In Defense of Independence: When Help Isn't Helpful

iCantCU Podcast

In episode 261 of iCantCU, I dive into a heartfelt discussion, primarily focusing on an article from The Atlantic that caught my attention thanks to my sister-in-law. The piece, titled "I'm Disabled. Please Help Me." reflects on the challenges visually impaired individuals face in navigating public spaces and prompts me to share my own experiences and insights. I emphasize the importance of independence and the unnecessary help often imposed by sighted individuals, suggesting that such interventions can sometimes be more hindering than helpful.

I critique the article's portrayal of visually impaired people as constantly in need of assistance, arguing that it perpetuates stereotypes and misunderstands the capabilities and adaptive strategies of those living with visual impairments.

By sharing my journey of adapting to blindness, including leveraging technology like smartphones and screen readers, I advocate for a more nuanced understanding of independence among visually impaired individuals. I challenge the article's implications, highlighting the importance of asking for help when needed rather than assuming incapacity.

My reflections extend beyond personal anecdotes to address broader misconceptions about blindness, employment challenges, and the importance of mobility training. I call for a shift in perspective that recognizes the competence and autonomy of visually impaired people, urging society to listen and respond to their actual needs rather than imposing misguided assistance.

This episode is a powerful testament to my advocacy for independence and empowerment within the visually impaired community, challenging stereotypes and encouraging a more inclusive and understanding approach to disability.

You can read the article at https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/disability-blindness-daily-life/677742/.

Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/261.

Links Mentioned (product links are affiliate links, so I may earn a commission.)

• Octobuddy for hands-free selfies & vlogs with your iPhone: https://amzn.to/49kmbHZ
• The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight by Andrew Leland: https://amzn.to/46z0qT7
• Find this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iCantCU
• No-jab Ambutech White Cane: https://amzn.to/3NKpD5J
• The new BenQ PD3420Q monitor I bought for my new Mac mini: https://amzn.to/4bAcOGv

Blind Organizations

US: NFB - https://www.nfb.org; UK: RNIB - https://www.rnib.org.uk/, NFBUK - https://www.nfbuk.org/; Spain: ONCE - https://www.once.es/; Canada: CFB - https://www.cfb.ca, CNIB - https://www.cnib.ca; China: Orbis - https://www.orbis.org/.

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White Canes Connect Podcast Episode 09

In episode 099, Simon Bonenfant speaks with Jason Gonzalez and Holly Short from the Delaware County Intermediate Unit about the upcoming transition fairs on April 9 and 10. There will be over 40 organizations to help students transition from middle school to high school and from high school to college. The pair also share what services the DCIU provides to students with disabilities.

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Are You or Do You Know A Blind Boss?

If you or someone you know is crushing it in their field and is also blind, I want to hear from you! Call me at [phone] and leave a message. Please include your name and town, and tell me who the Blind Boss is and why I need to have them on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [e-mail].