When I see people getting startled, I usually quickly make a joke like, “To those sitting to my right, I advise you not to raise your hand if you want to ask a question. Because I won’t see it, and then you’ll have to stay seated like that for the entire class!”
Because I’m open and honest about “my disability,” the participants usually feel comfortable opening up as well. That helps create a pleasant and safe atmosphere for working together more quickly. In one group, the initial introductions were particularly special.
When I introduced myself and told them about my artificial eye, one of the participants broke into a broad grin. “Well then, we’re a great match,” he said, holding up his unmistakable prosthetic hand. I’m not one to stay quiet, but it took me a moment before—much to the relief of the rest of the group—I burst out laughing!
Another participant had mentioned beforehand that he was hard of hearing. He wore a hearing aid, which meant he couldn’t always follow everything clearly in group settings. I had promised to look in his direction as much as possible so he could read my lips. This participant introduced himself and talked about his “disability.” Silence fell once more… until the boy with the prosthetic hand said, to everyone’s great amusement, “Well, welcome to the club, sir!”
Finally, a young woman spoke up. She demonstratively swung her foot onto the table, rolled up her pant leg, and showed off her artificial lower leg. All the participants watched the spectacle in surprise, but laughed heartily when she said, “I’d love to join your little club!”
It was a unique round of introductions that time. But because everything—both literally and figuratively—came out into the open right away, the group was able to work together in great harmony.
Anita Hol-Bubeck
