facing the crowd. how “facing the crowd” may impact families most people are tactful some are...
TRANSCRIPT
Facing The Crowd
How “Facing The Crowd” May Impact Families
Most people are tactful
Some are not: dealing with “comments”
Most people don’t stare
Some do: subtle and out right!
Most people are inclusive
Some are not: dealing with exclusion
Professional Expectations
• Expectation of Community Engagement
• Assessing Family Comfort Levels
• Discussing concerns and experiences
• Developing strategies
Responding To The Public from “Facing the Crowd” Fullwood and Cronin
Family/Friends
Professionals you need on your side
People You Can’t Avoid
Total Strangers
Strategies
Knowing Threshold
Self Talk
Role Play
Tension Release
Being Assertive
Strategies
Providing Right Words
Taking the initiative
Emphasizing similarities
Using Humor
Managing clichés
Family and Friends
Higher level of response as these are people involved in your life
Dealing with those family members who “don’t get it”
Creating honest dialogue
People You Can Avoid
Keeping a “civil” relationship
Strategies for keeping your cool
Self Talk
“Rehearsal”
Professionals You Need On Your Side
Finding your courage to offer “perspective”
Maria’s story
Total Strangers
Maybe the most expendable group!
Maybe the most hurtful at times.
Allocating a rehearsed response
Possible scenario: an opportunity to educate
Stories from Families
Julie and Bonnie,
mother and grandmother of Tanner
Stories and Strategies Video Vignettes
Parisa
Maria
Your Stories and Strategies
We invite you to share you
experiences and strategies
References and Resources Facing the Crowd,(1986) Cronin and Fullwood Off to a Good Start Fact Sheets: Blind Babies
Foundation, Bernas-Pierce, J. (Ed.) Heart to Heart, Institute for Families, Nancy Mansfield,
N. Hayashi, Horn,M., Kekelis, L. Can’t Your Child See?, (1977). Eileen P. Scott, James
Jan, and Roger Freeman Children with Visual Impairments: A Parent’s Guide.
(1996) M. Cay Holbrook (Ed.)
Many Thanks!
Julie Bernas-Pierce, M.Ed Executive Director
Blind Babies Foundation
Sue Parker-Strafaci, M.A ECSE Director of Child Development Services
Braille Institute