At the exhibit with Jane

In early May of this year, I had the pleasure of enjoying an exhibit with someone I had met at a conference in Toronto.  Her name was Jane and she had invited me to accompany her to an exhibit of beads.  There were all kinds of things on show; ranging from necklaces and bracelets to objects made out of beads.  I had no idea that so many things could be made out of beads and as Jane described them to me, I used my imagination to bring shapes to life.

 

Jane placed many objects in my hands and I had the opportunity to feel them and put my own spin and meaning to them.  She also livened the picture by telling me their colors so I was able to use this as well to help me appreciate what was on display.  Not having been able to see them was a definite drawback but I used my imagination and past memory of things to help me enjoy.

 

I would remember what things looked like and then I did my best to link the shape in my hands to my past memory.  For the most part, it worked and I was able to combine memory, imagination, and shapes to get the total picture.  This is how I do it but I am not sure how other blind persons do it.  I guess that we each have or own unique way of filling in the blanks so to speak.

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and share my experience with others.