How to Cope With Discrimination when You Are Blind or Visually Impaired

Discrimination is the poor or unfair treatment of individuals because they are different. Blind and visually impaired people are a group that remain discriminated against today. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination, it is, unfortunately, still rampant in society. Coping with discrimination can be a challenge. It is important to stay informed, form strong communities, and speak out against discrimination that is happening in your area.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Knowing Your Rights

  1. It is illegal to discriminate against blind people under the Americans with Disabilities Act. No person who is qualified to work can be excluded simply because they are blind. This pertains to any area of employment including, hiring, firing, training, and so on.
    • For example, employers may not ask blind or visually impaired people about their medical condition unless it relates directly the tasks required for work. For example, an employer may not ask, “How severe is your condition?” However, they can ask, “Are you able to read data files?” [1]
  2. Providing reasonable accommodation means making changes to the work environment or application process so that blind or visually impaired people have equal access to employment. Employers are required to do this under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you requested an accommodation that was not provided, you can file an official complaint through your local government website or through the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Specific accommodations may include:
    • Changes in lighting (natural, halogen, fluorescent).
    • Use of large print or braille on documents or signs.
    • Use of electronic voice messages in place of written communication.
    • A human assistant to help with written tasks or other visual communication.
    • Changes in work schedule to accommodate for public transportation.
    • Sharing or switching assignments with other employees.
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  3. Blind and visually impaired students have the legal right to a free and appropriate public education. All United States school districts must accommodate blind and visually impaired students in a way that allows them to receive an education that fits their needs. Additionally, students with disabilities must be educated in the same environment as students without disabilities when appropriate. [2]
    • If a school cannot accommodate a blind student, that district must provide alternatives. Another public school must accommodate the student, or the district must accept the cost of a private education. [3]
  4. Like everyone else, blind people are entitled to the same set of international human rights. The blind and visually impaired have the right to participate and express themselves in all areas of society including civil, political, social, economic, and cultural realms. [4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Advocating for Yourself

  1. Build confidence . It takes time for anyone to build confidence in themselves and in who they are. Part of building confidence involves knowing your needs in various situations. It is just as important to know what you can do independently .
    • People with disabilities are often offered help. While this is a nice gesture, it is okay to say, “No thanks. I got it.” [5]
  2. People may be unaware of the accommodations that you need as a blind or visually impaired individual. Use positive language to state your needs. [6]
    • If you know of resources that you can share with others, this may help you be an even better advocate for yourself. If you are aware of certain light bulbs, places/computer programs to have documents translated to braille, or other resources that could help your employer or school accommodate you it can help make the process easier. You might start by directing them to the American Foundation for the Blind.
    • At work, for example, you might need an adjustment in your schedule because of transportation limitations in your area. Be clear with your employer about how much time is needed based on the transit options you have.
    • At school, for example, you may need larger print or an adjustment in lighting. Make sure that your teachers know that this is a necessity for you to perform your best. You can approach your teacher after class and say something like, "I can't see what you write on the chalkboard and it makes it hard for me to follow the lesson and take notes. Can I move to a desk in the front row or could you write in larger print on the board?"
    • If you are not given the necessary accommodations, you have the right to file a formal complaint. Take note of when and where the incident occurred. Prepare documentation of your request for accommodations and the denial of your requests. You can file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or with your school district.
  3. You may find yourself the target of rude or ignorant comments. Whether at work, school, or in some other social situation, this can be draining.
    • Sometimes, for your own well being, it is best to ignore inappropriate comments. You can pretend that you didn’t hear what the person said and let it slide. This only works if the comments don’t bother you. If you do feel truly hurt, it is important to express yourself. Tell a friend or counselor about the incident.
    • Respond to discriminatory actions if you have the emotional resources to do so. Take a deep breath and use a calm voice. You can say something short that simply points out the person’s fault and give a short explanation about why it was inappropriate.
    • For example, if someone laughs at your for fumbling with some packaging, you might say, “Hey, don’t laugh. I’m making an effort here. I bet you wouldn’t want me to laugh at you if you were in my situation.”
  4. If you are facing social prejudices or lack of appropriate accommodations for your needs, spread the word about the discrimination going on. Many people are willing to help if they know about the situation.
    • Get your friends to join in. Your friends, regardless of disability, should be able to help gather force around your cause.
    • Organize a peaceful protest. Try boycotting an establishment or simply protesting outside a city hall. Remember to organize your group and arrange for any necessary permits.
    • Write to your local representatives. Clearly explain the situation in your community. Express how it has affected you and your well being. Finally, state what kinds of changes need to be made and suggest how they can be accomplished.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Building Community

  1. Make friends with people who understand you. This may mean finding other blind or visually impaired folks. Also consider befriending someone who is a part of another social minority. As friends, you can support each other through the issues that come up on a daily basis.
  2. Get involved with other blind people or allies to the community. As a group, you can share experiences and exchange useful information. Forming a strong community can also help you and others develop a positive identity.
  3. Host an event that educates about the blind or visually impaired. The more information people have, the less likely they are to discriminate.
    • For example, you might host a fundraising concert at school. You could give out educational brochures at the concert and feature blind musicians.
  4. Don't give up ! Although there are many laws against discrimination, it still exists. Stay positive and don’t give up the fight against discriminatory behavior.
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      Warnings

      • Not everyone will be supportive. Let the negative comments roll off your back and move on.
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      • You want to get the word out, but don’t let your actions backfire. Make all your actions legal and respectful of others.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/qa_vision.cfm
      2. ↑ http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/edlite-FAPE504.html
      3. ↑ http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/edlite-FAPE504.html
      4. ↑ http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/rights/humanrights.htm#III
      5. ↑ https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr32/2/fr320210.htm
      6. ↑ https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr32/2/fr320210.htm

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