Blind kids sighted kids

When it comes to kids, they are practically all alike. By this I mean that they all love toys! They all love candy! They all love to laugh and have fun! They are all curious! So what is the difference between blind kids and sighted kids?

In my humble opinion, blind kids use their sense of hearing more acutely then their sighted counterparts. Some of their games are talking ones and some of their toys are the same. For those kids who have enough vision to read large print, the scope of games and toys available to them is more than for those who do not have enough to read large print.

When I was growing up, my brothers and cousins made every effort to include me in their games and I played with their cars. At times they went overboard to ensure that I fit in. I rode bikes, scooters, and ran, jumped, and skipped with the rest. I played doll's house with my girl cousins and they, too, made it possible for me to be included.

Blind kids of today have a better opportunity to find some mainstream toys and games that have been adapted for blind kids and it is only going to get better. Sometimes I wish I could be a kid again just to play with all of the technology available today.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and tell others how blind kids play with toys. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.