Are blind people sad because they are blind?
Blind people are sometimes sad because they are blind. They are sometimes sad because they lost their boyfriend/girlfriend, because their grandmother died, or their favorite football team lost the championship.
Those that have never had vision don’t understand vision as much to know what is different. They are aware there are things they can’t do at times the same as their friends that they would like to. The rest is somewhat like Donald Trump calling you up and asking you if you are sad because you are poor- because let’s face it, about everyone reading this is going to be poor compared to Donald Trump. Do you wake up every morning sad because you don’t have a yacht, fifty room mansion, and a host of servants to take care of you? As Helen Keller once stated, "I seldom think of my limitations, and they never make me sad. Perhaps there is just a touch of yearning at times; but it is vague, like a breeze among flowers...."
People that have had vision and lost it tend to miss it more. They have memories and experiences that they wish they could return to. That doesn’t mean they dwell on it or are depressed by it all the time. I miss being 20 years old- but know that isn’t going to happen and don’t ruin my life by missing being younger. Most of the blind are the same way regarding their vision. They will focus on what they can do now and what is enjoyable in their lives.
People that have recently lost their vision may go through a period of anger. A sudden loss of vision is a big change in life and compound that with the fact they haven’t had a chance to learn about blindness, adapting, or other training that will help them, it is a lot to deal with. As one young man who lost his vision to cancer told me, one month he is riding his bicycle and playing basketball with his friends- the next month he can do neither and his friends don’t come by because they seem uncomfortable around him. Usually, after a period of time, there is acceptance and more fulfillment as the person learns to adapt and new skills bring independence. A year later the youth was camping, hiking, playing chess, crafting projects from clay, playing with toys, etc. He had friends, projects, plans, and recreation that took up his thoughts each day, not his blindness.
So, no one really feels it is a blessing to be blind, and at times it "sucks to be blind," but then so do a lot of other things in life sometimes. Everyone has trials and tribulations to face in their life and they focus on the good things they do have, the things they enjoy doing, and the blessings that are in their life. Many blind people look upon their blindness in the same manner. It is just a characteristic of who they are and most blind people don't think about being blind every day.
Do Blind People Dream?
Yes, blind people dream. Depending on if they ever had vision or not, they may dream in pictures (visual images) like anyone else, a combination of visual and sound/tactile/emotional “images”, or simply of the sound/tactile/emotional. The longer a person has no functional vision- the more they seem to drift to having less and less visual dreams.
I know students who have never had vision that reported dreams such as working on the computer. His dream was one of sounds of their screen reader, the tactile feel of their hands on the keyboard, the emotions normally felt while on the computer, etc. The students I had talked with would report often dreaming of things like many kids, listening to music with their friends, playing a game they liked, etc. Their dreams were related to the non-visual memories of such events in the past. Likewise, yes, they would have nightmares at times also; being lost, being abandoned, being hit by cars, etc.
Do blind people sleep with their eyes closed?
Usually, blind people sleep with their eyes closed just like you. There are some people who have had eye surgery that may have caused damage to the muscles of the eyelid that may affect the closure of the eye at night- but generally there is no difference in sleeping.
How do blind people know the value of money?
Coins can be distinguished by their size. Blind people with no usable vision develop a system for their paper money. They may use different compartments in their wallet for different bills or fold the money different (one’s not folded, five’s in half, ten’s folded twice, twenty’s folded lengthwise, etc.). There are some systems that are taught, but generally it is up to what works for the person. There are machines that can read the denominations of money also. This are often used in businesses where blind people work. You scan the bill and a voice tells you the value amount of the bill.
How do blind people know what clothes they are putting on?
There are Braille tags that can be affixed to clothes telling color or other information. I don’t really know anyone that uses them. Most blind people I know have their closets arranged with clothes sorted into different areas. They also get to know the different textures and feels of many of their clothes along with other tactile clues (long sleeves, short sleeve, rough, smooth, buttons, zippers, etc.). Obviously, someone with enough sight to view the articles of clothing (sales clerk, friend, relative) have to give the initial description.
There are actually small, handheld scanners that can be pointed at an object and will read out the color. They are a bit pricey and I don't know anyone that owns one.
Do blind people care what clothes they put on since they can’t see them?
Remember again that blind people are just people who don’t happen to see. The way that people are influenced by what their friends and co-workers wear still holds true. Many sighted persons see what seems to be popular with their friends or on television- many blind persons hear the same thing and receive the same feedback in an auditory manner. Most blind people match the general population in caring what they wear with the same wide spectrum of levels of fashion or degree of caring. You will find about the same range of syle in clothing within the blind community as you will the sighted community.
How do blind people eat?
Since many blind people cook their own food and prepare their own meals, they know what is on their plate as they are the ones that put it there. In restaurants or visiting others, it doesn’t take too much exploration to find where things are on the plate. Obviously, a pork chop is going to feel different probed with a fork than mashed potatoes will. Most have no problem eating and require no assistance. If you serve something that is particularly hot, it is polite to warn them as served the same as anyone else. It is helpful if passing the food around the table to let the person know what you are handing them, but as long as they know if the platter contains hamburgers or celery sticks, there us usually not a problem. Telling them where things are located on their plates is usually not necessary. Do let them know if you set a glass or something down in front of them or around their plate.
How do blind people pour drinks?
Most will hook a finger slightly over the top of the glass or cup to know when the liquid reaches the top. Some, with familiar glasses or cups, pretty well know how much it will hold from memory or listening to the glass fill will know when to stop.
Hot liquids become more of a challenge. They do make small sensors that hook on to the side of cups that will emit a beep as the cup approaches full. Some regular drinkers of coffee or those that lost their vision in their later years will use these. Many others still use a finger on the side and just pour carefully and feel for the heat or steam to move their finger before getting burned.
How do blind people cook?
There are adaptations for those with no sight- such as Braille labels for the stove, microwave, etc. There are magnifiers for those with low vision. Cook books are produced in both Braille and large print.
Electric ranges are preferred as there are set heat levels instead of trying to adjust the flame. Water can be heard when boiling, there are talking thermometers and timers, and kitchens and food are arranged where their location is known. With a little orientation to know where things are and some adaptation of appliances, most blind people cook without problem.
How do blind people know what is in the can of food?
Most blind people have their food storage arranged by areas where they know items are stored. There are also Braille labels that are magnetic to stick on cans or other labels that can be affixed to them. Of course, they need some way of knowing what the item is in the first place. This is an area that some sighted help comes in handy, although many can items can be distinguished by the size, feel, weight, shaking, etc. A can of soup is going to feel different than a can of green beans if you shake it. If sighted help isn’t available, then some people will pick up only items they can identify on each shopping trip.
How do blind people shop for groceries?
This is a area that is difficult for persons with no sight. Those with limited vision may be able to carry a magnifier or other device to assist. Without some adaptation, it is very difficult for a person without sight to shop. There are those who are familiar with stores in their areas having been shopping there for a period of time that do learn where the items they usually buy are located and shop independently.
There are on-line shopping opportunities now where groceries and other items can be ordered through the computer and either delivered or picked up. This has allowed some further independence.
Many blind persons simply shop with a friend. Since almost everyone goes grocery shopping sometime, many will go with a friend or relative when they are shopping anyway.
How do blind people use the computer?
There is special adaptive software to help the blind use the computer. For those with no functional vision, there are screen reader programs that actually reads what is on the screen. They move around the screen using keyboard commands instead of the mouse. For those with low vision, there is special software that magnifies the screen or parts of the screen. There is also software to assist in changing the colors, fonts, and backgrounds to make it more accessible for particular vision impairments.
How do blind people travel?
Travel is still a major challenge to the independence of blind people. There is the bus or taxicabs in most major cities. The bus limits the person to the times and routes of their service area. Taxicabs are very expensive in some areas- if they are available at all. Some cities do have special transportation vans or buses set up for the disabled, but they usually require advanced arrangements to use and have a limited number of persons they can serve. Smaller communities may not have any public transportation at all. The other alternative is to get a ride with a friend, which is not always practical or available.
Transportation is still a major roadblock that many blind persons run into in employment. It is also one of the major challenges to a truly independent lifestyle. Imagine having to always know anywhere from a week to a day in advance of anywhere you needed to travel to- if you could even get transportation then. Imagine tacking on an additional $20 for the cost of a trip to the local hamburger place to pay for a cab. Have you ever forgotten to buy something at the store or ran out of something unexpectedly? Imagine how much more annoying it is than making that extra errand to the store when you might have to have a half hour planning and arranging to make a trip- if you could get it accomplished at all.
When traveling by foot, many blind persons use a cane or a dog to assist them in travel. They also learn to use sound and in some cases even smell to help identify their locations. Walking areas without sidewalks are a particular challenge.
How do blind people walk without bumping into things?
Most will tell you, quite truthfully, they don’t. There are going to be times when most low vision- no vision people will tell you they bump into things. That isn’t necessarily bad- as most blind persons have learned to travel where a bump into a wall or a table just lets them know it is there. There are those certain items that hit at the shin or head that can hurt.
The cane is a tool that assists blind people in travel. The cane extends the tactile (touch) reach of the blind person to “feel” for obstacles, paths, and to locate things. The cane is swept in front of them from side to side to check their path of travel. Tapping the cane helps in identifying the surface (such as following a sidewalk), alerts others they are coming, and the echo of the tap can also reveal information about their surroundings. The cane can also follow a path, such as a sidewalk. The things a cane cannot locate is low hanging tree branches, open cabinet doors, and similar items.
For short trips without a cane, the person may trail a wall (walk with their hand brushing the side of a wall)
Sound will also help in navigation. Walking down a hall, the echo of a cane will sound different if there is an opening, such as a doorway or another hall. Some blind persons have learned to identify different objects by clapping their hands and listening to the echo.
Children, before they are taught to use a cane and becuase they will move about without one often when playing, are also taught to use "bumpers." They use a hand and arm extended to protect their face/and head and one extended to detect object or to trail when traveling.
At times, sighted guides are used to move about. The blind person will hold the elbow of a sighted person to guide them. Also human guides. One blind person with a cane or a dog will lead another.
Guide dogs are trained to, as their name implies, guide the blind person. The dogs are trained to even look out for low hanging branches (but aren’t always successful) as well as puddles of water, when to cross the street, and other tasks of travel. Guide dogs are working dogs and if you come across one, don’t pet it or try to play with it without talking to the owner. Generally, working dogs should not be petted or distracted in anyway from their duties. Guide dogs are also allowed in public transportation and buildings.
How do blind people cross the street?
There are audible signals on traffic lights that signal when the light changes in some cities. Even if those are present, most blind persons will rely on their hearing. Cars traveling by can be heard. Cars slowing down to a stop can be heard and would indicate the light has changed.
Why do some blind people use canes and some dogs?
Usually, it is a matter of choice. Dogs require an extra element of care (feeding, bathing, taking care of) that some people do not wish to be responsible for. Some feel they don’t have a home suitable for a dog (they would want the dog to have a yard or their apartment is too small). Others may feel for their daily routine it is not needed and the dog would be left alone too much.
Many times children and teens are discouraged from getting dogs until they are older. The reason is it is important to learn travel techniques with a cane regardless of having a dog or not. The dog might be sick or otherwise unavailable for a period of time and a person still needs to know how to move about. Teaching children travel techniques without a dog while growing up assures they will have these skills and confidence to fall back on even if they get a dog later in life.
Do all blind people use a cane or dog?
No, as talked about in a different area, blindness is not just an absence of vision. It is rarely just total blackness- it is usually a matter of dgrees. Some persons may have enough vision they feel comfortable in moving around without assistance. They might not be able to recognize who is five feet in front of them, but they can tell someone is five feet in front of them. Visual impairments can be quite varied.
Some people who probably would benefit from a cane or dog may not use them because they don’t want to be seen as visually impaired when in public. Vanity is as alive in the blind community as the sighted community.
Do blind people know what other people look like?
Some may have visual images and some may not- depending on whether they have ever had any vision. A person who has had vision in the past may construct a visual image based on past experience from any description of a person and voice. Even those who have never had vision usually have concepts pasted together of tall/short, fat/skinny, etc.
There are a lot of verbal descriptions that are picked up if you are around a group of people for very long. While voice, sounds (keys that jangle, sound of shoes, etc.), and sometimes even smell (perfume, aftershave, etc.) are usually the main recognition factor for people with the blind- after a period of time most blind people will also have a physical description of people they know as well and an awareness of how those people are described by others. If you work around or in the same class as a blind person for very long, chances are they can describe your looks to some degree.
A blind person asking to feel your face to know what you look like is pretty much only in the movies or a good line blind teenagers use when on a date.
Do other senses become more developed in blind people?
No, this is a common misconception that a blind person’s other senses develop more or becomes more heightened to compensate for their vision. A blind person may use those senses to process information more than a sighted person, but it doesn’t mean their sense of hearing, touch, or smell is any better than a sighted person. Through training, use, and practice, they may have learned to use other senses to help them compensate for their vision, but they are doing nothing that a sighted person could not do with the same training, use, and practice.
Why do some blind people where dark sunglasses?
There may be some people who do have some vision and some light sensitivity and bright light may cause them to loose whatever little vision they have or may cause pain and discomfort. Some use lenses to block certain light spectrums.
In some cases, there are the blind that have eye disorders that may cause the eye to flutter, distorted or oddly colored pupils to their eyes, empty sockets, or other conditions they might feel would be distracting to others. This was more prevalent in the past than it is today.
How do blind people know what time it is?
This question isn't asked as often nowdays as talking watches have become inexpensive and more common. Before the talking watches, there were Braille watches, which the glass cover would flip up and allow the person to feel the hands on the watch to tell what time it is. Some blind persons still prefer this kind of watch as it is less obtrusive than having the time announced- which makes it difficult to check the time during a meeting without being disruptive. For people with some vision, they have digital watches with extra big numbers.
There is now a wide variety of projects talking products now- watches, timers, thermometers, and so forth.
How do blind people take showers or baths?
The same way you take a shower or bath. Don't you think you could take a shower or bath in the dark?
How do blind people shave, fix their hair, brush teeth, or put on make-up?
With an electric razor, there is not much of a problem. A blade takes a little more practice, but once again, not much of a problem as you can feel the areas on your face as you shave.
For women, putting on make-up or fixing their hair is also just a matter of practice. Working with someone to intitially teach them some basic techniques- blind women can take care of these tasks independently.
Some blind people will place a finger along the side of the tooth brush to assist in putting the tooth paste on. Some just squirt some toothpaste in their mouth and then brush.
Will wearing a blindfold help me to learn what it is like to be blind?
Not really. For one thing, just knowing you can reach up and take the blindfold off at any time is going to be different than what any blind person feels. It may be able to give you some insight into some specific tasks, but can never really give you an idea of what it is like to be blind. In some cases, particularly for children, it might even give the wrong idea. Not being able to see may scare them and they might think blind people are scared all the time. People may try to perform tasks they haven't been trained to do and find it frustrating or scary- where it is quite routine for a blind person. Imagine being taken up in an airplane and just pushed out the door with a parachute and no instruction or training on how to use it. It would be rather scary, yet for those who have learned, sky diving might be quite routine.
Sometimes helping teach people who may be assisting the blind some specific tasks, blindfolds might be helpful. Otherwise, you will learn about as much about blindness from a blindfold as someone would learn about driving a race car in the Indy 500 from a video game on their television.
What kind of jobs do blind people have?
With the exception of the real obvious (truck drive, airline pilot, etc), there is a wide range of career opportunites available. I know blind teachers, computer programers, social workers, lawyers, receptionists, food service workers, accountants, factory workers, secretarys, sales people, clerks, and about everything else you can think of. With more and more assistive technology becoming available, more and more career possibilities exist. The days where work was often limited to such things as making and selling brooms or tuning pianos has passed. There is still a large portion of the blind population that is unemployed. Part of the challenges for employment for the blind is in training and transportation. The other is just overcoming prejudices and lack of understanding in the community. Because some people feel "uncomfortable" around blind people (or anyone viewed as having a handicap)- it is sometimes difficult to find employers to give them a chance.
What do blind kids play with or do for fun?
Pretty much the same thing as other kids. They have dolls, trucks, building blocks, balls, etc. when they are young. Many have "Big Wheels," trikes, and other riding toys. They ride either in open areas or until they bump a wall and then turn around. Balls you sit on and bounce are popular as well as the mini-trampolines, talking books, and sound electronic games, such as "bop-it" or "Torx." As they get older, there is the computer and computer games, roller skating, bowling, camping, hiking, basketball, and about every other thing you can think of. Yes, basketball. There are "beepers" (sound devices) that can be placed behind the baskets some kids use. Others just like to find a spot and use some help in determining the location of the basket and will shoot based on that. If they can get to the ball while they still hear it bouncing, they can usually rebound. There is a game especially for the blind also called "Goal Ball."
How do blind people read?
Some people with low vision may be able to read with the assistance of magnifyers or video magnification sets. Magnification, along with the change of contrast in some cases, may enable them to read regualr print. There are also books and magaizines that are produced in large print.
Others may use Braille. Braille is a system of embossed "dots" on a page that are read by touch. Braille cells are made up of two rows of three dots each, or six dots per cell. The dots embossed for each cell can represent letters, word contractions, and numbers. There is also Braille representation for music and math.
What causes blindness?
Blindness may result from a large number of reasons. Accidents, such as head injury or damage to the eyes themselves, physical birth defects, diseases of the eye, or results of other diseases or medical events that may affect the brain. Blindness is not contagious. Four conditions—macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma—are responsible for a significant portion of adult blindness and vision loss in this country. Most cases of juvenile blindness are the result of congenital defects, premature birth, or febrile illnesses.
Do blind people have lights and televisons in their house?
Since blind people have friends and family that aren't blind- their homes are pretty much like anyone else. Many blind persons, even if they have no benefit of light, will turn lights on in their homes each evening to be sociable in the event of visitors stopping by.
Some low vision persons can have some limited visual function with light. I have had a number of low vision children tell me they like to sleep with a light on in their room at night because one of their fears is to wake up and have lost what vision they have. They fear if they wake up in the night in a dark room it would scare them because they would think they have lost all of their vision. In the event their vision ever was lost while they slept, they didn't want their last visual memories to be a dark room as they went to sleep either..
Many blind persons have televisions, VCR's, and DVD players. Besides being socialable in having friends over, many "watch" television programs that are not real visual (that they can figure out by listening most of what is going one), news, sporting events, music programs, etc. There are also some descrptive videos out. There are videos that have been adapted with voice descriptions of what is happening on the screen.
Copyright 2003 by Gary L. Brockman
May be reproduced for educational purposes if unaltered and copyright/author information is included.
