November 25, 2015

Before I could go on Veterans' Day, I got an email. Apparently, they were closed on Veterans' Day. However, I did have the day before Thanksgiving off. So I decided I'd go. I again brought my brailler, finished whatever was left of my presidents list, and showed it to Gerry. This time, I was introduced to the computer and document enlargement monitors. I realized that blind people have achieved their goal of independence and deserve respect and honor just like anyone else. We spent the rest of the day going to Jack in the Box at Telegraph & 45th and headed home.

Time logged for this session: 2 hours
Total time logged: 4 hours

October 12, 2015

This was my first day at the Lions Center for the Blind, located at 1722 Broadway, Oakland near a 19th St BART station entrance. It's staffed largely by blind people. My mentor turned out to be Mai Nguyen, who is sighted but works with blind people. Since it's only open on weekdays, 10 AM to 4 PM, it's very hard to find time I can actually spend there. I found out that it's important to look at blind people and squeeze their hands to let them know where you are. Other assistive technologies, especially audio, are important as well. I asked them what assignments they had for me, and Gerry, one of the braille instructors, said to do a list of the presidents and something important about them. I started the list of presidents while I was there and will continue doing it at home. I brought my own brailler. Apparently, they think I'm useful enough to come back on Veterans Day. I didn't include a picture since many of the staff were disfigured and it would be disrespectful to them.

Time logged for this session: 2 hrs
Total time logged: 2 hrs