An Open Letter to Students
There’s A Blind Kid in My School
By Judi Ross
TVI, Long Island, New York
Many teenagers have never met a blind person, and when a blind classmate enrolls in their school, they are anxious and don’t quite know how to act. I recently had the opportunity to share some thoughts with students in a letter addressed to their school newspaper. I share it here with you in the hopes that as teachers, we can educate other young students and make this time in our student’s young lives more rewarding and meaningful.
Dear Students,
The beginning of school is an exciting and stressful time for everyone, but one thing that makes it easier is finding an old friend in each class. It is comforting to walk in and see a familiar face. This opportunity is not available to the blind student in your class. She cannot see who is walking in and sitting near her. It would make things so much easier for her if you were to greet her when you see her in your class. If this is a student you know, please say hello by giving your first and last name and tell her how you know her; you had a class together last year; you are together in other classes; you go to the same church; you are in clubs together. If you’ve never met, take the time to introduce yourself.
Students walk down the hall and greet each other, either by a nod, a wave or a simple greeting. Again, your blind or vision impaired classmate doesn’t see you in the hall. A simple “hi” is not enough. How do they know you are addressing them? They are not simply going to say hi and chance feeling foolish. Make it a point to say hello to the student by name, and tell them who is saying hello. They might not recognize your voice in a noisy hallway especially if they are concentrating on their route to the next class.
Your blind classmate can feel very isolated and alone when traveling the hallways. Try walking together. When you see her alone, strike up a conversation. She is a student just like you, with all the same likes: music, sports, movies, TV, shopping; and dislikes: homework, tests, parental authority. Remember, she LISTENS to music, WATCHES television and SAW the game last night.
Please take the time throughout the year to get to know your blind classmate. It will enrich the school year for both of you.