[nfbcs] You are amazing

Tue Sep 10 13:39:16 UTC 2013

Hi Mike. First the blind talk list might be more appropriate, but this one works, at least for now, and only in my opinion. I think what you're getting is the "if you can do anything, you are amazing" syndrome suffered by a lot of people with vision. It comes from low expectations. I generally respond by saying, when I'm in a hurry, "Not particularly." And ignoring them. When I am not, or when I think that more explanation is in order I may tell them that with training, they could do it too. I may go on to say that it is no more amazing than reading all those little marks on paper, and that they are really the same thing.

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbcs [mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Jolls
Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 7:13 AM
To: nfbcs at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfbcs] You are amazing

I know this is a forum on computer related topics, but I don't know of a general list where I can post this question, and I wanted to pose this to other braille readers for an opinion.  If you would prefer that this not be discussed here, just let me know and I'll take it somewhere else.

I am a visually impaired braille reader.  I had my reasons for learning the skill such as realizing that my vision was terrible and I knew I had to find some alternate method that might give me better reading speed.  I don't consider myself a "hero" or anything like that because I read Braille.  It's just a tool.  I can read print, but I can't read it easily or quickly and I just needed to try and find another method.  It just so happens that Braille is a good alternative.  And even though I read Braille, I'm not the fastest reader.  I'm still working on that one.  

That stated, I am amazed at the number of normally sighted people that tell me "you're so amazing" when they see a sighted (albeit partially sighted/visually impaired) person reading Braille.  It seems they think that learning Braille is some superhuman impossible feat akin to climbing Mt. Everest that they couldn't possibly accomplish ... like it's a skill that only a select cadre of gurus are capable of learning.  Sometimes I get tired of hearing the comment, but usually I politely say "thank you" and move on.

I'm just wondering if any of you have experienced this, and how you handle it?  What's your take on why people are so amazed?  It seems logical to me.  Simply put ... when you have problems doing things the conventional way, you find a method that you can use effectviely.  So what's the big deal?

Anybody want to comment?

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