What do colors mean for the visually impaired?
Colors are of great importance to most of us. But is it the same for the visually impaired?
It's quite common to assume that the visually impaired may not pay much attention to colors, but that's not the case. Most visually impaired people pay attention to color harmony, especially in clothing. The main reason for this is that the concept of respectability is combined with the issue of clothing and colors in society. Clothing perception in society is very important. We can even make a guess about a person from his/her appearance. Most importantly, even when going for a job interview, the employer pays attention to clothing and harmony. Considering all these, we can conclude that a visually impaired person should also pay attention to all this harmony. It cannot be expected that a person does not care about color harmony just because he cannot see. When we think about it, our perspective on a visually impaired person who dresses well and has achieved color harmony and a visually impaired person who has not achieved color harmony is different. It can even be concluded that since the visually impaired person who has not achieved color harmony does not see himself, it does not matter how society sees him.
How do visually impaired people color coordinate?
Now that we understand the importance of color harmony for the visually impaired, how do they achieve it?
In order to achieve color harmony, colors must first be known. Visually impaired people achieve this with various applications and tools. Some of these applications are Be My Eyes and Seeing AI. In the Be My Eyes application, colors can be asked by calling a sighted person, or with a feature in the Seeing AI application, the color is voiced by the phone held on the clothing. In some cases, clothes with known colors can be matched. For example, a pink blouse or t-shirt can be matched with blue pants. In short, knowing the colors of clothes and memorizing which color goes with which color is one of the methods that can be used over time. Of course, this also applies to make-up etc. for girls. The makeup color chosen according to the color of the clothes worn can also be designed over time by memorizing and with the help of the mentioned applications.
What is the contribution of colors to self-confidence in the visually impaired?
Whether we are visually impaired or not, colors have an effect on us. Knowing that you dress harmoniously gives everyone self-confidence. Seeing a visually impaired person dress more harmoniously gives other people the impression that that person is more confident and successful. The main reason for this is the idea that visually impaired people cannot do everything. Even to break this perception, it may be desirable to dress harmoniously. As a matter of fact, dressing harmoniously will help the individual to take part in society as a more confident individual, not only to gain the tolerance and respect of the society, but also because it will make the individual feel better psychologically.
Author: Beyza Çelik / BlindLook Visually Impaired Community
