[Blindtlk] Making our home comfortable for sighted folks

Mon Dec 19 04:10:17 UTC 2011

Frankly, there's no one right answer that suits everyone.

Can't we get off this thread as there's really not much one can
intelligently say about it? Some people like to do what they think makes
their houses pretty for the sighted. Some people don't give a rip. In other
words, blind people are unique just like sighted people.

Everyone agrees we should dress properly in public, know and practice the
social graces and know enough things (like the color of an apple on average)
to make our way in the sighted world. If we own homes, it's probably a good
idea to keep the home neat, especially on the outside, as sighted people
(both our neighbors and those just passing by) will look at it and,
especially if they know we are blind, will make judgments about us because
of it.

But how we arrange our homes is our business. Some people like knicknakcs;
others do not. Some like pictures; others do not. Funny: I didn't mention
blindness there! Do you suppose that we might conclude we're like everyone
else -- part of the Federation mantra -- and get on to something else?

Mike Freeman

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Humberto Avila
Sent: Sunday, December 18, 2011 6:32 PM
To: gwunder at earthlink.net; 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Making our home comfortable for sighted folks

There seems to be a thing that concerns me a bit regarding placing pictures
on the wall. We can't feel  or see the pictures, so why is it necessary to
put pictures on the wall when they are not accessible to us? Those pieces of
frame are just frames to us, not images of our family or memories of
whatever. I believe that, if we are to make our homes inviting and appealing
to the sighted people that come, the adornments and "pretty" things that we
put in there must be accessible to the blind person or people that live in
there too. One example of this is with the picture thing, sighted people can
see far away and they tend to look at many things in the house including the
pictures that were hung up on the wall. It could be that as an example the
sighted mom has time to spare and is doing nothing, but because of her
gazing eyes, she might look at that beautiful picture of her cute 1-year-old
making mischief and her brain brings up fond memories. Well...of course the
dad too, and that son or daughter. (smile!) this, of course, was an example
of how the sighted can look at everything and especially within pictures;
there are many more. So if I was to make my home more appealing to sighted
guests, it would be with plants. Trust me I am not a plant person and even
if it is not a guy thing, plants can be pretty much a way to make the home
more welcoming to sighted, and yes, blind guests and family. Plants can be
touched and caressed. They can also make you work because they have to be
watered but that's something else, and, plus, they, according to sighted
people, look nice inside. But that's a personal thing. I'd get permission
and feedback from my wife (either blind / sighted) first though, if I want
to get married and make my house look appealing. Any opinions?

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Gary Wunder
Sent: Sunday, December 18, 2011 7:44 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Making our home comfortable for sighted folks

Hi Jim. I wouldn't buy a new TV, but I think we should do things that make
our homes appealing to sighted folks. If we don't, our homes stand in stark
contrast to what we say about ourselves. Pictures on the wall: you bet.
Lights that work: absolutely. 

I think you are on target my friend.

Gary

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Jim Portillo
Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2011 3:37 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: [Blindtlk] Making our home comfortable for sighted folks

Hi there,

Here's a question that I guess could also be somewhat philosophical.  As
blind folks, do you think we have a responsibility to not only make our
homes comfortable and accessible for us and the folks with whom we live, but
also to sighted folks?  

I've heard comments in the past that basically say that since it's a blind
person's home, then the only thing that should be of concern is that things
are comfortable and accessible for the blind person.

I've been thinking a lot about this over a long period of time.  I have some
friends that come over, and one in particular who stays in my guest room
when he's in town, and when all of that happens, I'm the only blind person
around.  All of a sudden, I begin to think about lights and the amount of
light in a room.  I begin thinking of making sure that appliances that are
labeled in Braille are done using clear tape so that they can also use them.
I even began thinking of the layout of my living room and how one of my
friends finally said that it was uncomfortable to do things like watch TV or
watch movies, because of how my furniture and TV are placed.  People have to
face sideways to be able to watch TV.  And, my TV is so old that it doesn't
support or have HD capabilities.

I began wondering about the importance of a blind person having an
aesthetically or visually appealing house, not only for himself but also for
the sighted friends and family that come to visit.  Are we being selfish by
not considering these things, or should sighted company learn to live with
how we have things and deal with them?

I'm beginning to think that if I care about my friends and family, then I
should do something to make them feel comfortable in a place where they
spend quite a bit of time.  But then, where does one draw the line?

Anyway, hope you don't mind the question.  Just curious what other blind
folks (especially those who are totally blind) think.

Thanks,

Jim

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