'Just because I’m visually impaired and sometimes need help doesn’t mean I’m helpless.'
Crossing the street has always been an odyssey for me. I’ve been totally blind since birth, so the only thing that allows me to get my bearings in this situation are the sounds of vehicles. But with the coronavirus pandemic, and the lack of acoustic traffic lights in Colonia, Uruguay, where I live, this simple task for most people becomes really complex ― albeit not impossible ― for me.
This might be shocking to some. But people trying to help me without asking me if I really need the help or how I need it is quite normal for me. The lack of state support, coupled with the fact that I was, and still am, one of the few blind people in my area, made things more difficult when interacting with people. The lack of awareness meant that very few people knew what blind people were capable of, which led, in many cases, to situations like the one I mentioned at the beginning.
This fear, in part, was instilled by society itself. The generalizations that are still made about people with disabilities made me believe that, if I denied help, or explained how I really wanted to be helped, people would get a bad impression not only of me, but also of other people with disabilities.
Not all the help I am offered is met with rejection on my part though. As a visually impaired person, I know my limits, and I know that there are a variety of situations where selfless help from strangers is not only necessary, but welcomed and appreciated. From shopping in a big store to finding my way when I get lost, it is the help I receive from people I don’t know that allows me to move safely in the places I go.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
K-pop star Im Seulong kills pedestrian in horrifying car collisionK-pop star Im Seloung, who is a member of group 2AM, was involved in a fatal car crash on Saturday, in which a pedestrian he hit was killed
Weiterlesen »
In communities of color, one organization is helping to fill the COVID-19 testing gapIn communities of color, one organization is helping to fill the COVID-19 testing gap.
Weiterlesen »
Having Pivoted at the Start of COVID-19, Distilleries Are Now Drowning in Hand SanitizerHaving pivoted at the start of COVID-19, distilleries are now drowning in hand sanitizer
Weiterlesen »
Opinion | School-Opening ExtortionFrom WSJopinion: Teachers unions seem to think the coronavirus is an opportunity to squeeze more money from taxpayers and put their private and public charter school competition out of business
Weiterlesen »
Want to Keep Safe From COVID-19? Ignore TrumpDespite the horror that COVID-19 has unleashed upon the American people, President Donald Trump gave yet another lie-filled interview about U.S. COVID-19 response on Monday.
Weiterlesen »
José Andrés’ Somni and the Bazaar to close permanently after SLS Hotel owners terminate contractThe celebrated Beverly Hills restaurants face an uncertain future amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Weiterlesen »