The Benefits of Being Blind or Visually Impaired
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image of pink flowers against blue sky with text “The Benefits of Being Blind or Visually Impaired by World Services for the Blind
The Benefits of Being Blind or Visually Impaired
On the WSB blog, we’ve talked a lot about tips and tricks for people who are blind and visually impaired. But one thing we haven’t touched on are the positives of being blind and visually impaired! This is a lighthearted post but we wanted to highlight some of the positives of being blind or visually impaired.
Here are our top 10 benefits of being blind and visually impaired:
1. The Community
One thing we hear from our graduates all the time is the sense of community they gain when they come to WSB. What people may not realize when they lose their sight is that they gain a community! The blind and visually impaired community is always there to help. There are so many different (virtual this year!) conferences, events, and groups you can be a part of if you haven’t found that community just yet.
2. Taking Your Dog with you everywhere
Guide dogs bring so many benefits. But one big plus, if you have a guide dog, is that you can take your dog everywhere with you.
3. Never have to be the designated driver
Don’t worry about not being able to drive home after a few drinks. You’ll never have to be a designated driver as someone who is blind or visually impaired!
4. Travel perks & Discounts
There are plenty of travel perks for the blind and visually impaired. At the airport, you can skip the long security line and you can board the plane first! In our last post, we mentioned you can receive discounts for public transportation, which is definitely a plus.
5. Unique View of the World
Being a part of the blind and visually impaired community gives us a unique view of the world (literally!). It’s estimated that only around 2.4% of the United States adult population is blind or visually impaired, which means our view of the world is even more unique!
6. Read in the dark
If you’re a braille user, you can read in the dark! This also leads us to our next point…
7. No need to worry if the lights go out!
If you ever lose power, no need to worry as a blind or visually impaired person! We’ve got the tools to travel in the dark.
8. People more willing to help you
This benefit is especially helpful when traveling but if you’re a cane or guide dog user and you look lost people are more willing to help you.
9. Better Listener
Whether you lose your sight later in life or have been blind or visually impaired your whole life, listening becomes even more important.
10. Don’t Judge a Book by its cover
Unlike a lot of people, the blind and visually impaired community don’t judge people based on their looks because most of the time, we can’t see them! Based on our other benefits, like being better listeners, we are able to gain a better first impression of someone instead of basing it on how they look.
What are some of the benefits for you as someone who is blind or visually impaired? Let us know in the comments!
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