Often, we do not realize the immense value of sight until it is no longer available to us. However, the concept of blindness is much more intricate than it initially seems (excuse the intended pun). Take the example of notable figures like Helen Keller, whose impact on society was considerably amplified due to her blindness. Surprisingly, some blind individuals resist the label of ‘disabled’, instead viewing their condition as a distinctive boon. This perspective might sound unexpected, but it is scientifically supported. When one sense is diminished or lost, the remaining senses are slightly heightened to make up for the loss. Hence, a person who lacks sight might have a stronger sense of hearing compared to someone with normal vision. Intriguingly, some blind persons use echolocation as a method to position themselves. If this makes you think of how bats get around, you’re exactly right! Learn more with these 25 lesser-known facts about blindness!
Featured Image: Ken Teegardin via Flickr
Guide dogs (for blind or visually impaired people) learn to poop on command. This is so that the owner can clean it up
The US military once used colorblind people to identify camouflaged colors that would have been hard for people with regular vision to identify.
Some blind people have learned to navigate using echolocation by clicking their tongues.
The WHO estimates that that are about 280 million visually impaired people in the world. Roughly 40 million of them are blind.
President Theodore Roosevelt went blind in one eye from a boxing injury while he was still serving as president.
In the United Kingdom, blind people get a 50% discount on TV licenses (for non Europeans - in Europe you often have to pay an extra fee in order to own a television that funds public broadcasting).
Originally, braille was a technique used by Napoleon's spies so that they could read messages in the dark.
According to the WHO, 80% of visual impairment cases worldwide are treatable, but 90% of people with impaired vision live in low-income countries with limited medical care access.
The reason that the popular Redwall series of books for children is known for its descriptive imagery is that the author, Brian Jacques, originally wrote the books for blind children.
Monkeys have actually had their colorblindness cured when doctors injected cones into their eyes. One day, this could potentially be done in humans as well.
During one of the first nuclear weapon tests in New Mexico (trinity) a blind woman named Georgia Green saw a bright flash...from 50 miles away.
Those who are blind overcome difficult obstacles every single day. Check out who else have overcome incredible obstacles due to their handicap in these 25 Amazing Photographic Depictions Of The Human Spirit.