Audio Tidbits

Just Because You’re Blind


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Should or May
 
As a blind person, I am told that I should be an advocate for other blind people and for accessible services and technology. What are the pros and cons of this position?
As an advocate for other blind people and for accessible services and technology, there are both pros and cons to consider.
 
Pros:
- You can be a voice for the blind community and raise awareness about their needs, rights and issues they face
- You can work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for blind people
- You can help shape policies and regulations by advocating to lawmakers and government officials
- You can build a sense of community and support among blind individuals and their families
 
Cons:
- Advocacy work can be time-consuming and emotionally draining, and may require significant effort to see visible results
- You may face opposition or criticism from people who don't understand or value the importance of accessible services and technology for blind people
- Depending on the scale of your advocacy work, there may be legal and financial implications that you need to consider
- Being a public advocate can also bring unwanted attention and scrutiny to your personal life.
 
Ultimately, being an advocate for other blind people and for accessible services and technology can be a rewarding and impactful way to make a difference in the world. However, it's important to carefully consider both the benefits and challenges before taking on the role.
Should I advocate for blindness issues just because I am a blind person. Is it a responsibility or a choice?
Advocating for blindness issues as a blind person is a personal choice rather than a responsibility. While it's true that blind individuals face unique challenges and often have valuable insights and perspectives to share, not all blind people may feel inclined or equipped to engage in advocacy work.
 
That being said, being an advocate for blindness issues can be a way to advance the cause of accessibility and inclusion for yourself and other blind people. It can also be a way to build a sense of community and support among blind individuals and their families.
 
Ultimately, whether or not you choose to advocate for blindness issues is up to you. If you do decide to engage in advocacy work, it's important to approach it in a way that feels meaningful and sustainable for you, whether that's through direct action, community building, policy work, or other means.
If I choose to advocate, what are the 10 most important points I should be making.
As an advocate for blindness issues, here are ten important points to consider making:
 
Accessible education: Blind individuals should have equal access to education and be provided with the necessary accommodations to succeed academically.
 
Employment: Blind individuals should have equal opportunities to work, and workplaces should be made accessible to people of all abilities.
 
Accessibility: Blind individuals should be able to access essential services and technologies, such as transportation, communication, and information, in an accessible and equitable way.
 
Inclusion: Blind individuals should be included in all aspects of society and should not face discrimination or exclusion based on their disability.
 
Training and skills development: Blind individuals should have opportunities to gain skills and training to overcome barriers they face in the workplace, in education, and in their personal lives.
 
Research and innovation: There should be ongoing research and innovation to improve the quality of life for blind individuals, including advancements in technology and accessibility.
 
Advocacy and representation: Blind individuals and their families should have access to advocacy and representation to ensure that their rights and needs are addressed at all levels of society.
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Audio TidbitsBy Gary A. Crow, Ph.D.