Lesson Purpose: Discussion of NFB philosophy during a chapter meeting is one of the best methods to build a cohesive and informed chapter body. The topic of this lesson is one possibility from a nearly inexhaustible supply that can be drawn from NFB literature, sponsored programs, activities and/or initiatives. Presenting a philosophically based discussion is important for both new and established members; it quickens the understanding and acceptance of our beliefs and promotes a genuine and lasting commitment to the Federation’s work.
[Instructions for the Discussion Leader: Helpful notes to aid the discussion leader will be enclosed in brackets [ ] and are not intended to be shared with the members.]
[Definition- the “frame” we are speaking of are cognitive frames, built of thoughts and feelings; the human mind tends to set up these frames and use them to interpret the world and guide behavior. They are made of what you understand is true; it is your frame of reference by which your actions in thought and behavior are ruled. Thus, for you as a blind person, “framing blindness” is all about what you say and what you do; it is the impression you create each and every time you interact with another person. Granted, with every interaction you engage in, the “other person” is also coming to this meeting with his or her own frame of blindness and if he or she is not a “together blind person” like you, then this “other person” is most likely coming from the prevailing societal attitudes of blindness, which then can be a problem for you. Which brings us to the major point of “framing blindness,” that by your words and actions, you can positively sway, if not set the “frame” by which an encounter will be ruled. In short, if you come in showing confidence, with good blindness skills and are comfortable with yourself, then your frame has the greatest chance of swaying the other person’s “frame of blindness” to make it a more positive one. Similarly a blind person who exhibits a negative “frame of blindness” can and most likely will add a negative frame to another person’s “frame of blindness,” by either reinforcing an already negative frame and/or creating a negative outlook where one didn’t exist before.]
[The Structure of the Lesson: A. Read the introduction found in section 1. B. Read the THOUGHT PROVOKER, “Framing Blindness,” found in section 2. If needed, use the discussion questions and answers provided in section 2 to open and guide the discussion.]
[In your own words, present the following information to the members.]
--Introduction- “The name of this month’s philosophical discussion is, ‘Framing Blindness.’ It comes from the THOUGHT PROVOKER (TP) discussion forum authored by Robert Leslie Newman; Website http://www.thoughtprovoker.info. A THOUGHT PROVOKER is a short-short story that encapsulates an issue of blindness with the purpose to both entertain and educate the reader.”
“’Framing Blindness’ is all about how we present ourselves as blind persons. It is in the words we use and in the skill we demonstrate as we handle our blindness. Picture it, how might another person react to you, if --- you are up-beat, positive in what you have to say, and through using good blindness skills you are competently handling your blindness? On the other hand, what if your blindness skills are tentative, poor, or inefficient, and your manner of presenting yourself is negative, or at best apologetic? The specific example portrayed within this story, relates to seeking employment. Common wisdom says we have only one chance to make that first impression. And so, if you think this first encounter through, and if you apply the awareness of “framing blindness,” then you will better know how and what you must do to get it as right as you can.”
[Read the story aloud to the group.]
THOUGHT PROVOKER 149
Framing Blindness
“Sir, I’m looking for a job. I heard you have several openings. As you can see,” the young blind man held up his white cane in emphasis as he addressed the business owner, “I am blind and because of it, I’m having a very tough time getting employment. Did you know that nearly 80% of the blind are unemployed? For centuries, blindness has been viewed as the worst handicap a human can have, but it is all a lie, a great misunderstanding. With the right tools,” raising his cane again, “a cane or dog guide, and with Braille or, for some, large print and other blindness skills, we can do most jobs, just as good as a sighted person. But we don’t usually get a chance to prove it.” Lifting the cane for a third time, “Usually people can’t see past this and we get pity, doubting thoughts and seldom an equal chance. Would you give me a try in one of your job openings?”
“No, I won’t. And I’m going to tell you why.” The business owner, ernest tone in his voice, palms flat on the countertop, leaned forward. “I listened to you, heard every word, processed the difficulties you laid out concerning the non-acceptance and unemployment of the blind. But think about how you framed your story and what you set me up to think. You walked in, gave me the woes about being blind, hit me with five negatives to one positive, and you want me to think you’ve got what I’m looking for in an employee?” Slapping a palm on the counter top in emphasis, “But this is what I’ll consider --- I want you to go back outside, take a minute to think about how you need to present yourself to me, then come back in and try your spiel again. But concentrate on telling what you can do for me.”
Surprised at the businessman’s response, the blind guy nodded, accepting the challenge, turned about and using the best cane technique he had, exited the building. Minutes later he came back in.
“Sir, you are looking to hire a customer service representative. I believe I have the skills to fill the position.” Indicating the cane in his hand, “As you can see, I am blind and if you would hear me out, I would like to explain how I feel I can make this a success.” Getting a go-ahead sound, he continued. “Your job ad listed a requirement for competency with a PC. I use a PC every day. And the way it works for me, I use what is called screen-reading software with voice output. This software will usually work with most computer applications. And if we find that it doesn’t work right out of the box with your company system, we could call my state rehab counselor and she can have her IT specialist come in to evaluate your system and tweak my special software to work with yours. Second, you require customer service experience and though I haven’t been paid to perform that duty, I’ve had a couple of volunteer positions in which customer service was part of my responsibilities.”
The businessman made a humming sound than said, “The answer is still no. Better, but still not good enough. I now know that you have abilities, special tools, and some backup to aid you if you need technical assistance. However, although I’m feeling there is employment potential, it appears to come with an equal weight of potential problems that I would have to overcome. So 'no' again, but I'll give you one more chance. Go back out, rethink, then come back in and convince me that you are the best person for the job.”
Somewhat dismayed, yet encouraged, the blind guy nodded, turned and exited the building. Minutes later he came back in.
“Sir,” reaching out his right hand to give a shake in greeting, “my name is John. You have an opening for a customer service rep, it is one of my best skills and I want to talk to you about hiring me for the job. I’m a very competent PC user. I have references I will present that will vouch for my ability and reliability to be at work every day, on time, and that I always give 110% to the job. May I talk to you about your position?”
“Yes, let’s talk,” responded the business owner.
[End of the story; begin the discussion. The following questions (Q) can be used to guide the discussion.]
-(Q)- What is the major point being made in this story?
-(Q)- Explain in detail- What did you see happening as this story progressed through each of the three introductions?
[If needing to be more specific]
-(Q)- How did the blind job seeker present himself as he framed his blindness in his initial introduction? How and why was it not a good way to start out? What kind of impression was the employer being given?
Then, how was his second introduction different, better? Why didn’t the employer accept this attempt and give the blind job seeker the high-sign here to get an interview?
Finally, on the job seeker’s third pitch, what did he do and say that won over the interest of the employer?
- (Q)- Does anyone here have examples that you have seen of a not too positive “framing of blindness?” How do you think that behavior came across; what was the result?
-(Q)- How do you think that a discussion of this specific nature will be helpful to us; not just in an employment setting, but in our daily interactions with our families, or at school, or out in the comunity?
{Below are short scenes of blind people who are either making statements, or engaging in an activity. Have your membership evaluate each statement and/or action and discuss if it is positive or negative and how would they improve it.}
-#1- Joe is blind, a long white cane user and generally a good independent traveler. Upon entering into the entrance to a medical building, a security guard says, “Sir, do you know where you want to go?” Taking Joe’s arm, “Sir, tell me what office you need and I’ll get you there.”Joe answers, “Ah, sure --- it’s room 314, Doctor Anderson’s...”
-#2- Jane was just asked if she could perform a specific function relating to a job that she was interviewing for. Jane responds, “Well, I think I could probably do that.”
-#3- Kelly is a sixteen-year-old young woman, totally blind, a dog-guide user. She is meeting with a small group of other young women, with the intent of joining their club. Reaching out with her right hand, not making an effort to make “eye contact,” she gives a limp handshake, saying excitedly, “I am so honored to have been asked to pledge to this organization.”
-#4- The blind man that walked in carried himself well. He was nicely groomed, from his well-combed hair, to his newly polished leather shoes. When greeted by the receptionist, he responded courteously, using a friendly tone, putting the initially nervous woman at ease. Finding an open chair with his cane, he seated himself, said “hello” to the person setting next to him, then took out a braille magazine and began reading.
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