How do you work with difficult teachers?

[Braille Institute]

Here's a question for our Alumni,

Many visually impaired students in high school are lucky enough to
have accommodating teachers, but there are situations when working
with a teacher can become a frustrating experience. What are some tips
you can tell us to better handle these kind of situations?

[Amber Attaway]

The best thing I can say is, BE TACTFUL. You can never, under any
circumstances initiate a conversation with attitude in your vibe, even
if you're frustrated. Sometimes you have to wait a minute, calm down
and evaluate how you're going to formulate your sentences and
requests. You need to explain what would better accomidate you, and
sometimes, you really have to learn to compromise. And then again,
sometimes, you're going to have teachers that are a just plain pain in
the butt! And there's nothing you can do but wait it out. The best
advice I can give is talk to as many people as you can about the
problem, starting with the person that is causing the problem. Be
tactful in your conversation, and if you get frustrated, don't show it
and just walk away. If you're accomidations can't be met, go up the
line. For instance if you have a problem with a classroom teacher
that's not accomidating you, and you try discussing the problem to no
avail, then move up to your VI teacher. Then if it still isn't working
work your way up to counselors, principals, process coordinators,
special Ed directors, etc. depending on the importance of the problem.
And all the while, remain tactful. It's OK to show a little
frustration after repeated offenses, but remain tactful even in that,
and voice your feelings without getting irrational. These are just my
thoughts.

[kwak...@aol.com]

I would first talk to my VI teacher and counselor if talking to my
teacher directly doesn't work.
I think, as a student, showing respect and being polite is the first,
then present your stance logically and reasonably.

[Caitlin Hernandez]

Miso, those are great ideas. One thing I also find helpful is to
approach a teacher with an idea of your own to make the situation more
readily reparable. For example, don't just gripe that something is
inaccessible. Come up with your own suggestions on how it might be
better adapted to fit your needs.
Have any of you students had specific problems with teachers? Maybe we
can brainstorm some good ways to remedy similar issues, to prevent
instances like those from being a problem.

[kwak...@aol.com]

Hi everyone,
I am a junior currently, and after I took the PSAT, I am getting
enormous amount of materials from different colleges, through both
e-mails and mails.
E-mails are managable since I can actually read what college is it from
and the contents.
Mails, however, are out of control.
My parents just tell me what college each is from, and we end up just
throwing them away.
It has been a little while since it all started, so I sorted out a
hnadful of colleges that I actually want to be informed about.
They are sending stuffs via email often but there are materials that
come via mail too.
Usually they are booklets, which I can't access.
Do you think is it okay for me to ask the colleges I am interested in
if those materials are accessible for blind students?
I believe I should be able to access those materials. I have right to
do so, right?
Please give me some advice/suggestions if you have gone through this.
Thank you.
Miso

[Amber Attaway]

Some colleges I have been to have a whole book about the college in
braille that they just handed to me. So you might ask.

[Caitlin Hernandez]

Hi Miso -- I'd definitely advocate asking the colleges about online or
Braille materials, but to save yourself some time and grief, I'd
screen the colleges you're interested in carefully. For example, do a
little research onliene and by phone. Do you like their offered
majors? How are their disability services? Is the surrounding area
accessible with buses and other forms of public transit? Is it in an
area you would feel safe traveling in independently? Factors like
these are definitely important, and it can definitely be overwhelming
if you let yourself become swamped with info about colleges that might
not even fit your needs.
Hope this helps!

Best,
Caitlin

[Claire Stanley]

hey miso, as an outspoken advocate, i say go for it girl. you ask every college you want for the materials in braille or some other accessible format. they are legally required to do so and you have every right to ask. ok, getting off my soap box now.

Sent from my iPhone