[stylist] Definition of blindness

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

But we don't need to be defined or boxed in to choose tools and methods.
Labels like this tend to create, and perpetuate, a hierarchy of
blindness. If blind, whatever the level, you are aware of the situation
and what you need to do. To label you type of vision loss just places an
unnecessary distinction in my book. What does a formal definition or
label do in terms of tools and methods? In most situations, these labels
are what box us in such as low vision students being denied Braille
education or cane travel. It says visually impaired seniors don't need
alternative skills training. It denies services and alternative skills
training to a lot of people because of this label. You have low vision
so you can strain to use that vision. You are totally blind so you don't
need education because you have little opportunities. I don't want to be
known as the blind girl; I just want to be the girl with a talent, with
a personality, with an opinion... Labels do nothing to bring equality.

Bridgit
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2013 23:58:23 -0500
From: "justin williams" <justin.williams2 at gmail.com>
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Definition of blindness
Message-ID: <008901ce0ccb$6a3d9c00$3eb8d400$@gmail.com>
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Yeah it actually might.  You should want to know as much about yourself
as possible.  When experts can't give you an answer that's kind of
pathetic. It is good she knows how much she can use what limited sight
she has.  Use every tool in the tool box, but always use the best tool
for the job.