Category Archives: Social Skills

The Promise and Peril of Social Media

Posted on March 4, 2024 - 11:40 am by George Stern

Let’s get uncomfortably real for a moment. You know how there are behaviors we like to frown on others for, but we’re not above engaging in ourselves? For example, there’s gossip (just sharing relevant information!). There’s a rebound relationship (well, you can’t slow down love, right?). Then there’s eating the last two slices of pecan […]

Embracing Imperfections in Ourselves and Others

Posted on February 15, 2024 - 3:10 pm by Jacob Ray

author wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses at a sporting event

Did you have a favorite stuffed animal as a child? Did you have a bear? Or another animal? My favorite was a small stuffed monkey which I promptly named “Monk”. I loved Monk very much. The more worn Monk became, the more I loved him. The more faded he became, the more I clung to […]

DeafBlind: Behind Screens

Posted on November 10, 2022 - 8:00 am by George Stern

Editor’s note: As the holidays approach and gatherings ensue, remember that the goal is not to prove yourself, a person who is blind or low vision, as worthy because you’re capable, independent, and mannerly. Enjoy your family and friends. George Stern, who is DeafBlind, shares a personal story about holding himself to an unnecessarily high […]

Developing Social Charisma as a Blind/ Low Vision Employee

Posted on March 21, 2022 - 9:42 am by Shannon Carollo

Two young people sitting at a table talking.

Let’s talk social charisma (connecting to others with empathy, emotion, and diplomacy), but before doing so, I must declare once again: It’s okay to be a quiet person! Introverts, extroverts, or those toeing the line between the two (ambiverts) can have excellent social skills. Whether you draw your energy from time spent alone or with […]

Zero Discrimination Day: A Discussion on Ableism

Posted on February 25, 2022 - 10:21 am by Shannon Carollo

A young male walking down the street holding a white cane.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. -US Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, 1776 Do we believe that all people are created equal? It seems most would […]