Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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When should I notify ppl if I'm visually impaired and do sighted people just assume that I need glasses after saying that? (self.Blind)
submitted by sanya4
I just happen to have blurred vision and sometime double vision. O cannot read regular print because I am farsighted in both eyes. So it's to distinguish objects on shelves.
Yesterday I went to Walgreens with my magnifier but I thought it would be easier to ask her where is the dark chocolate, so I did. She saw me with the magnifier but she still was kind enough to help. I didn't tell her that I have vision loss.
I sometime don't it at all to people helping me in these stores. When I was in Dr offices I would wait until they give me papers or ask about my conditions to tell. I wouldn't tell a random person about it unless it's relevant.
Also, do most sighted ppl assume that all ppl who need glasses have vision loss? Or that all ppl who see blurry w/o aide have vision loss? I've heard sighted ppl with glasses saying that they "go blind" without them, but that's not even close to blindness. Should I tell them that I cannot see well *with* glasses or contacts? I currently have no glasses, no cane, no pair of shades, and no guide dog. Everything is blurred w/o my magni. I rely heavily on my hearing, touch, and walking Pace with the remaining sight I have. But sighted ppl might assume that I wouldn't need a magnifier if I "afforded glasses", which I did. My eye Dr told me to stop wearing them.
Then there's the old me saying "who cares what they think at Staples? Just tell them more if they have a problem with you." But I find myself straining whenever they hold things in front of me for several seconds.
Yesterday I went to Walgreens with my magnifier but I thought it would be easier to ask her where is the dark chocolate, so I did. She saw me with the magnifier but she still was kind enough to help. I didn't tell her that I have vision loss.
I sometime don't it at all to people helping me in these stores. When I was in Dr offices I would wait until they give me papers or ask about my conditions to tell. I wouldn't tell a random person about it unless it's relevant.
Also, do most sighted ppl assume that all ppl who need glasses have vision loss? Or that all ppl who see blurry w/o aide have vision loss? I've heard sighted ppl with glasses saying that they "go blind" without them, but that's not even close to blindness. Should I tell them that I cannot see well *with* glasses or contacts? I currently have no glasses, no cane, no pair of shades, and no guide dog. Everything is blurred w/o my magni. I rely heavily on my hearing, touch, and walking Pace with the remaining sight I have. But sighted ppl might assume that I wouldn't need a magnifier if I "afforded glasses", which I did. My eye Dr told me to stop wearing them.
Then there's the old me saying "who cares what they think at Staples? Just tell them more if they have a problem with you." But I find myself straining whenever they hold things in front of me for several seconds.
sonofabutch 10 points 5y ago
Most sighted people assume a person wearing glasses sees poorly *without* the glasses, but has good vision with the glasses.
Typically when you talk to a person who has no experience with a person who is blind, they assume that vision is an on or off thing, you are either sighted or blind, and blind means total complete blackness.
Sighted people usually will understand if you say that you're "legally blind" that you have some limited vision but might need assistance.
Typically when you talk to a person who has no experience with a person who is blind, they assume that vision is an on or off thing, you are either sighted or blind, and blind means total complete blackness.
Sighted people usually will understand if you say that you're "legally blind" that you have some limited vision but might need assistance.
blindjo 14 points 5y ago
Not OP but, In my personal experience, the term “legally blind” only causes more trouble. Where i live, few people know what legal blindness is so they’ll assume total blindness and occasionally assume whoever says it is faking.
Words are weird. I used to use “visually impaired” a lot more, but people still don’t quite get what that means. And now there’s this dumb movement online where some goofballs think that visual impairment is just an “sjw” term.
In my personal experience, “partially blind” has been the easiest thing for sighties to understand
“
Words are weird. I used to use “visually impaired” a lot more, but people still don’t quite get what that means. And now there’s this dumb movement online where some goofballs think that visual impairment is just an “sjw” term.
In my personal experience, “partially blind” has been the easiest thing for sighties to understand
“
silverclaud22 2 points 5y ago
Good advice. I do find myself explaining what legally blind means quite frequently. I like the partially blind phrase. I used to get around without a cane but I still needed assistance. Once on a plane when I asked for assistance finding my seat, I told the flight attendant I was legally blind. Then afterwards I heard her talking with another flight attendant who told her “if she is blind she should have a cane. She’s probably just faking.” So ignorant.
sanya4 [OP] 2 points 5y ago
I went by "partially blind" since my vision loss d/x, that is until my eye Dr told me that I wasn't. She said it was because I was below the threshold of legal blindness in the US. But I'll be undergoing another feild test. I did well on the last one a few months ago though. I have moderate vision loss.
RogueCandyKane 9 points 5y ago
Before it was visible that I am VI (I now have a guide dog) I’d just state it, please could you help me, I have a visual impairment. If they pointed I would say I need you to take me there as I can’t see where you are pointing. If I couldn’t read something I’d say I’m visually impairment, what does this say?
Generally, I’ve found it helps to let people know, if they ask more questions and are confused, that blindness is a spectrum and each and every person with a VI sees the world differently. The majority of legally blind people to have some useful vision bi need assistance or adaptations to get by.
I’ve found most people are very happy to help. You are a more interesting customer than a boring bog standard regular customer. You are helping their day to go a bit faster
Generally, I’ve found it helps to let people know, if they ask more questions and are confused, that blindness is a spectrum and each and every person with a VI sees the world differently. The majority of legally blind people to have some useful vision bi need assistance or adaptations to get by.
I’ve found most people are very happy to help. You are a more interesting customer than a boring bog standard regular customer. You are helping their day to go a bit faster
sanya4 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
I'm almost legally blind. It might be easier to know what I'm asking for before "searching" esp w/ my farsightedness. The magni only gives me a limited look at a limited distance.
RogueCandyKane 1 points 5y ago
Do you mean choice? Such as picking out a shampoo out of thirty different type of shampo bottles? Or do you mean finding the aisle where the shampoo is, for example.
I know in the uk a lot of stores have a customer service desk where you can ask someone to assist you while you shop, so stay with you the whole time.
I’ve personally never used that service, I just ask the nearest staff member for help, or Ben strike up a conversation with another customer and ask what colour something is or whatever,
For me now, actual shops g I’m a shop probably only accounts for about 10% of my purchase, the other 90% is done online and delivered to my home. I find it much easier, I can adapt my screen to suit my needs, get exactly what I want and it’s delivered to me. I can also get a lot more bargains that way too.
I know in the uk a lot of stores have a customer service desk where you can ask someone to assist you while you shop, so stay with you the whole time.
I’ve personally never used that service, I just ask the nearest staff member for help, or Ben strike up a conversation with another customer and ask what colour something is or whatever,
For me now, actual shops g I’m a shop probably only accounts for about 10% of my purchase, the other 90% is done online and delivered to my home. I find it much easier, I can adapt my screen to suit my needs, get exactly what I want and it’s delivered to me. I can also get a lot more bargains that way too.
OutWestTexas 6 points 5y ago
I just say, “I have only limited vision and need help with...”. I have found that generally people are glad to help. I also give very SPECIFIC instructions like, “can I take your elbow and you can lead me to it?” That way they don’t just point or grab me.
finn141414 3 points 5y ago
I have been blind in one eye for 4 years. I do OK in some settings but I do particularly poorly in bright stores like Target and Walgreens where the light washes everything out.
Anyhow, I have never found and useful terms. I have also never really found anyone helpful or curious. (A couple of people have said ... “oh I’m blind also without my glasses” ... and although this is infuriating it’s almost better than the shrug from everyone else).
I almost feel that having something obvious (a patch or cane) would at least readily let people know something is up. Aside from that I haven’t found any good wording - trust me I’ve tried!
Anyhow, I have never found and useful terms. I have also never really found anyone helpful or curious. (A couple of people have said ... “oh I’m blind also without my glasses” ... and although this is infuriating it’s almost better than the shrug from everyone else).
I almost feel that having something obvious (a patch or cane) would at least readily let people know something is up. Aside from that I haven’t found any good wording - trust me I’ve tried!
sanya4 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
People respond pretty quickly to my admission to "VI, vision loss, partial blindness" and "low vision", though some don't know what low vision is. Terms do slip over ppl's head sometime in my life and I had one lady tell me 'do the best that u can' after telling her I couldn't read the font...
Myntrith 3 points 5y ago
My Mom has RP. She is completely blind now, but it was a slow, degenerative process. Even before that, she needed glasses, but as her vision degenerated, the glasses became less and less effective. When I hear "impaired vision", I think of it as a spectrum. If someone with impaired vision asks for my help, I would like either specific instructions, or some general indication of where they are on the spectrum.
For example, if someone asks for my help to find an item in a grocery store, something like, "could you please read the label?" would be helpful to me. Or "My vision is blurry and uncorrectable, could you please help me read some labels?"
Or if you feel the specifics of your vision are none of my business, maybe even something like, "I forgot my glasses at home. Could you please help me read some labels?"
Basic point, is that you don't have to go around wearing a sign on your back, but if you ask for assistance with something, look for a way to be clear about what type of assistance and/or how much assistance you would like, even if you don't want to be explicit about what specific vision problems you have. Just say "I need this type of help."
For example, if someone asks for my help to find an item in a grocery store, something like, "could you please read the label?" would be helpful to me. Or "My vision is blurry and uncorrectable, could you please help me read some labels?"
Or if you feel the specifics of your vision are none of my business, maybe even something like, "I forgot my glasses at home. Could you please help me read some labels?"
Basic point, is that you don't have to go around wearing a sign on your back, but if you ask for assistance with something, look for a way to be clear about what type of assistance and/or how much assistance you would like, even if you don't want to be explicit about what specific vision problems you have. Just say "I need this type of help."
silverclaud22 1 points 5y ago
I think that is excellent advice! Definitely helps when I am specific. Like a lot of times I will ask if I am near the place I am looking for and people try to grab me to lead me there if it is close by, which is uncomfortable. So now I say, Hi I am looking for the place. If you tell me which direction it is I can find it, or I could follow you. This usually stops people from grabbing me. Lol I know they are only trying to help.
sanya4 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
I usually say "I'm vision impaired, so I can't..." Or "I'm vision impaired. Can you..."
FrankenGretchen 3 points 5y ago
If you need help, ask. "can you show me where. ..... is?" or "I need help finding some things." Or, if you need help from for to door, go to the service counter and tell them you need assistance doing whatever you're doing. That way, they can find someone to help you while you're there. Usually those people have some experience with assisting customers like us so you have a better time, too. I've called ahead if I had a list that would take a while or gone to customer service and asked for someone to help read labels. I'm not in that situation at the moment, but there's no telling when I might be, again. It's good to keep an eye out for programs stores use to help their customers. Ordering online is a Thing for everybody, now so no one will ask why you're using it, for example.
Yes, there may be times when you have to explain that your vision is limited, but that doesn't have to be your opener unless you want it to be.
Yes, there may be times when you have to explain that your vision is limited, but that doesn't have to be your opener unless you want it to be.
goth69 2 points 5y ago
u are entitled to be treated the way u want and need to be treated, there is nothing shameful about disclosing your condition to whoever you desire for whatever reason. being VI/disabled means that sometimes we dont have a choice to make ourselves vulnerable or not and any attempt to gain back a level of control in those situations is valid. i have had similar experiences to what you describe and navigating them can be really hard and complicated. i believe in you. you are not alone. youre welcome to dm me re: vision impairment. take care <3
sanya4 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
Thanks for the encouragement. :)
I've came across little difficulties moving as a person with blurred vision. And I don't see it as a "problem" to me though I have eye strain. I see it a less common difference to adapt to.
I've came across little difficulties moving as a person with blurred vision. And I don't see it as a "problem" to me though I have eye strain. I see it a less common difference to adapt to.
goth69 1 points 5y ago
thats a really nice mindset thankyou for sharing i can definitely gain some wisdom from that :)
AllHarlowsEve 2 points 5y ago
.... why did your eye doctor tell you not to wear glasses if you have useable vision? Until mine got really, really bad, I still wore my old glasses because they helped a little.
Mind you, that was *AFTER* I couldn't read anymore.
Mind you, that was *AFTER* I couldn't read anymore.
sanya4 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
Vision decreased to the point where it didn't make much if a difference with glasses. Not to mention on my last thread that they worsened my double vision.
You don't have vision loss, as long as you see clearly with your glasses or contacts
You don't have vision loss, as long as you see clearly with your glasses or contacts
AllHarlowsEve 2 points 5y ago
That's... super not true. Even if we were just using legally blind as the cut off for when vision loss exists, there's still lots of people who can see better with glasses. Hell, if they can give a number to your vision, you're still gonna be helped by glasses but can still have vision loss or be blind.
Fange_Strellow 1 points 5y ago
Tell people whatever you are comfortable with. Visual KU impaired, partially blind, or just don’t see well. Most people will help you if you ask for help, and the more specific you are the better. Sometimes people don’t know how to help you and all you gotta do is tell them. The people who won’t help or who are rude are like that to everyone. They are the minority. And if is someone who works at a store, this is their job.
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