Challenging Misconceptions: Blind Voices Redefine Abilities

Blind college students confront stereotypes and redefine what it means to succeed.

October is both Disability Awareness Month and Blindness Equality Achievement Month. Photo by Mikhail Nilov via Pexels

Individuals who are blind or visually impaired often face a range of misconceptions that underestimate their capabilities and overlook their potential contribution to society. October highlights the significance of two important observances — Disability Awareness Month and Blindness Equality Achievement Month.

Disability Awareness Month aims to raise awareness and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, while Blindness Equality Achievement Month highlights the progress made towards equal rights and access for people who are blind. 

These misconceptions are mostly perpetuated by the media, where blind characters are depicted as either extraordinary superheroes or helpless individuals in need of saving. 

In order to make the world more accessible for individuals who can not access visual information, it is important to address the many stereotypes that are placed upon them.

“Every blind individual has different needs, and the same accommodations may not work for all,” said Ali Abduhadi, a student at California State University, Northridge.

One of the most common misconceptions is that blind people count their steps when they are traveling from point A to point B. Instead, they refer to ground changes, finding landmarks and turns in the sidewalk.

For example, a student may know that they are near the library because the ground becomes a different texture, or they may know that their specific classroom is near a water fountain. A blind individual may use the grass line to find the next turn or pathway.

Additionally, many sighted individuals are cautious with the words they use around blind people, often substituting “hear” and “see” for “watch.” But blind people use “look,” “see” and “watch” in everyday conversations.

“I love watching shows and movies just as much as the next college student,” said Deyannira Gonzalez, a student at University of Denver.

With the advancements in modern-day technology, movies and shows now offer settings that allow viewers to turn on audio description. This involves a narrator explaining the visuals that are displayed on the screen.

If a movie or show does not have audio description, blind individuals rely on dialogue and sound effects to understand the storyline.

“As soon as people notice me, they rush to help, which often means they grab me without asking me as I’m on the escalator or walking down the stairs,” said Maisha Rahman, a student at Hunter College. In her experience, people have generally offered to help. However, there have been instances where people persisted, even after she politely declined their help.

“Although most individuals mean well, being grabbed when you do not see it coming can be a frightening experience,” Rahman added.

It can be surprising seeing blind people doing the same things as those with sight, since vision is often considered the most important sense. However, there are many different ways of completing daily tasks non-visually. It is normal to be curious about how blind individuals complete certain tasks, and there is no harm in asking. 

“Talk normally, the way you would with anyone else. No need for higher inflections as if you’re talking to a child, no need to sound overwhelmingly excited,” said Florentino Becerra, a student at California State University. 

“Don’t be afraid to just ask as long as you are being genuine in your question.”