Living Life as a Blind Person

Living with limited vision is not easy and requires a lot of process in adjusting. However, that does not mean it is not possible. Some adaptation steps can be done by blind people so they can live independently and socialize with the surrounding environment. Based on data from the Ministry of Health in 2014, in Indonesia there were around 5.6 million people living in disabilities, and around 2.2 million of them were blind. Blind people or people who live with blind can be categorized into two, namely partially blind and fully blind. Partial blindness means that you still have vision even if it is limited. While being totally blind means being in total darkness or not being able to see at all, even a speck of light. Unlike other visual impairments, blindness cannot be corrected by the use of assistive devices such as glasses, contact lenses, or with drugs. By learning to adapt, make some adjustments, and master a number of special skills, the blind can live independently and carry out various activities safely and comfortably. Here are some steps to make life easier even with limited vision:

• Access information and education

Even though they cannot see, blind people can still read books, magazines, or newspapers, both conventionally and online. They can learn Braille letters, which is a writing system that uses embossed dots instead of regular numbers and letters of the alphabet. Many books have been made in the Braille version to make it easier for those who have problems in seeing to read. Information for the visually impaired can now also be accessed through computer software that can read documents and texts (audiobooks). This feature allows users to listen to text readings that are displayed on a computer screen. In addition, there is also a Braille edition computer keyboard for writing.

• Facilitate household chores

Braille can also help blind people do their homework independently. For example, attach a label to the washing machine using Braille letters.

• Helps mobility in daily activities

To be safe and comfortable when doing activities, blind people can learn special techniques to facilitate themselves to walk or move, including techniques for using a special stick with visual impairments to detect objects and the environment when walking. People who are blind can also use the help of guide dogs to make it easier to walk safely, as well as friends.

• Adjust to the environment

The ability to adapt in the home and surrounding environment can be a provision for work and adjust to the workplace. With advances in technology, there are now several types of computers or digital application programs that can guide people with disabilities to live productive lives. With the help of this technology, it is not impossible for a blind person to be someone who remains productive in the place where he works.

• Live a healthy lifestyle

People with visual impairments can improve their quality of life by exercising and doing activities according to hobbies. Consult your doctor, counselor, or rehabilitation coach about what sports are appropriate and safe to do and how to do it. People with visual impairments can also join the blind communities and attend events to get various information, as well as a means to socialize.

• Get family and ward support

Regardless a blind person can live independently, they still need the support of family and people around him to encourage his confidence in living a life without sight. In addition to emotional support, the family can help the blind by arranging the house and arranging the layout of the furniture to make it easier to move around the house, making sure the floor is not slippery, getting rid of objects that can make it trip, and helping to distinguish the nominal value of money.

In daily life, every blind person has their own way. All that can not be separated from the process accompanied by the desire to continue to learn and adapt to use other senses that are still functioning well. So, it is not impossible for a blind person to undergo activities and daily life independently, despite their limitations.