Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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What’s the coolest/best thing about being blind/visually impaired? (self.Blind)
submitted by sunny1sotrue117
For me, it’s bringing my guide dog everywhere.
KE5TR4L 60 points 1y ago
I smack people in the ankle with the ball of my cane when they are being horrible to customer service people for no reason.
"Sorry i didnt see you there!"
Im the grocery store avenger
"Sorry i didnt see you there!"
Im the grocery store avenger
ratadeacero 15 points 1y ago
Haha. My wife will do this "accidentally " yo obnoxious adults or kids. The best part is they apologize to her
TXblindman 7 points 1y ago
Do you remember those little packs of gum when you pull the piece out it would shock you? I want to find a way for my metal cane tip to do that to peoples ankles.
itsablindgurlthing 37 points 1y ago
The best is when the power goes out and all the sighted people are like where’s a flash light where’s this and that. And I’m just like y’all sit down I got this. My time to shine lol
Tarnagona 3 points 1y ago
This happened while I was visiting my fiancé’s family a couple months ago. They’ve lived in that house for over 25 years, and were all scrambling for flashlights. I was honestly a little surprised, because it’s such a familiar place for them.
MalcolmYoungForever 25 points 1y ago
My late buddy was blind since an infant. He was a chick magnet for some reason. Just an average looking guy with awesome jokes and a hilarious laugh. I like to spread that around a lot to encourage others.
JudgeSavings 10 points 1y ago
so the opisite of me, and the only ones who wanted me wher less then mentaly ok
spacechamango 5 points 1y ago
🤣🤣 I’m so sorry but that really
Made me giggle!!!
Made me giggle!!!
MalcolmYoungForever 4 points 1y ago
Me too.
Master-Abalone-3146 2 points 1y ago
Why'd you have to hit so close to home.
DHamlinMusic 25 points 1y ago
Not having to see politicians stupid faces.
Criptedinyourcloset 6 points 1y ago
That’s my favorite benefit. Although, unfortunately for me. I still have enough vision to wear if you showed me the face of a politician I’ve seen for a very long time, I’ll be able to tell you who it is. Going blind is not going to be fun but for fucks sake that’s gonna be the best fucking part.
XSerenity 24 points 1y ago
Visually impaired, not fully blind, but....
* I can't see things I don't want to see in the locker room.
* never have to drive on long trips or be the DD.
* every date I go on is a blind date.
* I can't see things I don't want to see in the locker room.
* never have to drive on long trips or be the DD.
* every date I go on is a blind date.
snimminycricket 7 points 1y ago
I did used to love to drive, especially as a teenager, and I wish I could still drive on road trips (open highway, no traffic...ahhhhh), BUT never having to be the designated driver is pretty nice!
OldManOnFire 22 points 1y ago
1. My kids say I look like a badass in dark glasses
2. My cane gives me right of way everywhere I go
3. I finally quit giving my life to my job. I started a blind bucket list and I can honestly say last year was the funnest year of my life.
2. My cane gives me right of way everywhere I go
3. I finally quit giving my life to my job. I started a blind bucket list and I can honestly say last year was the funnest year of my life.
kramwam 3 points 1y ago
Do you mind sharing some items if your bucket list? Fun ideas are always welcomed.
OldManOnFire 6 points 1y ago
When I told the kids I was legally blind and probably two years from being totally blind my son asked me if there was anything I wanted to do while I still could. The first thing I said was Mount Rushmore because my mom is always telling me how cool it is, but I thought about it and realized this isn't my mom's bucket list, it's mine.
And I didn't want to go to Mount Rushmore, I wanted to water ski.
So two of my kids and I each chipped in a couple grand and we bought a ski boat. I put the grandkids in charge of naming it so it's name is Fuzzy Peach. I'm convinced that's the greatest name for a boat in the whole history of history. We spent half a week on the Tennessee River water skiing, getting pulled around on a giant inner tube, and getting thrown overboard by my grandkids. It was magnificent. And it was also the beginning of my blind bucket list.
I flew back to Arizona where my daughter took me hiking through all the national parks and hiking trails I used to take her on when she was little. I skinny dipped in Navajo Lake and drank a glass of my daughter's and son-in-law's homemade wine. I painted my first (and last) oil painting. It's a dark haired girl in a pink dress walking through a forest, and nobody knows this but the girl in the painting is based on my wife. I flew kites on the beach at Galveston Island with my parents. I stepped inside the batting cages and swung at softballs I can barely see anymore. I flew back to the Rockies to spend Christmas with my parents and see snow one last time. I threw a snowball. I looked up an old friend from high school and had lunch with him. We talked a bit about where we are now but mostly we laughed at the stoopid stuff we did as kids, the times we got caught and the times we got away. I visited my little brother's gravestone for the last time. Rest in peace, Bear.
I went back to Tennessee to meet my new grandson. His 5 year old brother drove me around on the back of their ATV. I got in a Nerf Gun war with the grandkids. They're too young to realize I wouldn't know where to aim if they'd just stop giggling.
There are still a few things I want to do. Miniature golfing, maybe go bowling again and maybe even put on some gloves and step inside a boxing ring and get my ass kicked by my son who just got out of the Army.
The blind bucket list is mostly a way for me to create visual memories of the people I love smiling and having fun. It's how I want to remember them when I can no longer see them.
What's on your list?
And I didn't want to go to Mount Rushmore, I wanted to water ski.
So two of my kids and I each chipped in a couple grand and we bought a ski boat. I put the grandkids in charge of naming it so it's name is Fuzzy Peach. I'm convinced that's the greatest name for a boat in the whole history of history. We spent half a week on the Tennessee River water skiing, getting pulled around on a giant inner tube, and getting thrown overboard by my grandkids. It was magnificent. And it was also the beginning of my blind bucket list.
I flew back to Arizona where my daughter took me hiking through all the national parks and hiking trails I used to take her on when she was little. I skinny dipped in Navajo Lake and drank a glass of my daughter's and son-in-law's homemade wine. I painted my first (and last) oil painting. It's a dark haired girl in a pink dress walking through a forest, and nobody knows this but the girl in the painting is based on my wife. I flew kites on the beach at Galveston Island with my parents. I stepped inside the batting cages and swung at softballs I can barely see anymore. I flew back to the Rockies to spend Christmas with my parents and see snow one last time. I threw a snowball. I looked up an old friend from high school and had lunch with him. We talked a bit about where we are now but mostly we laughed at the stoopid stuff we did as kids, the times we got caught and the times we got away. I visited my little brother's gravestone for the last time. Rest in peace, Bear.
I went back to Tennessee to meet my new grandson. His 5 year old brother drove me around on the back of their ATV. I got in a Nerf Gun war with the grandkids. They're too young to realize I wouldn't know where to aim if they'd just stop giggling.
There are still a few things I want to do. Miniature golfing, maybe go bowling again and maybe even put on some gloves and step inside a boxing ring and get my ass kicked by my son who just got out of the Army.
The blind bucket list is mostly a way for me to create visual memories of the people I love smiling and having fun. It's how I want to remember them when I can no longer see them.
What's on your list?
kramwam 2 points 1y ago
Thank you a lot for sharing it with us! I'm happy you are having a great time.
I always had poor vision so I never experienced this transition period. I always try to find things that I'm able to do and find it fun.
Traveling is quite high on my list, especially nature related - fjords of Norway, forests of Luxembourg, sand dunes of Belgium, lakes of Bavaria, the Mediterranean coast, the Alps... so much to experience here on the old continent. And besides seeing it there are the scents, the warm sun or cold wind on my skin, touching plants and animals.
I'm also into running, marathons are a weird hobby, lots of practice required, but the results are worth it.
I always had poor vision so I never experienced this transition period. I always try to find things that I'm able to do and find it fun.
Traveling is quite high on my list, especially nature related - fjords of Norway, forests of Luxembourg, sand dunes of Belgium, lakes of Bavaria, the Mediterranean coast, the Alps... so much to experience here on the old continent. And besides seeing it there are the scents, the warm sun or cold wind on my skin, touching plants and animals.
I'm also into running, marathons are a weird hobby, lots of practice required, but the results are worth it.
vadwar 1 points 1y ago
Been blind since birth, no sight at all, definitely drove an ATV and fired guns before. Maybe it won't be your last time.
xmachinaxxx 17 points 1y ago
The fact that people mostly move out of my way while I’m using my cane. I hate being crowded by people so I like that aspect.
retrolental_morose 17 points 1y ago
I can read in the dark, that's pretty neat. Granted I didn't get to bed until 4AM yesterday...
No-Satisfaction7842 15 points 1y ago
I’ll add to this. Provided I have one of my AirPods in, I can surf the web and completely ignore boring meetings totally undetected LOL
TXblindman 6 points 1y ago
Not me for my entire associates degree. Not at all.
RagingRoman01 16 points 1y ago
I’ve gotten the chance to do a lot of cool things because of my visual impairment. There’s this local organization that takes blind and visually impaired students on crazy trips. (That’s not the main purpose of the organization, but it’s something big they do every other year to bring awareness and motivate the students.) I got to hike the Grand Canyon and raft the entire Colorado river. I also went sailing in Puerto Rico for a week. If it wasn’t for my visual impairment, I would have never done any of this in my life.
Iamheno 12 points 1y ago
Not having to look at pictures on peoples phones!
PaleontologistTrue74 12 points 1y ago
Idk man not to get toxic or depressing. I dont think there is anything " cool " or " the best " about being unable to see.
Not to shit on parades its just zero upside imo.
Not to shit on parades its just zero upside imo.
No-Satisfaction7842 9 points 1y ago
Personally I think it’s neutral. It’s one element of my life and it has definitely impacted the choices I’ve made and the things I’ve done, but considering I really like my life, I wouldn’t want to go back and change any of it
PaleontologistTrue74 3 points 1y ago
Hey. I see with your name directly under it says advanced RP.
I have the same stuff. Mid stages. Been kinda hard to come to terms with it. Not as bad as when I was first diagnosed but it's still a depression causing thing. Got any advice? You attitude is what I need to aspire to be.
I have the same stuff. Mid stages. Been kinda hard to come to terms with it. Not as bad as when I was first diagnosed but it's still a depression causing thing. Got any advice? You attitude is what I need to aspire to be.
No-Satisfaction7842 3 points 1y ago
Hey there. Sorry for what you’re going through. In a way I’m kind of lucky in that they diagnosed my RP when I was a little toddler, so I grew up knowing I had it and never had to deal with the shock of that initial diagnosis. I have a friend who was diagnosed when she was already in her early 30s and I can only imagine how much more difficult that is emotionally.
Of course, I still get discouraged and frustrated sometimes, especially when I can’t see something as well as I could a year or two before. I just try to stay positive and think in terms of problem-solving rather than letting that discouragement stop me. If I’m having trouble figuring out how to do something, I just try to get creative and adapt it so that I can do it.
It also helps to have places like this where you can talk with other people so you don’t feel as much alone. Feel free to reach out anytime. Have a great weekend!
Of course, I still get discouraged and frustrated sometimes, especially when I can’t see something as well as I could a year or two before. I just try to stay positive and think in terms of problem-solving rather than letting that discouragement stop me. If I’m having trouble figuring out how to do something, I just try to get creative and adapt it so that I can do it.
It also helps to have places like this where you can talk with other people so you don’t feel as much alone. Feel free to reach out anytime. Have a great weekend!
PaleontologistTrue74 2 points 1y ago
This place truly is a great community. Thank you for the offer. May take you up on it with future questions
Hope you have a good weekend aswell.
Hope you have a good weekend aswell.
Responsible_Point538 6 points 1y ago
Kinda agree with you. Literally, everything that would be good has a huge downside too
Guide dog: sighted people will think it’s an autism dog and try to be you and your dog’s happy buddy which is beyond rude and really upsets me
Job training: get training for certain higher level jobs. But, you graduate school with no debt which is a reason to pass you over for some hiring. And, there are some jobs I straight can’t do. So, I’m on the bottom rung of what should be a good field
Not driving is ok and less stressful, until you budget for Uber or a housing situation that doesn’t require a car
I think goal ball and being able to get more info from touch are the only universally positive things about being blind. And, even then, go try and play a pickup goal ball game at your local court…
Guide dog: sighted people will think it’s an autism dog and try to be you and your dog’s happy buddy which is beyond rude and really upsets me
Job training: get training for certain higher level jobs. But, you graduate school with no debt which is a reason to pass you over for some hiring. And, there are some jobs I straight can’t do. So, I’m on the bottom rung of what should be a good field
Not driving is ok and less stressful, until you budget for Uber or a housing situation that doesn’t require a car
I think goal ball and being able to get more info from touch are the only universally positive things about being blind. And, even then, go try and play a pickup goal ball game at your local court…
DrillInstructorJan 5 points 1y ago
Yeah I'm kind of with you there. I don't exist in a world of total horrible frustration and awfulness and I'm perfectly happy, but I'll never talk it up as a good thing.
Blind-bigfoot 10 points 1y ago
The best thing about being blind for me is the fact people Underestimate how sneaky I can be.
Also a close second is the fact I no longer give a shit what people think of me in general. Just feel like their is more important things in life to worry about
Also a close second is the fact I no longer give a shit what people think of me in general. Just feel like their is more important things in life to worry about
Trick-Regret-493 9 points 1y ago
EXCELLENT PARKING for whoever drove me.
CosmicBunny97 8 points 1y ago
Not looking while using my phone or computer, imagining what people or objects look like (still fun if incorrect), Braille whole word contractions are cool too
Criptedinyourcloset 8 points 1y ago
Am I school we have a game called ear tag. Everybody has a bell around their neck and we just go out it. It’s really dangerous, but it’s really fun. I love blindfolding some of my sighted friends and playing it at my house.
No-Satisfaction7842 7 points 1y ago
I’m not sure there’s anything inherently cool about being blind or visually impaired overall. I can say that I would definitely not go back and change anything about my life, including my disability, if I had the opportunity. I have learned many amazing things about the world and myself because of my blindness and the interactions and experiences it has led me to have throughout my life. I love my life and the people I have in it, and who knows how things would be if I was fully sighted?
r_1235 4 points 1y ago
Hmm, for most of time, having no sight in a world where having sight is normal is not that fun. But, if I live my life with that kind of thought process, everything would be quite meaningless.
So, here are some upsides I enjoy:
Using computers, phones and other devices without any use of screen is awesome. Yeah Yeah, not being able to see those magnificent graphics totally sucks. But, I can completely turn off my laptop display, even close the lid, and still use it with my small bluetooth keyboard. Saves battery like hell. P.s. Don't listen to porn with this, never know who will open up the lid out of curiosity.
Watch out bitchy office colleagues, grand slammer on the way! Yeah, I get to punish annoying people with my white cane, as others have described it.
I can navigate in most conditions, without the use of my eyes, Amazing spatial awareness. Hell, in my day to day home/office, I can even run/jump around without getting hurt, with my eyes closed.
Hmm, this is not always a pro, but, sometimes, you can just blaim the blindness for the mistakes/mess that sometimes happens. Yeah, I hate those complicated excel sheets and document formatting.
We also get VIP treatment at many places, say skipping the line at airports.
And guess what, often people are extra friendly/helpful with you, so, next time, that staff on counter might just carry the food plate to your table for you, big help!
That last one is a kind of an eye opener. It's amazing how many people are eager to help you out in the world, accept some jerks who do the opposit of helping. Kind of tells me that people in general, are looking to do good, not harm you.
So, here are some upsides I enjoy:
Using computers, phones and other devices without any use of screen is awesome. Yeah Yeah, not being able to see those magnificent graphics totally sucks. But, I can completely turn off my laptop display, even close the lid, and still use it with my small bluetooth keyboard. Saves battery like hell. P.s. Don't listen to porn with this, never know who will open up the lid out of curiosity.
Watch out bitchy office colleagues, grand slammer on the way! Yeah, I get to punish annoying people with my white cane, as others have described it.
I can navigate in most conditions, without the use of my eyes, Amazing spatial awareness. Hell, in my day to day home/office, I can even run/jump around without getting hurt, with my eyes closed.
Hmm, this is not always a pro, but, sometimes, you can just blaim the blindness for the mistakes/mess that sometimes happens. Yeah, I hate those complicated excel sheets and document formatting.
We also get VIP treatment at many places, say skipping the line at airports.
And guess what, often people are extra friendly/helpful with you, so, next time, that staff on counter might just carry the food plate to your table for you, big help!
That last one is a kind of an eye opener. It's amazing how many people are eager to help you out in the world, accept some jerks who do the opposit of helping. Kind of tells me that people in general, are looking to do good, not harm you.
TXblindman 4 points 1y ago
I can cosplay chirrut the blind monk from star wars rogue one 100% accurately.
FlyPrinc3 4 points 1y ago
Using it as an excuse to get away from people/places I don't wanna visit.
Master-Abalone-3146 -1 points 1y ago
That's extremely manipulative and shitty in general.
oncenightvaler 3 points 1y ago
I'm totally blind here are a few great things.
1. being able to read in the dark and knowing the secret code of Braille
2. getting special guide gets in free perks at amusement parks, concerts, movies, museums, transportation.
1. being able to read in the dark and knowing the secret code of Braille
2. getting special guide gets in free perks at amusement parks, concerts, movies, museums, transportation.
Mamamagpie 3 points 1y ago
BARD for talking books. My kid is jealous that I listen to books even when I’m out running errands.
RedditForBlind 2 points 1y ago
Never being the designated driver, my friends would joke I was the designated drinker
blind_system 2 points 1y ago
browsing the web from my pocket, with wireless headphones in.
Using TTS literally allows me to study anywhere I want, unlike my classmates.
Using TTS literally allows me to study anywhere I want, unlike my classmates.
c8igxr89 2 points 1y ago
My partner is visually impaired and I am sighted and the most impressive thing for me is his hearing. He can hear conversations in different rooms and hear the slightest of sounds from so far away. (I hope this is okay to share as I know I'm sighted and I don't want to impose)
retrolental_morose 2 points 1y ago
it's a cool thing, and no doubt. We knew exactly what our kid was playing with when we were on different floors of the house, always freaked out sighted friends and family. Poor sighted people with the amount of hearing they just ignore, honestly.
Vicki7789 2 points 1y ago
I’m VI, not totally blind, and while there’s nothing I think I’d call cool about it, it’s the reason I’ve had some really positive experiences in my life.
I’m a figure skater and there’s an organisation that runs competitions for skaters with disabilities - I’ve competed at home, and abroad, and I’m their world champion at my level in 2 disciplines.
If I didn’t have my sight issues, I wouldn’t even be competing as I’m not good enough to do well in regular competitions.
I’m a figure skater and there’s an organisation that runs competitions for skaters with disabilities - I’ve competed at home, and abroad, and I’m their world champion at my level in 2 disciplines.
If I didn’t have my sight issues, I wouldn’t even be competing as I’m not good enough to do well in regular competitions.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Being able to represent, advocate, and educate, I like being inevitably flung in to the human righs, civil rights realm.
mush4242 1 points 1y ago
The sense of camaraderie. When meeting people from different cultures, you have shared experience, this helps you to break ice and get to know them better.
Having to use text to speech helps me to read a lot of books in one month, while keeping the sense of enjoyment. No fatigue, no eye strain, and I can read virtually anywhere.
Also, the AirPods thing is a favorite trick of mine.
Having to use text to speech helps me to read a lot of books in one month, while keeping the sense of enjoyment. No fatigue, no eye strain, and I can read virtually anywhere.
Also, the AirPods thing is a favorite trick of mine.
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