[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] Statement from the National Federation of the Blind on the Harmful Stereotyping of Blind People in Political Discourse

[smturner.234 at gmail.com]

Ohio, Members and Friends,

 

Read and click on the link below!

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Statement from the National Federation of the Blind on the Harmful
Stereotyping of Blind People in Political Discourse

Baltimore, Maryland (February 15, 2025): The National Federation of the
Blind strongly condemns the inappropriate and harmful stereotyping of blind
people that has been highlighted in the response to a recent Congressional
hearing before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency
<https://www.pogo.org/testimonies/pogo-calls-for-focus-on-real-reforms-to-im
prove-federal-spending-accountability-and-transparency> . The online mockery
and skepticism directed at a blind witness reflect a broader aggressive and
deeply troubling pattern in today's political discourse-one that wrongly
assumes blind people, and people with disabilities more generally, lack the
capacity to participate fully in public life, including in complex and
technical fields. We specifically condemn all media outlets that are
actively perpetuating these horrible misconceptions and are falsely
validating low expectations that harm our society.

Amplifying misunderstanding about blind people is never appropriate and
should never be exploited as comic relief. The idea that blindness equates
to incompetence is not only false but profoundly damaging. Blind people
serve as scientists, lawyers, educators, engineers, and business owners. We
navigate and contribute to society with skill, knowledge, and independence,
often despite systemic barriers and outdated misconceptions about our
abilities. The public ridicule and dismissive attitudes being used to reject
a blind expert witness in last week's hearing perpetuate the very
discrimination that blind Americans continue to fight against in employment,
education, and civic participation. 

The use of disability as a political tool-whether through outright mockery,
insinuations of unfitness, or performative outrage-dehumanizes people with
disabilities and reinforces harmful stereotypes. It will not be tolerated by
blind people, who vote and pay taxes, and it should be rejected by all
Americans. We call on all elected leaders, policymakers, and media outlets
to engage in informed, respectful discourse that recognizes the capabilities
of blind individuals rather than exploiting ignorance for political gain.

The National Federation of the Blind remains committed to challenging these
misconceptions and advocating for a society where blindness is understood
not as a limitation, but as a characteristic that does not define one's
ability to contribute meaningfully. We are prepared to work closely with
elected officials and media professionals to provide accurate and meaningful
information about the true lived experience of blind Americans. 

Comments from President Mark Riccobono

NFB's press release about this particular situation here.

 
https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/statement-national-federation-blind-harm
ful-stereotyping-blind-people-political

 

Suzanne M. Hartfield Turner

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Vice President

Ohio Legislative Director

Cleveland Chapter, President

 

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.

 

P: (216) 990-6199

W: NFBOhio.ORG

Facebook:  <https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/>
https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/

 

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