In Their Own Words: Visual Impairment
First Name: Empish
Type of disability: Blindness
Married/Engaged/Unmarried, Kids:
Single, never married, no children
If there was one thing that you wish people better understood about your specific type of disability, what would it be?
That I am truly blind. People seem to think that because I am a highly functioning disabled person that I am not blind after all. They think that I am faking because I can function well. I want people to understand that just because I am blind does not mean that I am not able to complete specific duties and tasks that I need to perform. People with disabilities have learned to be problem solvers and to find work-arounds to various situations.
One thing that people can do to make other people who have your type of disability feel more included, whether it is at work, school, or another community organization would be:
To not ignore us. I find that when I am in small gatherings people tend to not include me in the conversation. It is as if I am not there and don’t exist; or that I have nothing important to say or add to the conversation. Just because I can’t see does not mean I can’t think and communicate effectively with people
What would you say is your greatest source of pride?
My greatest source of pride is my career. Despite various obstacles, including my disability, I have been able to pursue the very career that I want. I love the work that I do as a freelance writer, disability advocate and public education specialist.
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