My Plate Is Like a Clock

Did you know that when teaching blind kids how to find their food on their plate, or teaching newly blinded adults how to do the same, the clock concept is used? What exactly is the clock concept? I'll tell you.

The plate is presented like a clock so that when blind persons are being taught how to find their food on their plate, things are described as follows: Meat is at 12 o'clock. Beans are at 3 o'clock. Potatoes are at 6 o'clock, and so on.
This concept is often used to describe to a blind person where they can locate their glass or cup. It works perfectly for me as I have been using it all my life.

I know that much of society often wonders how a blind person goes about eating their meals let alone being able to find food on their plate but this is how it's done. I also know that many people are concerned about being seen eating with a blind person because they think that they may be embarrassed. Not at all. I am sometimes asked how can a blind person find their mouths with their fork or spoon and my response is: One does not have to see in order to find their mouths. You'd be surprised to know how many persons with sight have difficulty eating with good table manners.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your accessibility and special-needs business consultant, wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and educate the rest of the world about how blind persons eat their meals at table. Visit www.afb.org or www.rnib.org to learn more.