Fully blind people do not see in the way that sighted people do. They experience the world through their other senses, such as touch, hearing, smell, and taste.
Sensory Experiences:
- Touch: Blind individuals rely heavily on touch to navigate their surroundings. They may use their hands to feel objects, textures, and surfaces.
- Hearing: Sounds play a crucial role in a blind person's perception of the world. They can use their hearing to determine distances, identify objects, and even "see" through echolocation.
- Smell and Taste: These senses contribute to a blind person's understanding of their environment. They can identify different places, foods, and even people by their unique smells and tastes.
Visual Imagery:
- Dreams: Blind individuals can still have dreams, which may include visual imagery. However, these images are often based on their memories, experiences, or imagination.
- Phosphenes: Some blind people may experience phosphenes, which are flashes of light or patterns that occur without any external visual stimulus. These are caused by electrical stimulation in the brain.
Understanding the World:
- Braille: Blind people use Braille, a tactile system of reading and writing, to access information.
- Guide Dogs: Guide dogs provide mobility assistance and help blind individuals navigate their environment safely.
- Technology: Assistive technology, such as screen readers and audio descriptions, helps blind people access information and interact with the world.
While fully blind people may not see in the traditional sense, they experience the world through a unique blend of sensory perceptions, imagination, and technology.
