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Blind and Visually Impaired Community

Full History - 2019 - 02 - 20 - ID#askyza
5
Looking for information on the blindness field and public perception of blindness in the 19th and 20th centuries. (self.Blind)
submitted by Tuckered__Out
I’m a college student creating an exhibit about a non-profit that does rehabilitation and training for people with vision loss, and they’d like me to put their organization in context with other organizations and blindness in general in the United States. For example, they’d like to know how this organization’s activities were similar and different to what other organizations might have been doing and how vision loss was thought of in the past 200 years. This organization also used to operate a sheltered workshop, which is something else I’m curious about. Hopefully my questions are clear. I’ve done some research, but it’s hard to combine everything I’m reading to get a succinct picture of how attitudes and practices have changed. I’d appreciate any suggestions you can give!
jrs12 2 points 4y ago
200 years is a long time frame. I think the clearest perspective over that time frame is to look at disability law in general. We moved from an institutional and sterilization model where we basically got rid of people who were different to a model where we educated, but in different settings without the same expectations of achievement. We had sight saving classes where any remaining vision use was discouraged and punished. Now we have laws in place that are supposed to prevent discrimination based on disability, that are supposed to grant equal access to the least restrictive environment in schools, and theoretically mean people with visual impairment have the same access as everyone else to things like jobs and services. In practice though... that's not true. Laws may be catching up with where they should be, but public perception is taking a longer time to let go of their preconceived notions about what blindness means. There are still many people who will expect less of someone with a visual impairment or think they need more help. I have teachers who correct my students with visual impairments for getting close to things. Some people think my students don't belong in school with their friends. We've certainly changed as a society in 200 years, but those old beliefs and values still linger through prejudice.
Side note: Be careful what you say about sheltered workshops. It might be an outdated and inappropriate option for some people now, but for others, a job like this might be the only way they are capable of making money. Expected mixed reactions to any stance on them.
ENTJ351 1 points 4y ago
I can’t tell you or compare it because I don’t know how your organization works. I don’t know what exactly you are asking us to do. Would you like to talk about this? It may be better if we can have a conversation if not ask more specific questions and you’ll have to describe the organization. If you want to talk you’ll have to message me and I can furnish you with contact info.
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