The Butterfly Effect - Day 13

     Yesterday we learned about "How To Be A Friend To The Visually Impaired," by Joni Eareckson Tada.  In her book, she suggests the following:

• "When greeting a person with vision impairment, always identify yourself and others who may be with you.  They like to know who they are with!
• Speak to them directly and use a normal tone of voice.  Many times people have the tendency to raise voices or talk through someone else.
• Remember they are going to follow your voice so it is polite to let them know when you move from one place to another.
• When you offer to assist someone with vision impairment, allow them to take your arm instead of reaching for theirs.  This will help you guide them.
• Even though you may be tempted to pet a Seeing Eye dog, you should not do so without asking permission first.  The dog's job is very important and they should not be distracted."

I think the suggestion they found the most interesting was not to move around the room.  That had not occurred to me either.  

     After we talked about these suggestions, we took turns going on a "Trust Walk."  The kids did a great job making sure that no one bumped into anything and even told their partner if someone was coming down the hall.  One of the children that was blindfolded said hello to the Director of our school, Steffani Wilkins.  She said, "How did you know it was me?"  The child's guide said, "I let him know that you were coming."

I was amazed at how polite they were!

     After we returned to the room, the blindfolded children wrote their name on a paper.  They were surprised at how well they did.

     The kids brought in another $350 today.  Several teachers asked today if we were caught up on the number of butterflies on the walls of the school.  I laughed and told them that I have stopped worrying about that.  I can't keep up with the kids so we just keep making butterflies and they keep raising money.  Mrs, Williamson, our aide, probably dreams about butterflies now.  So many people have had a hand in making butterfies.  Teachers have helped with bending antennae, volunteers have helped glue and tape, mommies have cut and glued endless butterflies and I have one teacher who is the butterfly angel that picks up the ones that have fallen during the night and puts them back on the wall.