Category: Let's talk
As the title implies, I would be curious as to how you were successful in higher education (preferably at the Bachelor's level), since this is currently the track I am on. From your perspective, did vocational rehabilitation assist with determining careers before you entered into a degree, or was this responsibility placed squarely on your shoulders? How many times did you switch your major? What age in your life did you experience an identity crisis; in other words, questioned who you were?
Here are some specific challenges that all of us face, yet I struggle with and am hoping to discover answers:
1. When utilizing research databases, which ones do you all find the most accessible?
2. Since many articles are 20 + pages, do you employ some sort of skimming strategy, separating relevant information from the irrelevant?
3. How do you take notes? Do you record your lectures, or just write on a Braille note-taker?
4. If you do record your notes and use HT Professional Recorder, how can you edit these files using an editing software?
5. What are realistic expectations that you set for assistants helping you? I.E. Does he/she run errands, or just help with academics?
What techniques do you use to socialize or fit in?
In your opinion, why do blind persons not succeed in college?
Thanks.
hi, i will try to answer your questions as best as i can.
you wrote As the title implies, I would be curious as to how you were successful
in higher education (preferably at the Bachelor's level), since this is currently
the track I am on.
first of all i took a decision to live out my most ambitious dream. after that i
started to do exactly as you are doing now , finding out what i needed to going
from a, too b and so on, and it was not easy. Sometimes i was down too taking
one day at a time.
you wrote From your perspective, did vocational rehabilitation assist with
determining careers before you entered into a degree, or was this responsibility
placed squarely on your shoulders?
answer…
I knew what i wanted, so it was all up to me to make it happen, i made a few
phone calls to hear if it was realistic, and after a weeks of studying different
homepage to see what others had done i was pretty much set to go,, note
scanner and computers with special programs like windows i had before i
started, so that was not needed.
I guess the longest phone conversation i had was with a head nurse to get her
input. She told me that what i was wanting to do most likely would be very hard
and takes me longer than usual sighted persons, and she was right, know even
if it is hard, it is worth it if you are really burning for it.
you wrote What age in your life did you experience an identity crisis;
answer, i have not had mine yet and i personally doubt i will get one i know
what i want, and even if i don’t get there in one go,, you can aim at your over
all goal and work towards it slowly.
you wrote
2. Since many articles are 20 + pages, do you employ some sort of skimming
strategy, separating relevant information from the irrelevant?
answer.
I usually read pretty fast so i read it all finding out what is relevant and what is
not ,,and sort it out like that, sorry if that was not the answer you was looking
for.
Some times i have had to read more than 4 pages of tekst before i came to the
right chapter, tough shit, that is what bookmarks are for though.
you wrote
3. How do you take notes? Do you record your lectures, or just write on a Braille
note-taker?
answer.
I use textedit on my mac.
No need to making it more complex than it have to be. If you later on have to
convert it into something else later in your education there are programs that
will do just that.
you wrote
5. What are realistic expectations that you set for assistants helping you? I.E.
Does he/she run errands, or just help with academics?
answer
I had help scanning my books, some of them was over 800 pages, so hard to
manage, for the rest i used the net, or got out and bought it. Note i have vision,
so i had that option and it was nice getting out and about after a long day
behind the books.
you wrote
What techniques do you use to socialize or fit in?
answer
i am in doubt what you mean, if you are a whole class going out for a drink, and
you wanna tag along you do just that.
I think girls have a easier time with this but i could be mistaken.
I would imagine if y’all are studying something it is just natural to socialize after
a day at the school?
You will have noticed that i did not answer your last question, there is a cold
and hard reason for this, so i will better hold that one for my self.
I hope that you end up where you wanna be, and remember this, if it was easy,
everyone would do it.
Best
Sandi whole classes usually don't "go out" together. We don't stay with the same people all day like Denmark does. You switch classes, and sometimes you have the same people, or a few of the same in the next class, but often not.
> did vocational rehabilitation assist with determining careers before you entered into a degree, ...
No, they were useless. I discovered computer science on my own, completely by accident.
> 3. How do you take notes? Do you record your lectures, or just write on a Braille note-taker?
I don't. Taking notes = multitasking and I don't multitask. Instead I ask for copies of the professor's slides and/or have another student take notes for me on a computer. Recordings also don't do much good when the professor makes heavy use of the board.
> 5. What are realistic expectations that you set for assistants helping you? I.E. Does he/she run errands, or just help with academics?
I'm not sure I even understand the question because for most of my college career I haven't had any assistants. I certainly didn't have anyone to run errands for me; if I wanted anything done I was on my own.
> What techniques do you use to socialize or fit in?
For most of my time at the university my answer to this question would have been zero techniques. I failed to socialize or fit in at school. I don't learn most voices quickly and for some reason most students find it hard to tell me who they are. A simple "hi Amanda, it's so-and-so" makes a huge difference and costs nothing. I get overwhelmed and don't always hear well at noisy events, so I'm less likely to go if I can't leave when I need to. Events are scattered all over a huge campus and I have no maps, so I couldn't go to most of them if I wanted to. Basically, I only got to know a few people at school and didn't see them regularly. Most of my friends are from outside of school. I get the sense that communication is happening all around me but it's as if that communication is telepathic. I don't have that ability so can't participate.
A weird thing happened last week: another student told me that he and his friend have been purposely taking classes with me for a year because the professors had to include text descriptions of images in their slides for me, and the descriptions helped them learn. That's great, but why didn't anyone ever tell me this? I'd figured what I was doing was either useless or worse than useless.
This semester (my last one) is actually going much better. The CS department finally figured out that I needed help and the disabled office wasn't providing it. The person helping me also treats me like a friend. We don't always just do academics together. We're starting a coding club at the school for the blind. I'm also having some success at the autistic group on campus. I guess one semester before graduation is better than never.
Wanna know something funny? One of my friends just interviewed me for some kind of presentation and asked a lot of the questions you've put here. Perhaps I'll post it once she puts it on YouTube. But until then...
I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I first entered college so required no help from Rehab on that front. Later, I changed my major twice. You want to be careful doing that, because Rehab will only sponsor you for a certain number of semesters. Some counselors are more lenient about that than others, and it's possible to get an extension, but still, be careful (especially if you have no other means of funding school). I experienced what was possibly my biggest identity crisis when I was 19, but it involved religion and sexual orientation and so had nothing to do with my studies.
Research databases: I've always liked Academic Search Premiere. I found I had trouble navigating LexisNexis.
Skimming: I'd suggest either searching for specific key words or just reading the whole thing and taking notes as you go along.
Taking notes: I do mine on my laptop at the moment. I plan on one day owning an Apple device and a keyboard/Braille display, but I'm not there yet. What not to do: Do not take notes on a notetaker whose files can't be instantly and accurately converted to text. I used a Braille Lite for years because it was what I was most comfortable with. Then it died. Luckily, I was able to back up most of my files, but I then had to move them to a computer, run them through Duxbury, make them into text files, and over six months later, I still haven't finished correcting all the stuff Duxbury screwed up. Never again.
Editing recordings: I'll leave that to someone more knowledgeable. lol
Assistants: Huh? What's that? Unless you have an additional disability that necessitates some extra help or are in a position to hire someone, you're probably on your own. Just learn how to do stuff. There will be things that you'll have to have help with, but the less help you have to ask for, the better.
Fitting in: A lot of people are going to feel awkward about approaching or talking to a person with a disability. That's just the hard truth. It is our responsibility to put ourselves out there if we want to be social. That will mean making the first move a lot of the time. I know that's harder for some, but you just have to do it. Find your niche. Colleges have all kinds of student organizations for all kinds of interests, hobbies, and causes, and like-minded people tend to congregate in designated places on campus. For instance, on my campus, there used to be this one certain place where people went to play hacky sack. There are a couple of places where the smokers hang out and a couple more where people are always playing music. It's pretty funny sometimes, actually. Just find your people.
Blind people failing at college: This is one of the most important things I'm going to say. Most blind people, myself included, were sheltered and overprotected. We were never allowed to do chores and so had no sense of discipline or responsibility. We were never allowed to take part-time jobs and therefore had no concept of money. We were just generally not allowed to participate in the real world and so had no concept of how it actually works. In addition, by the time we get to college and are free of all that control, we're so happy to be on our own that we just do whatever we want with no thought to our academic priorities. We spend whatever money we have recklessly. We do not maintain a clean living space. We are socially awkward because we never got to adequately interact with our nondisabled peers. And so we fail our classes. We go into debt. Our roommates move out because they can't stand living with us. And a lot of people steer clear of us. And we fall on our faces and land right back in the controlling and overprotective situation that we wanted so badly to escape. I know this because I experienced all of it. I'm 28 years old, and I'm still paying for academic and financial mistakes I made years ago. I'm pretty sure that a few people I knew back then are now avoiding me because I was such a nightmare to deal with. It took me years to overcome my upbringing, and though I do well enough to live independently and no longer make the mistakes I used to make, there are still areas upon which I could improve. But it was a long, difficult, soul-crushing road to get there, and I promise you that you want no part of it. So do not neglect your studies for any reason. Keep a budget of your finances, and do not spend frivolously. Clean your place. You don't want pests. Take social cues from those you trust. If you feel at all that someone is turned off by your behavior and no one else in your circle of friends does it, then you probably shouldn't do it. I'm not saying that we all should conform to one social norm. By all means, be quirky. But you will learn over time what just isn't ever acceptable for anyone to do or say.
One other very important thing that I want to bring up is this: If a professor, an advisor, or anyone else at your college fails to provide an accommodation that they are legally required to provide, make them do it. Please do not just switch classes. Even if that's what your Disability Office advises you to do, don't do it. It's the easy way out, and it perpetuates discrimination. The day may come when a student has no other choice but to take a professor that has, up to that point, been allowed to keep discriminating because their disabled students just keep switching to a different professor. We have a responsibility to ourselves and those who come after us to hold every single educator accountable for being fair and inclusive.
I hoep this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.
Becky
1. When utilizing research databases, which ones do you all find the most accessible?
I use the library here on campus, though the online system. They have a wealth of ebooks and online journals, thankfully 95% of these are accessible. If I find one that isn't, I email the library in charge of my department, so english and languages, and ask her if she can give me a quick summary. If I think it's useful based on that I'll get someone to transcribe it for me.
2. Since many articles are 20 + pages, do you employ some sort of skimming strategy, separating relevant information from the irrelevant?
Yes, I look at the headings, so, if it's a research paper it will be divided into sections, and I usually take a quick look at the start of each of these. I also go directly to the findings, because these will either support or discredit an argument I'm making.
3. How do you take notes? Do you record your lectures, or just write on a Braille note-taker?
I use a computer, and also sometimes record them. I have the advantage of hearing though. But essentially it's similar to using a braille note taker. I'm also very fortunate that my university gives me someone to take aditional notes for me.
4. If you do record your notes and use HT Professional Recorder, how can you edit these files using an editing software?
I have an olympus dm7. I'm not sure if this answers your question, but I don't normally edit them. I sometimes will chop off chatter at the start, by transferring the files to my computer and using goldwave or similar software.
5. What are realistic expectations that you set for assistants helping you? I.E. Does he/she run errands, or just help with academics?
I don't have an assistant, other than my note taker. She also assists with transcription of inaccessible documents but that's it. I utilise support services on campus, so my disability advisor helps me when I am feeling overwhelmed. For example she may communicate with people on my behalf, or organise meetings and such for me to take some of the stress away from me. I appreciate this a lot. It also helps me just having someone to talk to, who I can be honest with.
6. What techniques do you use to socialize or fit in?
I just talk to people. I do really find this hard. But I start with a hello and hopefully things will progress from there! I can struggle though, and I know I miss out on things because of the type of person I am.
I also attend on campus events if they interest me, because hopefully I will meet people with similar interests there.
7. In your opinion, why do blind persons not succeed in college?
Honestly, I think it's a combination of factors. Inaccessible materials, an inability to cope with difficult situations, unrealistic expectations. I think many blind people are sheltered, and some would benefit from real world experience and training before entering college.
For others, the school may not be the right fit, yet once they transfer the situation could be totally different.
Hi Holly,
Thanks for your post concerning this topic.
Since entering college in the spring of 2012, I have not known what it is I want to pursue. At first, since I was interested in giving back to the disability community, I attempted to take special education classes, but was told by the dean that I could not teach given my blindness and hearing impairment. Choosing to ignore the insult, I switched my major to broadcasting, but when I had a meeting to discuss how my university could accommodate me in the studio, they were less than forthcoming. Thinking that history would be my passion since I was decent at it in school, I tried this. Switched my major 4 times without success. Truthfully, I am uncertain what my objective is--at the moment, I have 21 credits until graduation. However, not knowing what I want to do just makes matters worse.
Recently, I met with the director of the Interdisciplinary Studies program, and she informed me that since I had taken some communication classes, that I could enroll in Strategic Communication courses. Looking at the Course Guides provided online, the entire degree revolves around marketing, which does not interest me either.
Really, a hands-on, real-world degree focusing on repairing computers is what I find most fascinating. Has anyone ever heard of a computer support technician? When I search regarding information on this career, the salaries seem quite compelling, yet depending on the job determines what degree, if any, is required.
So, basically I've been floundering around in college, taking classes, and VR has been worthless, I have faced discrimination, and my Disability Office does not advocate on my behalf.
Unfortunately for me, since I attend a christian school, which is pretty gay, transferring is not an option, as I would lose all credits.
Of course, when I speak to my parents, who assisted in financing my schooling,they grow quite certain that a degree is the only way. My thing is that I think I should have attended a community college first, received an associates degree, and religion and its associated BS would have been eliminated altogether.
Finally, I have a Vocational Evaluation over Spring Break.
Lol.
Don't take a pile of classes. Take a few at a time.
Get a note taker and a helper in classes if you need.
VR is only the money, you decide.
Stick to your goals. The first major if you liked it was the best.
I'm not really qualified to answer, because I went a while ago.
You have wonderful resources now, so use them.
You've got nothing but time, so if you need to read 20 pages, read them.
One poster pointed out how articles and chapters are formatted, use that.
I didn't find college hard, but I understand others might.
I had a good grounding in high school is probably why.
Wayne, thank you for the suggestions. However, allow me to point out a flaw within the current availability of technology. Many databases are inaccessible in that PDF documents do not contain navigational elements and are unsearchable. I believe that a law should be passed, requiring that all PDFS used in an educational setting comply to accessibility guidelines. For instance, if these documents contain tags, then it becomes possible to more easily manipulate this information by using a Headings List to skim. It is quite astonishing, in my opinion, of how many devices are prevalent, yet how slowly accessibility is thought about. When you were growing up, most likely there were not databases, and one was reliant on Braille. Because of my hearing difficulties, I would rather read Braille than listen to the continuous droning of Jaws for Windows, who has an expressionless voice. I am transitioning 100% to Braille and using speech less and less. One has to prepare for having bilateral cochlear implants in the near future.
Hire a reader that can open the files and have him or her use the program to transfer it to braille for you.
Isn't there one that does this?
Hahahaha. Yeah, right.
Here’s another idea that might help you greatly and is worth trying.
Buy or have VR buy Adobe’s suite. That way you can work with these files easier, or whoever assist you.
You can also convert them to word documents.
I often do this if I am required to add things or fill out forms in the Adobe format.
This is simply pasting the document in to an empty word file.
One it is in word; your braille device should handle it perfectly.
You can also request professors send you work in a word file or place it in the same place online they do the other.
Just a couple ideas that might help.
It was once my job to solve these types of issues.
When you have a problem sit down and think of some creative ways to get around it so it is accessible for you.
It is the colleges job to help you with this as well, but they won’t know what you need unless you ask.
Yeah Wayne, you are correct. I think the converter you are thinking of may be Dolphin Easy Converter? I still use speech, but am trying to rely on Braille more.
I don't know. I'vve not researched it.
I do know it is vary possible even without a program as I do it now.
One student I know had a problem not hearing related, but needed braille.
The problem was solved by buying a braille printer.
So, all was needed was to print the files.
Lots of paper, but it got the job done.