society. Take a sighted person to lunch today!"


-- 
The Moon is Waning Crescent (34% of Full)
So visit me at http://www.valstar.net/~hallenbeck