Sep 21, 2006 05:45 PM
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We, who are blessed with physical vision, believe and often sympathise that blind people, due to the absence of the so-called physical vision need support in their mobility and this belief is really not valid. We miss the point that the loss of physical vision is more than made up by the toned up performance of other residual senses and we need not sympathise with the blind people thinking that they are helpless. During the last so many years of my association with several blind individuals, I have been playing multiple roles of assisting them in their studies, profession as also in their day-to-life including escorting them outdoors for shopping and for routine work.
It will be an injustice if I don’t admit here that I have always been receiving more in return from them in terms of broader perspective of life and unforgettable experiences for the small favours that I am able to deliver as a sighted individual. I wish to share one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I recently was home-visiting a blind couple residing in the northern suburbs of Mumbai in order to greet them on the arrival of their new baby. When I was about to leave their home there was a power cut and the locality plunged into darkness. And since I had to catch up a particular local train and could not have waited for the lights to return, I had no option but to make my way in the darkness in the unknown locality. I realised that I was helplessly disoriented and tottering and no clue how to proceed further as I had to navigate through a number of steps, landing and fish vendors between the building and the road.
My visually challenged friend came as a God sent help, offering his hand for support and navigation. He unfolded his white cane for support in mobility and navigation. This made me realise that the white cane is his physical vision. He asked me to hold his arm just above the elbow and thereafter he guided me all the way informing me from time to time about the turn and steps to be negotiated. This journey of ours wherein the blind was leading the sighted in pitch darkness culminated safely at the railway station.
Does not this incident highlight that there are occasions where a sighted is helpless and visually impaired give them guided support and protection? Don’t you think that darkness has no significance for visually impaired? Is this not the greatest advantage they have by being beyond the duality of realms of light and darkness?
Are not we sighted, slaves of this duality? So friends! Please remember we all have to coexist in the society - sighted or non-sighted. I am convinced that there is no need to sympathize with visually impaired persons. All that we need to realise is that they are differently abled and not disabled. The experience I have narrated to you above has further strengthened my conviction. If we focus on abilities and not on disabilities I am sure we all will be able to lead a safe and comfortable life.
