BLINDNESS - Day 4 - chairs, cookies, and the heart

[underpants]

Days 1 -3
http://www.democraticunderground.com/101676393

I was sent on a "Scavenger hunt" to certain rooms got completely lost and in a room full of chairs - very frustrating. Chairs suck.
I was dreading Braille class but actually got through a whole page today. The concentration and brain power needed to read Braille is off the charts.
The I.T. trainer informed me that some DVD's and Blue-Ray have a "Descriptive" option under "Languages". The direction/movements/costumes are described around the dialogue. "Cars 2 Collector Edition" is an example.
I cooked peanut butter cookies. 1 egg, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup peanut butter...Hey! I cracked an egg! My instructor and classmate have both been blind since birth. As class ended I said, "Neither one of you have complimented me on my new haircut" --they both cracked up laughing. We have class first thing tomorrow - the plan is that I am going to make an omelette.

I watched as an Education instructor advise a young woman on her essay to get into a high school degree program (Hadley School for the Blind). Thesis, supporting paragraphs, conclusion. 500 words. This young woman (about 23- ???) has decided to go for a full high school degree instead of the GED. She passed 3 of the 5 GED pre-tests but math tests are tough for the blind - math is very visual. Abacuses are actually still used because calculators (even talking ones) are not allowed. She will dictate the essay because in addition to being completely blind she has symptoms similar to MS and has very limited use of her hands. Typing is difficult and writing it is not an option. They will type it verbatim and it will reflect her choices on punctuation.
She has a child and she knows this is their best chance for their future.

You know those heart defibrillators that hang off the wall at about 5 feet? Well canes can't "inform" you on those. I came this close to taking one in the teeth on my last trip to the front door before I took off the sleep shades. This close.

[brer cat]

1. This is so fascinating, underpants.

I was in awe of your sewing and now you are cooking.

And I do like your new haircut.

[Scuba]

2. Thanks. Again.

[blm]

3. Thankyou for this.....

My brother recently lost his sight. Before he lost it completely he underwent training. You are helping me understand his experience.

[underpants]

4. It is comprehensive

I am amazed at how the blind community and people supporting them ( the Lions Club and many others) have worked around problems to this point. A subculture of good that we (me) are mostly blind to.

[PADemD]

5. 47 years ago

I attended business school with a girl who was blind. She could set the margins on a typewriter faster than any of us sighted students, and she identified people by the sound of their footsteps.

[underpants]

7. Lots of non-visual info

I am told that over time the students cane techniques become unique and they will know who is coming simply by that.

[kcass1954]

6. Great report again today.