It hit me as I ordered and took my seat at Mocha Lounge for working remote today. These folks here really know my routine; they’re getting to know me. I say that as an encouragement for those friends of mine who are to some degree blind like me.
Sometimes, getting used to a new setting-restaurant, bank, store, workspace-may start out slow. There may be those rocky spots where it feels like servers or counter workers, aren’t sure how to address you. Sometimes, the customer assistance personnel don’t seem so accommodating right off the bat. But give it time. The more we frequent places in public the more folks will see us as part of the ebb and flow of the crowd.They will see our capabilities as well as those areas where we may need their assistance.
The same is true for folks who are blind or low-vision attending church. It’s not time to just walk out the door because folks don’t accommodate you right on day one. Or, if the quicky welcome wears off and you may feel suddenly like folks are just getting back to their normal ebb and flow of worship without initiating so many conversations with you, let it ride and keep coming. Pretty soon, you can just join in the Bible class and coffee hour conversations, sing the hymns and follow the liturgy just like anyone else without saying so much about your blindness. Making those ad hoc accommodations will become easier both on your part and on those who see you there regularly.
Narrowing that acceptance gap will come not by legalities and regulations as much as it will one person at a time at the grassroots, gut level of stepping up and showing up, getting into life’s flow and navigating life’s contours with eager joy.
Boldly Blind 