WHAT IS BLINDNESS

WHAT IS BLINDNESS

EDUCATIONAL COURSE OF THE DIGITAL TACTUAL MUSEUM FOR KIDS

EDUCATIONAL COURSE OF THE DIGITAL TACTUAL MUSEUM FOR KIDS

What is blindness

What is blindness

Sight is one of our 5 senses and considered as one of the most important ones, as most of the information we receive on a daily basis is visual. “Blindness” or otherwise “impaired vision” is the state of lack of this sense, which:

  • in some cases it is total (totally blind persons) while
  • in some others it is partial (partially sighted persons).

The vision loss is surely related with difficulties for many of us (of young and older age), but in no case does it define us.

MYTHS & TRUTHS

MYTH:
All visually impaired people live in the dark.

TRUTH:
Some live in total darkness, some have light perception and others can see shadows and blurry shapes.

MYTH:
All visually impaired people were born without sight.

TRUTH:
Some people are born blind, but many lose their sight during their lifetime, either caused by genetic factors or because of an accident.

MYTH:
People with visual impairments can hear or sense things that no one else can, they have the so called “sixth sense”.

TRUTH:
It is true that some people who are blind have enhanced abilities in their other senses, but that is because they use them and rely on them more and not because of metaphysical reasons.

MYTH:
All visually impaired people can read or write Braille.

TRUTH:
Braille is the official writing and reading for the blind worldwide, but this does not mean that everyone knows it.
Apart from the Braille system, there are also other alternative ways for equal access to information and knowledge, such as talking/audio books, special applications for mobile phones, PC screen readers, e.t.c.

MYTH:
All visually impaired people are the same.

TRUTH:
What is common among visually impaired people is that they lack the visual perception and as a consequence they face practical difficulties related to the impairment. Beyond that, they are unique personalities as we all are. Thus, visually impaired people are people with different lifestyles, needs, preferences, choices and life destinations as happens with the sighted ones.

MYTH:
Visually impaired people cannot work, cook, use electronic devices, go anywhere alone e.t.c.

TRUTH:
Visually impaired people can definitely do all the things mentioned above if they are relatively trained and have the right means/tools and chances, assuring this way to a great extent their autonomy in all fields of daily life.

LET’S PLAY! ANSWER THE QUESTIONS!

LET’S PLAY! ANSWER THE QUESTIONS!

How many of the following questions can you answer correctly according to what you have learned above? Try it and if you face any difficulty, carefully read again what we have learned so far.

1. Some visually impaired people can see shadows. Truth or myth?

Your answer is correct. Well done! Continue below.

Your answer is wrong. Try again!

2. All visually impaired people know how to read braille. Truth or myth?

Your answer is wrong. Try again!

Your answer is correct. Well done! Continue below.

3. Not all visually impaired people are the same. Truth or myth?

Your answer is correct. Well done! Continue below.

Your answer is wrong. Try again!

4. People who have a visual impairment usually hear very well. Truth or myth?

Your answer is correct. Well done! Continue below.

Your answer is wrong. Try again!