[NABS-L] Myths About the Blind for Academic Lecture

[Nina Marranca]

Good morning. Some that come to mind for me include that blind people do not care about fashion / their appearance, that blind people can't live independently, that blind people can't independently do self care e.g. shaving. These seem relevant to that field. If you could throw something in about asking consent before any kind of touch even during instruction, that'd be great too. Good luck.
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From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Jacob Ham via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 9:06:13 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jacob Ham <jacobryanham at gmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Myths About the Blind for Academic Lecture

Hi all,

I'm giving a lecture to a number of occupational therapy students soon, and
want to dedicate some time to dispelling myths about the blind and instill
some knowledge useful to rehabilitation workers. What are some
misconceptions you've encountered about blindness, either from general
others, or from healthcare professionals? I'd love to hear experiences
about doctors, therapists, nurses, VR counselors, physical & occupational
therapists, and other 'blindness professionals'. Below is a list of what
I've come up with so far:

myth: blind means a total lack of sight
fact: blindness is a spectrum. many blind people have some amount of vision
myth: blind people have heightened senses to compensate for poor vision
fact: blind people's senses are just the same as anyone else barring
another disability (if this were true, there would be situations where
blindness is advantageous because of the heightened senses)
myth: blind people don't or can't have sex
fact: blind people engage in sex and relationships. As a group, blind
people contain as much diversity in identity as any other segment of the
population and include individuals of all races, sexualities, and gender
identities.
myth: all blind people use a cane
fact: blind people use a number of mobility strategies which include canes,
dogs, or residual vision. Individuals may use one or more of these
strategies depending on context,
myth: the white cane is the only cane that indicates blindness
fact: blindness mobility and ID canes come in a variety of colors, and many
people choose to personalize theirs. Laws protecting blind pedestrians from
cars vary from state to state as to whether the cane must be white.
myth: blind people can't or don't use the internet
fact: blind people have many assistive technologies that enable computer
and smartphone use, including internet access without vision

These I came up with off the top of my head, but I'd love to hear y'alls
input as well.

Best,
Jacob Ham
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