Myths About Blindness

❌ Myth: All blind people see complete darkness.

✅ Fact: Blindness exists on a spectrum anywhere from seeing nothing to being able to read regular print when held close to their face or travelling safely and independently without using a cane or other low vision aids.

❌ Myth: Blind people can’t live independently.

✅ Fact: With skills training and tools—like canes, guide dogs, and accessible tech—blind people live independently, work, travel, and raise families.

❌ Myth: Blindness sharpens other senses to a "superpower" level.

✅ Fact: While blind people may develop strong skills in hearing or touch through practice and not being distracted by sight, their senses aren't inherently heightened—they're just used more effectively!#NAAW2025 #AccessibleCanada #AEBC

❌ Myth: All blind people read Braille.

✅ Fact: Only 10-15% of legally blind people are totally blind.  Braille is literacy. Most blind children who cannot access print comfortably learn braille at school. They, along with partially sighted and individuals who become blind later in life, also rely on audio, screen readers, and other tech for reading and writing.

❌ Myth: Blind people don't care about appearance or style.

✅ Fact: Blind people have their own tastes and express themselves through fashion, hair, makeup, and more—just like anyone else!

❌ Myth: Blind people can’t use smartphones or computers.

✅ Fact: Thanks to screen readers, voice commands, and accessibility features, blind people regularly use smartphones, computers, and other digital devices.

❌ Myth: Blind children can't attend regular schools.

✅ Fact: Unless there are other disabilities involved which may mean the student requires more supports than mainstream education can provide, blind students succeed in regular education settings alongside their peers with the help of trained teachers of the visually impaired, accessible materials/technology and accommodations. 

❌ Myth: You should grab a blind person’s arm to help them cross the street.

✅ Fact: Always ask first! Being randomly grabbed by a stranger is disconcerting for anyone. Respectful assistance means only offering your arm if requested once the blind person has explained if and how they want to be helped.

❌ Myth: All blind people use a guide dog.

✅ Fact: Not all blind people like dogs, choose, or need a guide dog. Many prefer a white cane or other mobility tools—it's a personal choice based on lifestyle and comfort.