To me, the shittiest part isn't even encouraging people to put on blindfolds, giggle and fumble around for a minute, and feel like they understand what it must be like to be blind. Everyone here in /r/blind/ of course knows that playing "pretend blind" in no way simulates the skills and abilities that an experienced blind person with the right tools and training has. We know that blind people can competently "eat a meal, make your bed," and "get ready for the day." (activities the campaign suggests for your challenge.)

The worst part of the campaign in my opinion is the video on their site simulating blindness.

If you go to the "howeyeseeit" site (I will not link to not promote them) there is a video link (not audio described) which reads "See what it's like to lose your vision." This leads to a youtube video which reads "#howeyeseeit" and "foundation fighting blindness" and then "FOLLOW YOUR KID." It is a park scene with kids in it, and your kid runs off in the video as your field of vision slowly decreases (simulating RP.)

That is offensive and dangerous. We live in a time where blind parents still sometimes get their children taken away or unnecessary evaluations into their personal lives just because they're blind, and where every blind parent has stories of doctors, or social workers, or teachers who question their ability to parent. There are real life consequences to making people believe that a blind parent couldn't safely take their child to the park and supervise them there.

Throwing blind people under the bus by making people think we're helpless and incompetent shouldn't be the way to fundraise for research. It's just not right.

Another day, another terrible PR "charity" run entirely by and for the sighted. See also: Blind New Worlds, The CNIB, etc. *sigh*

This campaign fails to recognize those like me who have some vision, but are only legally blind. It also makes us look like helpless victims, to b pitied. I hate pity.