SV Luna Moth

Tiffany here discussing some of the most common questions I receive on a weekly basis as a blind person. And not only a blind person but a blind person living on a sailboat.

One of the top questions I get asked is how do you use a computer?

I cannot count the number of times someone has assumed I have an adapted keyboard to type. The funny thing is, as a blind person I do not need any adaptive keyboard. As I say: the keys don’t move. What I need to use the computer and my iPhone accessibly are programs called screen readers. These are programs that convert text to speech. They read the screen allowed to me. I also only use the keyboard to navigate my computer. This means I have learned how to navigate without the mouse. This also relies on developers and designers creating apps and websites that are built with screen reader users in mind. So how well I can use my technology really depends on those who create the programs I interact with. I have the same interests and needs as many other people. But I am often left out of these parts of society because of ablest views of the abilities of blind persons.

The next common question I am asked is how do you get around?

When people see me with my partner Lisa, they assume often she is my aid or caregiver. While she does assist me with many things this is not the case: This will be a more in-depth discussion later. The short answer is that I have had extensive training in orientation and mobility. This is travel training designed specifically for the needs of blind persons. I have learned how to use a cane, listen to things in my surroundings, analyze intersections to know when to cross streets, use landmarks, measure timing and use accessible GPS apps along with many other tools.

I will leave this hear for now. I would love for people to ask me questions so I can answer them and move on to more interesting topics: like where is the best food in this new town? Many people are afraid to ask. These questions are more common than you may realize. I can always say no, but often I will answer. I would love to educate when I have the time and energy to do so. After all, how else can we learn and increase inclusion?

Stay tuned for more common questions and thanks for reading…