In honor of National Disability Day (December 3rd), I figured I'd share with you guys the top 5 most common things I've been told/asked as a person with an invisible disability.
DISCLAIMER: I have grown a pretty thick skin over the years and have taken in more comments than mentioned in this post. It just comes with the territory I suppose. On the flip side, I have used them as an opportunity to educate and spread awareness, especially as a visually impaired individual. I love how my disability has changed my life and am looking on the positive side of these comments.
So here it goes, the TOP 5 things I've been told or asked as a person with an invisible disability: Visually Impaired Style.
1. You're pretty for a blind person - This one really makes me tilt my head and chuckle because I don't know about them but, I have seen plenty of beautiful people who not only are blind/visually impaired, but are just humans who have amazing personalities and hearts. Apparently others have a problem judging if they don't fit their disability stereotype. (Whatever criteria that is that got made up somehow.)
2. Where is your cane? - Well, sometimes its in my house or in my bag and I told my boyfriend I could for sure use it as a weapon in the car if I want. (Haha) FUN FACT: I'm probably more likely to use my cane when it's dark outside because I am absolutely night blind. Anyways, not every person with a visual impairment needs a cane per-say.
3. Your eyes look perfectly fine - For having low functioning eyeballs, I sure do receive a lot of compliments on my eyes and their color but, I am also reminded that they look "perfectly fine". Some blind and other visually impaired people may have hazy eyes, glossy eyes, or a gray tint to their eyes because of a certain condition. With Stargardts the internal part of my eyes are affected, so you can't look and see that I'm "blind". Plus, I know my eyes look pretty sweet, they tend to change colors!
4. How do you drive - I don't. It depends on some states and others visual acuity , but I don't, I never have, and I never will. And if we're being honest here, I've grown okay with that. I know driving is a privilege and not a right.
5. So, you just know braille right? - Fluently snd proficiently? Absolutely NOT. I do know some short words and the alphabet but have you ever seen 96pt font? I can read that VERY well. ❤️ (P.S. - I think all restaurants should provide large print menus)
I enjoy beating the stereotypes that come with having low vision and of course educating others while breaking down those comments.
Until next post,
Alyssa Irene ⭐️
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