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Social & Policy Environment and Sight

Issues Related to the Social & Policy Environment

Often when people think about blindness they think about living in a world of darkness. If they have had no experience of getting to know a person who is blind they may have some rather terrifying assumptions about what blindness means. In fact blindness runs a full spectrum of ability--and low vision yet another spectrum beyond that. It is useful to explore what attitudes and assumptions exist because they hold the key to a supportive social environment. In many cases, successful interactions with survivors of sensory limitations may be an issue of ones’ own personal awareness.

Examples of Problems

  • A survivor needs to use the public transit system for the first time. She only vaguely sees light and rough shadows. Her anxiety is so high to begin with, but trying to negotiate the system for the first time on her own is terrifying.
  • A woman needs her court advocate to explain who and where everyone is in the room. She is so anxious about the process, she cannot even ask for this additional support.

Suggested Solutions

  • Teach all staff and volunteers to create plans for survivors who have known sensory limitations. These plans include identifying situations that are stressful for the survivor when she cannot see well. Keep a record of these situations in order that you can better anticipate what a person with similar limitations in the future may need. The increase in awareness allows the staff and volunteers to be more conscious of what the survivor with sight limitations may need, and questions can be asked that reassure survivors that it is okay to discuss their individual requirements.
  • Involving the survivor in the making of the plan is essential to make it successful. The survivor is an expert in her limitation and can contribute knowledge that will aid in the successful implementation of the plan.  It will also be a learning opportunity for the provider.  

  • Take steps to increase personal and staff awareness around blindness and low vision. 

  • Construct policies that reflect accurate information about the needs of the survivors who experience blindness or low-vision. It is most effective when the individuals who have the limitations are involved in developing the policy.