Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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What do you do when you are too sighted most of the time to be considered blind but too blind to be considered sighted? (self.Blind)
submitted by PhoenixOnFire19
I have chronic (read daily) atypical migraines. I usually wake up and can see okay with glasses but can sometimes wakeup right off the bat not being able to see. Sometimes (although rarely) I go a full day with no visual impairments. Majority of the time, once the migraine kicks in, I can't see out of one eye and the other eye ranges from unusable to looks like I had my eye dilated.
If I were to call myself blind I feel like people would say I wasn't "not sighted" enough. But all of my sighted friends consider me blind because I need voiceover the majority of the time and have accommodations in school to have papers either blown up with large font or on the computer so I can use the voiceover function or zoom in on them.
If I were to call myself blind I feel like people would say I wasn't "not sighted" enough. But all of my sighted friends consider me blind because I need voiceover the majority of the time and have accommodations in school to have papers either blown up with large font or on the computer so I can use the voiceover function or zoom in on them.
Winnmark 13 points 2y ago
It's one hell of a crossroads to be stuck in; I hate it.
lollipoptart_ 9 points 2y ago
Think of it like someone with chronic fatigue that sometimes really does need a wheelchair, though they do have the ability to stand on their own for short periods of time.
You’re fine. When you can’t see, you can’t see. Someone that’s blindfolded can’t see through the blindfold just because they can see. Migraines really sound awful though.
You’re fine. When you can’t see, you can’t see. Someone that’s blindfolded can’t see through the blindfold just because they can see. Migraines really sound awful though.
Pegasaurus8 6 points 2y ago
I feel the same. That’s why I feel weird carrying around my ID cane. I’m scared someone will try to say I’m faking it or something.
ParaNoxx 5 points 2y ago
I'm also legally blind and I have had more than one experience where somebody is weird and aggressive towards me because they think I'm faking. Its horrible because over the course of several years its only happened twice! Usually people are nice to me! But to have even one bad experience makes me never want to use a cane ever, despite really needing one. :((((
saharacanuck 4 points 2y ago
That’s awful. Maybe have something prepared to say in case someone says something next time. I probably should do that too.
It’s really hard spot to be in. I only use my cane in the fall and winter in the U.K. because it gets dark very early end the sun doesn’t rise very high so I’m constantly bothered by the light. Anyway, it’s almost cane time again, except I have a baby and need to push a stroller. I’m sorry, I’m rambling. This whole invisible disability thing is annoying.
It’s really hard spot to be in. I only use my cane in the fall and winter in the U.K. because it gets dark very early end the sun doesn’t rise very high so I’m constantly bothered by the light. Anyway, it’s almost cane time again, except I have a baby and need to push a stroller. I’m sorry, I’m rambling. This whole invisible disability thing is annoying.
[deleted] 3 points 2y ago
[deleted]
meganbernadette 3 points 2y ago
No direct advice but I just read this article and I feel like it’s relatable.
https://medium.com/@lisaferris/why-i-identify-as-blind-when-i-can-kinda-see-2df3f6af5a0c
https://medium.com/@lisaferris/why-i-identify-as-blind-when-i-can-kinda-see-2df3f6af5a0c
AlwaysLilly 3 points 2y ago
I don’t have migraines, and I’m so sorry you’re suffering with this as it clearly is really hard. But you’ve really hit home on a lot of points for me.
My vision is mostly corrected to “normal” which is a blessing in and of itself with how my eyes are, but when I have a bad vision day, it is so exhausting and puts me in this frustrating limbo of I can do x but y is impossible without help/modification.
I’m also deaf in one ear and have had similar feelings with the deaf community because while the spectrum for both blindness and deafness is vast, it’s easy to feel like an outsider when you can “pass” as hearing, sighted etc. even though your experiences are your own and your experiences are valid.
Even knowing that most people just want to help if you need it, but the anxiety is a hard thing to fight. I try to tell myself that I don’t owe an explanation to anyone and everyone deserves to have access. I’m personally trying to be honest with myself, my family and anyone who needs to know what I need and trying not to just deal with it alone.
My vision is mostly corrected to “normal” which is a blessing in and of itself with how my eyes are, but when I have a bad vision day, it is so exhausting and puts me in this frustrating limbo of I can do x but y is impossible without help/modification.
I’m also deaf in one ear and have had similar feelings with the deaf community because while the spectrum for both blindness and deafness is vast, it’s easy to feel like an outsider when you can “pass” as hearing, sighted etc. even though your experiences are your own and your experiences are valid.
Even knowing that most people just want to help if you need it, but the anxiety is a hard thing to fight. I try to tell myself that I don’t owe an explanation to anyone and everyone deserves to have access. I’m personally trying to be honest with myself, my family and anyone who needs to know what I need and trying not to just deal with it alone.
blackberrybunny 3 points 2y ago
Here in the USA, you might be considered "legally blind," like myself. I have some vision, but not much, and what I do have is so little that I am legally considered blind by eye doctors since I was born. My visual acuity is worse than 20/200 in both eyes. I legally qualify for any/all aid doled up by the government. I'm lucky. I can see-- just not well. Better than nothing.
achromatic_03 2 points 2y ago
Preeeeaach! If I were to write a book, the title would be something like "in-between" or "through the cracks" because I always feel like this!
nowwerecooking 2 points 2y ago
THIS!!! It’s the absolute worst. I feel like i’m right in the middle in a black abyss. I wish I could say something to help you feel better, but just know you aren’t alone and if you ever want to talk about it feel free to dm me.
LadyAlleta 1 points 2y ago
I am situationally blind in sunlight as well as legally blind but can pass for sighted.
Here's what I say when ppl tell me I'm not blind. "I only hold an umbrella when it's raining." You can elaborate explaining that your vision is situational and only need a cane (or what have you) when you're in certain situations. Ppl don't walk around using umbrellas on sunny days, but they need them in the rain.
Also I hope a doctor can help reduce your migraines. That's insane and probably affects your eye pressure. Best of luck to ya
Here's what I say when ppl tell me I'm not blind. "I only hold an umbrella when it's raining." You can elaborate explaining that your vision is situational and only need a cane (or what have you) when you're in certain situations. Ppl don't walk around using umbrellas on sunny days, but they need them in the rain.
Also I hope a doctor can help reduce your migraines. That's insane and probably affects your eye pressure. Best of luck to ya
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