Greetings everyone and I’m Christian Robicheau welcoming you to another marvelous May weekend.
Today, our president Donna J. Jodhan shares a very unique perspective with us and I invite you to read and send along your perspective to her at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.
It’s all about walking in different worlds.
Enjoy your weekend.
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Walking in different worlds
By Donna J. Jodhan
Walking in Different Worlds: Understanding the Challenges of Sighted and Disabled Perspectives
Living in a world where the majority of people are able-bodied or sighted, it’s easy to overlook the experiences of those who navigate life with a disability. For someone who has never engaged or communicated with someone with a disability, the challenges can often be difficult to grasp. The contrast between the worlds of the sighted and those with disabilities can seem vast and, at times, disconnected. But as we open the door to better understanding, we can bridge these gaps and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
The Challenges for the Sighted Person
For a sighted individual who has never interacted with someone with a disability, it can be difficult to understand the nuances of the disabled experience. Disability is often misunderstood or simplified in a way that minimizes the complexity of navigating a world designed for those who don’t face physical, sensory, or cognitive barriers.
1.
Lack of Awareness: One of the most common challenges sighted people face is a general lack of awareness. Disabilities can be invisible (like chronic pain or mental health conditions) or visible (such as blindness or mobility issues), but they can’t always be understood through a brief interaction. Without direct exposure, it’s easy to make assumptions or overlook the fact that a disability impacts daily life in unique ways.
2.
Unintentional Patronization: Many sighted individuals may unknowingly adopt a tone or behavior that is patronizing when speaking to someone with a disability. This could manifest as speaking overly slowly, using overly simplistic language, or treating a person as if they are incapable of performing simple tasks. This is often a result of not knowing how to communicate or interact with someone who has a disability, coupled with an assumption that the person’s disability defines their entire identity.
3.
Fear of Offending: Some sighted people avoid engaging with those with disabilities because they are unsure of the right language to use, or they fear making a mistake. This hesitation can create unnecessary distance, preventing genuine communication and understanding. The challenge here is not the disability itself, but the discomfort or unfamiliarity in knowing how to treat someone as an equal without crossing boundaries.
4.
Assuming Limitations: A sighted person might assume that someone with a disability is limited in ways they aren’t. They may make decisions on behalf of a person with a disability, presuming that the individual cannot do something—whether it’s traveling alone, working a job, or participating in social events. This assumption can stem from a lack of exposure to the diverse abilities within the disabled community.
Bridging the Gap: How Can People with Disabilities Help Sighted People Understand?
For someone with a disability, the experience of walking in a world built for the sighted can often feel isolating or frustrating. But with patience, education, and open communication, individuals with disabilities can help sighted people better understand their lived experiences.
1.
Sharing Personal Stories: One of the most powerful tools for creating empathy is storytelling. By sharing their personal experiences, individuals with disabilities can help sighted people understand the day-to-day challenges they face. This could be through conversations, blogs, social media posts, or public speaking engagements. The key is to make it relatable, showing how despite challenges, they are capable of thriving in society.
2.
Offering Education and Resources: Sometimes, a sighted person may simply not know where to begin learning about disability. Providing resources—such as books, websites, or organizations focused on disability advocacy—can help to demystify some of the common misconceptions. Educational outreach is an effective tool for reducing ignorance and building greater awareness.
3.
Fostering Open Dialogue: It’s important for individuals with disabilities to feel comfortable initiating conversations about their needs or preferences. If a sighted person isn’t sure how to assist, asking how they can help rather than assuming what’s best is a step in the right direction. This shows that the person with the disability is seen as an active participant in the interaction, not someone who is simply receiving help. Mutual respect and curiosity can help reduce the awkwardness that might come from not knowing how to navigate certain situations.
4.
Promoting Advocacy: Being an advocate for disability rights not only helps to raise awareness, but it also empowers disabled individuals to assert their needs in both public and private spaces. Encouraging sighted people to recognize and support disability access—whether it’s in workplaces, schools, or public transport—helps normalize
inclusivity. This could involve sharing experiences of what is or isn’t accessible, as well as pushing for greater improvements in infrastructure and societal attitudes.
5.
Modeling Independence: While many people with disabilities need assistance in certain areas, showcasing moments of independence can challenge the stereotype that they are dependent or incapable. Whether it’s navigating a space independently with a cane, using assistive technology to enhance communication, or working in a job alongside sighted colleagues, demonstrating independence allows sighted people to rethink their assumptions and recognize the value that individuals with disabilities bring to all walks of life.
Moving Toward Empathy and Inclusion
Ultimately, the key to navigating these different worlds is empathy. For sighted people, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is valid, and a disability doesn’t define a person’s worth or potential. For those with disabilities, taking the opportunity to share their experiences can foster a deeper understanding and encourage a more inclusive society.
When both sides commit to understanding and respecting one another’s experiences, the world becomes a place where the barriers between these two worlds can be minimized. It’s not about creating a perfect alignment of perspectives, but rather about forging meaningful connections, learning from each other, and working toward a more inclusive world where everyone can walk side by side.
Image = an illustration of two people meeting and shaking hands: one is blind and using a white can, while the other is sighted.
To learn more about me as an award winning sight loss coach and advocate visit www.donnajodhan.com
