This is a discussion from a Nature Links for Lifelong Learning online class, recorded on the coast of Maine, September 23, 2020. Gabe, Hunter and Alex respond to common misconceptions about blind and low vision people, and answer questions from their peers. They wanted to share this discussion with the wider community so that folks can educate themselves on the nuanced experiences and needs of their blind and low vision neighbors. The conversation meanders as conversations do. See the guide below to navigate to a topic of interest!
1:50 - Myth 1: Blind people have superior hearing.
4:35 - Myth 2: You must speak loudly to blind people or they won't know you're addressing them.
6:05 - Cultural Representations of Blind People
7:40 - Underestimation of Abilities
8:45 - Self-Advocacy
9:50 - Question: Do you use a cane to cross the street?
11:45 - Question: Do blind people have difficulty balancing?
15:00 - Myth 3: Most blind people are totally blind.
19:15 - Guide dogs
23:30 - Myth 4: All blind people read braille.
26:30 - Deafness and Sign Language
29:05 - Question: Is it hard for blind people to read music?
30:16 - Myth: Most blind people are looking for a cure.
36:09 - Accessibility of Public Transportation
41:00 - Accessibility of Grocery Stores
42:48 - Seeing AI Apps
45:30 - Hunter's Radio Program Plug!
46:15 - Accessibility in Public Schools
52:08 - Alex shares about her own experience of vision loss.
54:40 - Wrapping it out!
