The beginning of the year is a time for new beginnings, goals, and change for many people. The new year is also a fantastic opportunity to learn new things! Let's take a look at 24 facts about disability as we enter the year 2024!
1- Approximately 285 million out of around 1 billion people with disabilities worldwide have visual impairments!
2- People with visual impairments dream too! Yes, dreams are for everyone, including those with visual impairments. They experience dreams just as they perceive life.
3- When you see someone with visual impairment on the street, do you immediately feel the urge to "help them cross the street"? Take your time! It's always more polite to say hello, ask if they need assistance before assuming.
4- Individuals with visual impairments can prepare their favorite meals, brew tea or coffee, and, of course, consume them without needing assistance. :)
5- A person with visual impairment may have a favorite color. They are more concerned with the feeling a color evokes rather than its shade.
6- With the help of screen readers, individuals with visual impairments can code, create Excel spreadsheets, place food orders, and even send great messages on WhatsApp using the screen reader applications on their computers or smartphones.
7- Speaking of WhatsApp, while some of us prefer communicating with emojis, others may not. People with visual impairments "hear" emojis with their tagged versions.
8- Regarding visual impairment technology, individuals can use screen readers to easily navigate and use technological elements such as video editing and Photoshop, which are typically considered visual tasks. Artificial intelligence technology plays a significant role here, assisting many visually impaired YouTubers in editing their own videos.
9- A person with visual impairment can comfortably play a completed accessible PlayStation or computer game. A team member of ours loves sharing adventures from the latest racing game every week!
10- A white cane for a person with visual impairment is considered both an eye and a navigation device. Please do not take the cane from a person with visual impairment while trying to assist them.
11- Why a "white" cane? It originated in 1921 when James Biggs, who lost his sight in a traffic accident, painted his cane white to make himself noticeable to the outside world.
12- A person with visual impairment does not see entirely in black or white. Their perception of color and vision is different from that of sighted individuals. Thus, such a classification cannot be made.
13- The Braille alphabet consists of only six dots. Different arrangements of these six dots form the Braille alphabet, which is not limited to writing and reading. It is also used in various fields such as music notation and mathematical symbols.
14- The Braille alphabet has adapted to new technology, and now there are touch Braille screens. Monitors and smartphones become readable for visually impaired individuals.
15- Guide dogs are the biggest helpers accompanying individuals with visual impairments, specially trained to make their lives easier. When guide dogs are on duty, please refrain from petting or attempting to play with them without the owner's permission—they are on duty, after all.
16- A person with visual impairment can play chess, feeling the iron on the tips of the black pieces. White squares are lower, and black squares are higher. Checkmate follows!
17- Speaking of sports, individuals with visual impairments can play soccer. Competitions using a specially designed soccer ball with a bell inside can be quite competitive.
18- With audio descriptions, a person with visual impairment doesn't miss any action in action movies. The appearance and movements of exploding cars or battling titans are described aloud during the film.
19- Auditory guidance, such as knowing which bus stop is approaching or what the next stop is, provides significant convenience while using public transportation or crossing the street. The familiar sound at pedestrian crossings, "Now you can get across!" is a lifesaver.
20- In our daily lives, shopping is essential! Some of us use cash, while others prefer card payments. This is no different for people with visual impairments. They can easily shop with voice-enabled currency identifiers, voice-activated bank or credit cards, or the BlindLook artificial intelligence assistant.
21- We are all familiar with audiobooks! Perhaps we have even listened to books narrated by our favorite celebrities. Audiobooks are the most liberating way for visually impaired individuals to access books. After all, books are for everyone.
22- Whether for withdrawing money, paying bills, or performing other transactions, we may choose to use ATMs. Talking ATMs provide audible instructions and information to users. Withdrawals, balance inquiries, and all transactions are completed with a few keystrokes and a pleasant voice. "Trrrrrrrr!"
23- One of the most commonly used technologies by individuals with visual impairments is GPS and voice navigation. They can travel independently and plan their journeys. Let's hit the road!
24- Not seeing is not a barrier, but a small difference!
As we enter the year 2024, I hope this information raises awareness for all of us. Don't forget to wish for an accessible world for everyone among your New Year's wishes! Happy New Year!
Author: Enes Ertürk / BlindLook Team
