If you're blind what do you see when you dream? | Ask Us Anything Episode 2 | BBC Ideas

Summary

In this enlightening video, visually impaired individuals including Lucy Edwards and Dr. Amit Patel dispel common misconceptions about blindness. They affirm that blind people do care about their appearance and can lead fulfilling lives, including working and shopping. They clarify that heightened senses are a myth; instead, they adapt by utilizing their remaining senses more effectively. The video also addresses the role of guide dogs, how to assist visually impaired individuals without being intrusive, and the importance of treating them with respect and offering help when appropriate.

Takeaways

• 🧐 Blind people can have heightened senses due to compensating for the lack of sight, but they do not possess 'supersonic hearing'.
• 🌙 When blind people dream, they may not see images if they lost their sight, but they can have vivid thoughts and memories.
• 💼 Blind individuals are capable of working and leading fulfilling professional lives.
• 👗 Blind people care about their appearance and may rely on others to describe their looks or assist with shopping and makeup.
• 📖 Lucy Edwards wrote the first-ever blind beauty guide, emphasizing the importance of self-expression for the visually impaired.
• 🎖 Simon Brown, who lost his sight in Iraq, highlights the adaptability of the senses and the pride he takes in his appearance despite his injury.
• 🦮 Not all blind people have guide dogs, and guide dogs are trained to navigate from curb to curb, avoiding obstacles and waiting for directions.
• 🚶‍♂️ Guide dogs are not 'sat-navs' and require clear directions from their handlers to navigate unfamiliar locations.
• 🤝 It's important to offer help to those who may be struggling, including the visually impaired, but always ask for consent before assisting.
• 👋 A respectful way to get a blind person's attention is by gently touching the upper arm with the back of your hand.
• 🙏 Don't be afraid to ask questions about a blind person's experiences or condition; they are often willing to share and educate others.
• 😊 Engaging with the person behind the guide dog, rather than just the dog, can make a positive difference and foster a sense of community.

Q & A

Do blind people have heightened senses?

No, blind people do not have heightened senses. They become better at using their other senses, such as hearing and touch, to navigate their environment.

What do blind people see when they dream?

Blind people may have vivid dreams, but the content of their dreams can vary. Some may not see anything and just have thoughts, while others might hold onto visual memories from before they lost their sight.

Can blind people work?

Yes, blind people can work. They are capable of holding various jobs and can contribute to society in many ways, just like sighted individuals.

Why do blind people care about their appearance?

Blind people care about their appearance because they want to feel good and look good, even though they cannot see themselves in a mirror. They may rely on others to describe their appearance or to help them with shopping and makeup.

How did Lucy Edwards lose her sight?

Lucy Edwards lost her sight in 2006 when she was shot in the head by a sniper during operations in Iraq, which resulted in damage to her optic nerves and eyes.

At what age did Dr. Amit Patel lose his sight?

Dr. Amit Patel lost his sight at the age of 11, followed by the complete loss of his left eye's sight at age 17.

How do blind people improve their non-visual senses?

Blind people learn to tune into their hearing and focus on what they need to hear. They also become more aware of their sense of touch to navigate and interact with their environment.

What is the role of a guide dog for a blind person?

A guide dog helps a blind person navigate by going from kerb to kerb, avoiding obstacles, and waiting for directions from their handler. They are not a sat-nav and require directions from their owner.

How can you help a blind person when crossing the road?

If you see a blind person struggling, you can offer support by gently touching them on the upper arm with the back of your hand, introducing yourself, and asking if they need help. It's important to respect their decision if they decline assistance.

What is the best way to get a blind person's attention?

The best way to get a blind person's attention is by using the back of your hand on their upper arm, as it is a non-aggressive way to touch someone and get their attention.

How can sighted people support blind individuals in public spaces?

Sighted people can support blind individuals by offering assistance when needed, asking if they need support, and respecting their independence. It's also important to engage with the person, not just their guide dog, and to ask questions to better understand their experiences.