Linda.Iverson@f10.n130.z1.fidonet.org (Linda Iverson) (06/17/91)
Index Number: 16075
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
Hi, Verna!
Good thoughts. I suspect you hear everything when the lights are out
because things are quieter; and, as you say, your hearing picks up
when you don't have the visual cues to depend on as you do during the
day.
Yep, I'm totally blind; I used to have light perception when about
five or six--up to that age I should say, but never could just walk
into a room and tell if the light was on or not. I had to be very
close to the source of light before it mattered. One day I went to
the doctor and he asked if I could see the light. I couldn't and that
was that.
I do have a braille printer and several braille translator programs
which allow texts to be printed in braille. I also have a voice synthesizer
which converts what appears on the screen into speech.
I agree with your comment about people trying to make Jonathan feel
special by asking if he's helping; however, it has happened so often
and in so many different situations, and to other blind parents that
I suspect sometimes people really do think he's the parent and I'm
the kid. It doesn't bother me really. I, as I said, will answer any
question--well, almost--if asked in sincerity, but will never let Jonathan
be the parent. Yes, he helps, but that's part of being a family.
I, too, have heard that rumor that blind people can identify money.
I don't believe it; the paper isn't different for each denomination.
Now, coins--I can tell the difference in coins when dropped, but they're
all different in size and weight, so that's not hard.
Must go my time is up here. I enjoy our chats also. Hope you hear
from MENSA soon.
Take care,
Linda
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Internet: Linda.Iverson@f10.n130.z1.fidonet.orgVerna.Forristal@f71.n343.z1.fidonet.org (Verna Forristal) (06/18/91)
Index Number: 16192
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
I heard from the Mensa lady. She was gone for 2 weeks. She says that in the
state of New Jersey all blind and deaf people are tested by the state board,
and have scores on file somewhere. She said that you could qualify with the
oral portion of the Wechsler, if it were administered by a licensed
psychologist. It is vocabulary, repeating strings of numbers, and answering
questions such as "Who is the current governor of your state," "Who is the
Vice-president of the United States," "How many days in a leap year," etc. If
you have not been tested by your state already, I don't think you would have
any problem with this. As I have said before, MANY tests are acceptable, and
do not have to be administered by Mensa to qualify. Have you received the
info from them yet? They have a little sample of 5 questions in the brochure,
for a little quicky test, but they may not be appropriate. I had to study
them for a while before I could come up with the answers.
LI> I do have a braille printer and several braille translator programs which
LI> allow texts to be printed in braille. I also have a voice synthesizer
LI> which converts what appears on the screen into speech.
I have thought about playing with voice synthesis. Is it good? I mean, is
the mechanical speech understandable? It seems to be a really neat thing,
but I have never experienced it. I would like to learn more about it.
LI> kid. It doesn't bother me really. I, as I said, will answer any
LI> question--well, almost--if asked in sincerity, but will never let
LI> Jonathan be the parent. Yes, he helps, but that's part of being a
LI> family.
I agree. No child can be allowed to believe he is in control, or before you
know it, you have a monster on your hands. I feel that you are correct that
that is just a part of being family, and I imagine that they don't ask your
husband if he is helping, as they probably assume that he is doing it all.
It's sad that more people don't realize just how independent the blind
really are. I used to drive a taxi and had several regular riders who were
blind. There was very little they couldn't accomplish, and gave me a better
understanding and respect of the abilities of blind people. It made me
understand that the only thing they couldn't do was see. What a revelation!
LI> I, too, have heard that rumor that blind people can identify money.
LI> I don't believe it; the paper isn't different for each denomination.
Perhaps we have a case of ESP or something? It makes you wonder why we
don't make different denominations different sizes. Boy, would that ever
drive the bankers crazy!
Take care. And keep a strict hand on Jonathan.
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