September 2 - Blind Encounters

How do you react when you meet someone who is blind? I think that sometimes a white cane or perhaps a wheelchair or other aid to mobility can make others feel uncomfortable and inhibit conversation. People just don’t know what to say. It is as if the person with a physical challenge is living in a different or separate world and all contact must be avoided.

At other times, I find that my white cane seems to invite others to probe with the most personal of questions about my sight. How did I lose it? How much can I see? How long have I had this “disability”? Was anyone else in my family affected this way? Sometimes these questions come from total strangers. I try to be polite, but really is it any of their business?

While this type of inquisition can be mildly irritating, being ignored or treated as invisible is way more annoying. I know that I cannot see, but does that mean that other people can’t see me? It is really irksome when, even if I am standing beside Lyle, the questions which should be put to me are asked of him instead – questions such as:

Can she sign her name?

Would she like to use the stairs or the elevator?

Would she like a braille menu?

While the questions might be asked with the best of intentions, I find them a bit insulting. Am I invisible? If I am standing or sitting right there, why ignore my presence?

Sometimes, I will answer even though I haven’t been addressed. At other times, Lyle will make the correction by turning to me and rephrasing the question. “Sue, would you prefer the stairs or would you like to use the elevator?”

So, if you happen to meet someone who is blind, consider behaving much as you would if you were to meet someone who is sighted. With the additional proviso of perhaps offering help if you think some is needed, just acknowledge that the person who is blind is an equal part of any conversation or encounter.