Who gets help more quickly?

A few weeks ago, I had this conversation with some of my blind friends and here is what we came up with. I'll let you know before hand that we may be entirely wrong but these are our humble opinions.

Those with guide dogs often receive help first over those without guide dogs. Those with long canes are next in line followed by those who use the smaller ID canes. We also find that those who have lost their vision as young adults often have to struggle to receive help even if they may have a long cane. We believe this to be so because this particular group appears to be more normal with regard to their eye and body movements and although they may not be able to find things or their way around, having been previously sighted makes them appear as if they do not need help.

It may all have to do with the eyes. That is, if a blind person has previously had vision and has now lost it, they have had the experience of being able to face someone when talking to them and their body movements are more normal and less awkward. In short, they appear to be more normal in the eyes of the sighted person. Many of those who were born without vision often do not face the person they are talking to. Instead, they tend to face elsewhere. Just our two cents worth.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and share my thoughts with others. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.