‘Blindness Didn’t Define Me:’ a Unique Way to See the World Despite of Being Visually Impaired

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It is often assumed that "blind" people are incapable of doing things the sighted people can do. However, a lot of testimonies proved that being visual impaired are not a hindrance in seeing the world beautifully in such a unique way.

In an essay published in New York Times, "Feeling My Way Into Blindness" written by Edward Hoagland wherein he shares his experience as a blind person. With his written testimony, lots of people made a comment with regarding how Hoagland said that "blindness is an enforced passivity."

According to Stanley F. Wainapel, clinical director of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx said that it is a major challenge when it comes to adapting blindness. However, he disputed Hoagland's statement that there are a lot of available technologies that can help a visually impaired person.

Seeing this kind of disputes, there are still testimonies that encouraged "blindness" is not a hindrance at all. According to Rabbi Michael, president of YadHaChazakah, the Jewish Disability Empowerment Center, that blindness didn't cut him from doing the things he wants to do in the world. He even testified that even though he is blind, he was able to skillfully use cane and travel devices.

While Mark Riccobono, president of National Federation of the Blind, who became totally blind when he was 14 years old due to glaucoma, said: "when I encountered a vast network of other blind people who convinced me that blindness did not define me." Right now, he is married to a blind woman and living with her three children as well. Looks like he is also having a normal life, far away from what people used to think with blind people.

Riccobono is just one of the people who help blind people. The American Council for the Blind also did an act of compassion by providing an online list of products that can help to soothe the way of the blind people live.

To sighted people, be sensitive on how you interact especially with blind people. First, identify yourself for them to recognize you easily, speak naturally and don't let them feel that there is something missing to them. Lastly, always ask first if that person needs your help and be specific when it comes to your direction.

To know more about how drugs and sugar abuse have the same effect with your brain, read it here.