Is Culture Blind?

This is indeed a very controversial topic but I'll do my best to explain.  In the normal scheme of things, much of society is often blind when it comes to recognizing that blind persons can and do live normal lives.  In North America and most of Europe including Britain, most of society is somewhat hazily aware of our existence and many mainstream persons do try to learn about who we are and how we function but sadly, the same cannot be honestly said for societies of the continents of Asia and Africa.

 

Over the years, I have seen some changes in the attitudes on the part of those societies of Asia and Africa but there is still very much to be done.  I have had many experiences with wonderful persons from Eastern countries who through no fault of their own have had difficulty understanding why blind persons need to be both seen and heard and as a result they have unwittingly been guilty of erecting artificial barriers. 

 

You see, in their countries, blind persons and disabled persons as a whole are often never seen or heard and why?  Because they are banished to homes and institutions; but this is beginning to change and blind persons in these countries are leading the way.  Here in North America there is much for us to do and this is so because of the multi cultural environment in which we live.

 

This is not going to change so we may as well get used to it and for me I find that the best way to help solve this problem is through education and awareness.  I am always willing to be a part of change and if you would like to contact me then by all means please do so by sending an email to donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and asking that you help me to bridge the cultural gap.