The “Blind Perspective” is a phrase that has been referenced by many in recent years; usually, as a means to provide the Sighted world an insight into the thought processing required by the Blind to function independently in this visually defined, designed and developed world we all collectively live in. To move forward the referenced phrase of “Blind Perspective” requires clarification of meaning with attached defined principles to provide guidance through application of a new philosophical approach by the Sighted when designing and developing infrastructure, products or services to insure inclusiveness to all levels of visual acuity; referenced as the “Blind Perspective Philosophy”.
The “Blind Perspective Philosophy” is simply stated as “All infrastructural design and construction, all product design and production, along with design and delivery of all services will incorporate accommodations for the Blind first”, as then access and usage by the Blind will be made possible by default negating any need for future mitigation. Once access for the Blind has been initially established then by default access will also be established for all remaining levels of visual acuity; thus removing many of the barriers which block the Blind physically from living independently and achieving full parity with their sighted peers.
To facilitate real change will require a major educational effort by the entire Blind community, taking on the role of self advocacy, to teach the Sighted “Actual Needs of the Blind” to replace current applied incorrect “Perceived Needs of the Blind”; which historically has formed the knowledge base for deriving accessibility mitigation strategies for the Blind.
Make the World more accessible, “Embrace the Blind Perspective Philosophy”!