Editor’s note: It can be hard to “fit in” to the social scene at work, and harder still to learn the often-unsaid “rules” of connecting with co-workers in socially appropriate ways. That’s why Amanda Bernath brings you, teens and young adults who are blind or low vision, advice on upping your social skills savvy. I’ll … Continued
Joseph Burton knows what a significant difference it can make in someone’s life when they have the support and encouragement they need. That’s because he spent the first 15 years of his life struggling to find the kind of love and guidance so many young people have. And it’s his own experience that ultimately motivated … Continued
Let’s talk social charisma (connecting to others with empathy, emotion, and diplomacy), but before doing so, I must declare once again: It’s okay to be a quiet person! Introverts, extroverts, or those toeing the line between the two (ambiverts) can have excellent social skills. Whether you draw your energy from time spent alone or with … Continued
by Alison Steven About 11 years ago my eyesight had deteriorated to the point where I quit trying to bluff my way through life and turned to the state blind agency for help. On my tour of the Assessment and Training Center I asked the questions that I had been struggling with most at the time: how did they deal with social situations as blind people? What did they do when joining a room of people mingling … Continued
By Joe Strechay I am excited to be writing for the American Printing House for the Blind. If you don’t know me, I’m Joe Strechay and I love to share my insights about employment, life, and pop culture from my perspective as a professional who is blind. I recently watched Too Hot to Handle on Netflix (for mature audiences and … Continued
Perhaps you have retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and you are finding it increasingly difficult to use your vision in low light and, much to your frustration, you are aware of your gradual loss of peripheral vision. Let’s say you are currently reading fine print with ease, yet you are using a cane as you leave work … Continued
Have you heard this before? You can’t change the world, but you can change one person at a time! As I reflect on my challenges and accomplishments as a person who is blind, two visually impaired people come to mind. They helped me understand what is possible, and their advice changed my outlook about living … Continued
By now, you may know retinitis pigmentosa (RP) barged its way into my life during my college years. My CareerConnect blog posts have documented many of the challenges it created while pursuing goals, but I want to talk about maintaining the drive to reach them. Let’s be honest. No one anticipates losing their vision. It’s … Continued
Among the numerous challenges of working in an office are the conflict and the tension created by office politics, but when two or more people work together, it’s inevitable. When we spend eight, nine, or 10 hours a day at the office, it starts to feel like we’ve got a second family there. Drama included. … Continued
Are you familiar with feedback yet? You know. When someone like a teacher or a manager tells you what she thinks about your performance or your progress. Sometimes it is called constructive criticism. Oh yes, now you remember. If you’re in the academic world, then feedback may be coming from a teacher, a professor, or … Continued