Can blind persons enjoy the outdoors?

This is a question that I am often asked and absolutely why not?  My inability to enjoy the wonders of Mother Nature visually in no way prevents me from enjoying through smell, touch, and feel.  Unlike many other blind persons, I am extremely lucky and fortunate that I can use visualization to help me enjoy the outdoors.  Having previously had enough vision whereby I was able to see color, I can now use my visualization to enjoy nature and the outdoors in a very unique way.

 

Most blind persons have never had the good fortune to be able to see the outdoors but that does not prevent them from doing so.  They, like me, can smell the sweet fragrances of flowers, feel the cool wet grass beneath their feet, enjoy the shade of tall trees, play with the sand on beaches, swim in the pleasant water of lakes, rivers, and oceans, and enjoy the cool fresh air in any season of the year.

 

Blind persons can definitely enjoy walks in the woods and along the beach.  They can ride bicycles built for two.  They can swim, and even enjoy such water sports as sailing, canoeing, plus more.  They can even enjoy such winter sports as skiing, ice skating, snow shoeing, plus more.  In short, despite their lack of vision, they can still enjoy the outdoors.  Ask me how do I most enjoy the outdoors and my response would be:  By ice skating on outdoor rinks, swimming in the ocean, walking in the woods, and lying on the cool sand of warm sunny beaches.

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to contact me if you would like to learn more about how I and my fellow blind persons enjoy the outdoors.  Please contact me at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.