Support Systems for the Blind: Navigating Independence and Daily Living
Living independently with blindness is not an insurmountable challenge, thanks to a variety of support systems, specialized training, and assistive technologies. Blind individuals must learn new skills and adapt their lifestyles to ensure they can live fulfilling and self-sufficient lives. This article explores the various resources available and the key aspects of navigating the world and daily living as a blind person.
Education and Training for Navigation
For individuals who face vision loss, the journey towards blindness can be sudden and overwhelming. Take, for instance, the case of Qwen, who was legally blind in 2010 after a series of blood clots caused the destruction of his retinas. Qwen, who was about 48 years old at the time, had to learn a new set of skills to navigate the world outside his home. The first step in this process was acquiring orientation and mobility (OM) skills.
Orientation and Mobility is a set of skills designed to help blind individuals move safely and effectively. This training includes the use of a long white cane, which helps in detecting obstacles, feeling the ground, and receiving tactile and auditory feedback. Qwen describes how his grip on the cane changes depending on the environment, from an overhand grip for wide sweeps to a pen-like grip in confined spaces.
Qwen received six hours of actual training focusing on OM skills within the confines of his home, including training on escalators and elevators. This initial training was followed by countless hours of practice to refine his skills and confidence. The preferred method of using the cane often varies among individuals. Qwen shares that he prefers a rolling ball tip, providing constant contact with the ground, but recognizes that everyone has their preferences.
After mastering the basics of OM, the next step is blind living skills training. This training covers a wide range of activities from performing household chores, cooking, laundry, and even using a computer or smartphone. Qwen explains his journey in learning these skills, aided by screen readers like NVDA, which reads each letter as he types and speaks text back to him. He highlights the importance of accessible technologies in making life easier for the blind.
Adapting Daily Living Activities
Cleaning and Cooking
Blind individuals can adopt specific techniques to carry out daily living activities more efficiently. For cleaning tasks, they are taught to use a back-and-forth motion to make a first pass over the area, followed by a left-to-right and back technique. This method helps to ensure thorough cleaning without missing spots. Similarly, vacuuming can be achieved by moving the vacuum forward and backward in a square pattern, then side to side over the same area. Moving to the next section and repeating the process ensures the entire room is cleaned.
Qwen also shares his experience with Braille, a tactile writing system used by the blind. While he attempted to learn Braille for six months, he found that his fingertips were not sensitive enough to the raised bumps. The thickening of his skin from years of manual tasks, such as gardening, made it difficult for him to read and write in Braille effectively.
It's important to note that Braille is not a language in itself but a system adapted for different languages, with standard and contracted forms available. Each language has its own Braille system, and contracted Braille offers faster reading for those who can recognize a large number of contractions.
Guide Dogs for Enhanced Mobility
A significant assistance system for the blind is the guide dog. Guide dogs, like the one Qwen refers to as Leif, play a crucial role in helping the blind navigate unfamiliar and crowded spaces. Guide dogs are trained to follow specific commands and can signal their handler about upcoming obstacles. This partnership between a guide dog and its handler is essential in ensuring safe and independent mobility.
Guide dogs also get treatment comparable to their human companions. In pictures, Qwen often shows Leif, who is out of harness during vacation times, highlighting the importance of giving guide dogs a break and time off.
Conclusion
The journey towards independence for the blind is filled with learning new skills and adapting to a new way of life. With the help of specialized training in orientation and mobility, blind living skills, and assistive technologies, the blind community can achieve a high level of independence and self-sufficiency. Support systems, such as guide dogs, further enhance the mobility and safety of the blind, allowing them to navigate the world with confidence.
Whether it's learning to clean a counter top, cook a meal, or use a computer, the blind community has the resources and training needed to live fulfilling lives. By providing support and access to these resources, we can help ensure that the blind can live independently and participate fully in society.