O T: Meeting the sighted (humor)

[Charles Hallenbeck]

I got this from a friend today and thought it worth sharing -- I
had not seen it before. Good suggestion for expansion.


On Wed, 30 Oct 2002, Janina Sajka wrote:

> This is old, but always fun to come across again.
>
> I have a suggested addition ...
>
> Remember that sighted people are usually unaware of things they can't readily see. For example, they tend to not know
> much about what's immediately behind them. So, try to stand directly in front of them if you want their undivided
> attention.
>
> Charles Hallenbeck writes:
> > From: Charles Hallenbeck <hallenbeck at valstar.net>
> >
> > 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
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Speakup mailing list
> > Speakup at braille.uwo.ca
> > http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>
>

-- 
The Moon is Waning Crescent (30% of Full)
So visit me at http://www.valstar.net/~hallenbeck