Mask Simulation

Can anyone say HEADACHE?

My grandma had a stroke about a month ago and since that time, she has had a black line across her vision that cuts the top of people's heads off so she can't see their eyes. While I was fulfilling the requirements for the mask simulation, I couldn't help but to think about her for those four hours and the time following after. My head hurt so bad for the rest of the day.

During one of the hours, it was time to attend devotional. I was wearing the mask that makes vision blurry. During portions of the devotional, I had to close my eyes for a few moments at a time to try and not feel dizzy and to rest my eyes. I couldn't see who was speaking and felt nauseous.

I needed to walk from the Taylor chapel to the Hinkley building at the end of the day and found it hard to make my way up the hill without anything to hold onto. Several people stopped to ask why I was wearing a mask, but nobody offered to help.

I think most people thought I was trying to dress up like bat man or something and didn't realize the purpose for wearing the masks.

My appreciation for being able to read grew after wearing the mask that cuts all vision down to peripheral. I had to hold my textbook up to my eyes and still could only read sections at a time. It was frustrating to begin to feel sick, tired and to want to just close my eyes and rest.

This simulation reminded me of what I am studying right now about dyslexia. Sometimes the problems my students will be facing will not be as visible to me. They could be struggling with things that they might not even be aware of. It is my job to be patient and to help access the accommodations that my students are in need of.