Social experiment

Day In The Life Of A Blind Person.

My alarm clock sounds. I rub my eyes and turn off my alarm. I swing my legs out of the bed and feel for Susie, my guide dog and her harness.

Hi, allow me to introduce myself. I am Kristy Banks. I’m 19 years old. I have been blind since birth, so I am used to being blind. All my friends have jobs and are all off to Uni next year. I don’t know what the future holds for me. All my friends own shiny new cars and laminated licences, but I can’t drive. However, I sure can dream. I dream of me driving a shiny red Ferrari with my hair blowing in the wind ever so freely. Life is a challenge when you’re blind. People think because your different, they need to treat you differently. They all feel sorry for me. They give attention and say things like “Oh, you poor thing”, and “Here darling, let me help you”. But I’m very independent and there is no need to help me. I get along fine. I can do things on my own, well almost.

Without Susie, I wouldn’t be anywhere. You wouldn’t really realise it, but she is quite an amazing dog!! From the moment I get out of bed, to the moment I go to bed, she’s always there, helping me. I remember the first time I felt Susie licking me at the training centre. Mum and Dad had said when I turned 13 they would get me a special birthday surprise, and they did. They drove me to the training centre and lead me into a small room. I could smell dogs and instantly I knew I was at the Guide Dog’s training centre. We have been together for 6 years. I had always dreamt of getting a guide dog. Susie and I have a very special bond. If something happened to either Susie or I, I know both her and I would be devastated.

Sometimes, when I wake up, it seems like I can see. I see bright, beautiful places and colours, until I rub my eyes and all the colours and places disappear into a blank view of nothing. Except for black, which isn’t the most reassuring colour to wake up to and see all day. Sometimes it is difficult. I know I can’t blame all this on anyone, but sometimes I blame it on myself. Until my Pa died recently, we used to share our thoughts and feelings about being blind. You see, he too had the genetic disorder that I have.

So next time you see a blind person in the street, don’t treat them differently, just treat them with respect. And don’t pat their dog, as it is working and doesn’t want to be patted nor annoyed.There are still many things in life to be enjoyed, even when you’re blind.

The End.