Blindness and visual impairment are often misunderstood. Misconceptions about it have an impact on the public perception and attitude toward such people. Let’s find out some common myths and the facts surrounding them so that we may be able to create an environment of inclusiveness and understanding for people who are blind or have visual impairments.
Myths #1: All Blind People See Nothing
Reality: Not every blind person has total darkness; the residual vision at least to light, color, or shape is retained by many of them. Visual impairments and blindness range across a wide spectrum, from near-sightlessness to profound lack of vision.
Myths #2: Blind People Possess Superhuman Sensings
Fact: The other senses of blind and severely visually impaired people can be very heightened, but not at a superhuman level. Blind and severely visually impaired individuals have no special hearing or feeling in their fingers.
Training often develops many skills to replace some or all of the sight a person loses, but that is an acquired skill-not a superpower.
Myth #3: Braille is Universally Used by All Blind People
Fact: Not all blind people use Braille. Braille literacy is individual, and many prefer to use audio-based technologies, screen readers, or large print materials. Braille is an important tool, but it is not the only means of reading and communicating.
Myth #4: Blind People Cannot Use Technology
Fact: Technology today is all very accessible! Screen readers, voice assistants, and other adaptive technologies enable people with blindness to use computers, smartphones, and even navigate the internet. Tech accessibility is continuously growing, helping visually impaired individuals stay connected and independent.
Myth #5: Blind People Rely on Guide Dogs Alone
Fact: Guide dogs are only one of many mobility tools. Some blind people use a cane, a sighted guide, or digital navigation aids. Guide dogs are not appropriate for everyone and require special training. The choice of mobility is a personal one, varying according to need and lifestyle.
Myth #6: Blindness Leads to a Lack of Independence
Fact: A person who cannot see has a full and active life. With appropriate assistance from such resources and tools, individuals find work, travel, and cope with everyday responsibilities. More often than not, the person is working and undertaking hobbies and participating vigorously within the community to indicate the capacity that blindness is no limiting factor.
