The Inconvenience of Blindness

Robby provides this presentation to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) on how to treat a blind person with dignity. His essay portrays his positive attitude towards blindness.

Blindness is merely an inconvenience. I know this sounds strange but it’s true, at least for me. When I was diagnosed with a severe visual impairment at an early age, the stage was already set for me to succeed. You see, my mother is blind. I was born into an environment that was already modified so I was able to hit the ground running. For example, things in my home talk. The thermostat, caller ID, alarm system, scale and clocks, to name a few, all speak aloud. New visitors are surprised at first, but quickly realize how cool it actually is.

I honestly believe that my disability is not a big deal, and I want to convince others of the same thing. People think the loss of vision would be devastating, but I was born with my disability and do not know anything else. I realize a lot of stuff is more difficult, but not impossible. At the end of the first marking period of my freshman year of high school, one of my teachers asked about my grades. When I reported how well I did, she responded with amazement and surprise. She proceeded to tell everyone how impressed she was. Although it was unspoken, I know she was thinking how incredible it is that the blind kid gets such good grades. The ideas that someone expects less from you rattles me to my core. Having the highest expectations for someone, regardless of his or her limitations, displays the utmost respect and dignity. There is no better feeling than facing an obstacle that requires being able to see something, and figuring out how to hurtle it. It definitely feels like a win.

My greatest joy thus far has been being able to share my positive message. Those old stereotypes still come through before people get to know me. I think if you are comfortable with yourself, people will be comfortable with you. As a member of the Manalapan Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), I was thrilled when I was asked to present at the training for new members. Disability awareness had been added to the training curriculum, a perfect chance to share my message. When I first joined CERT, I was not sure where I could fit in, but I believed this was a real opportunity to add value to my community. There is so much people do not know about how I manage and they are curious. I want to be the person that people feel comfortable approaching and asking questions; nothing is off limits.

In my CERT training presentations, I talk about practical things and demonstrate the devices I use in everyday life. Everyone gets a chance to wear a blindfold and use a white cane to navigate the room, I demonstrate sighted guide, and I talk about the do’s and don’t’s of assisting a blind person, not only in a disaster situation, but anytime. Above all, my theme is to preserve personal dignity.

In elementary school, my blindness was merely an inconvenience. In high school, my blindness was merely an inconvenience. I assure you that in college my blindness will only be a mere inconvenience.

Robby, New Jersey

Written as senior in high school