Halloween is only a few days away, so what better way to celebrate than to talk about some unusual activity… people don’t know much about how I see the world!
…okay that was anticlimactic. But you’re probably wondering: “Emmy, why does anyone need to know this?” And to that I answer:
“People mostly assume things, hasty generalizations that click in their minds, like a door locking behind you in a haunted house, trapping your mind in the stereotype.”
People mostly assume things, hasty generalizations that click in their minds, like a door locking behind you in a haunted house, trapping your mind in the stereotype. I’m helping you unlock the door—oh hold on it’s not moving, gimme a sec—and escape that, by giving you a glimpse into my world!
So, if you’ve never met me, quick recap: born completely blind, diagnosed with ONH (Optic Nerve Hypoplasia), went to China for stem cell treatment, and now have almost-perfect vision in my left, but none in my right. So I’ve been the target of curiosity numerous times. People want to know how I see things. So here’s what I see:
Despite the high number of people who might think this, I’m not always bumping into things. They think I’m like a ghost who knocks into things (Because why else do the objects fall off of stuff in the movies?). As a person who used to go to a crowded public school, you learn to swerve around human traffic quite well. Yes, I do bump into things sometimes, usually when I’m overwhelmed, focused, or rushed. Or tired. Or just not paying attention because I’m zoned out.
“Depth perception? Heh. Never heard of it.”
Depth perception? Heh. Never heard of it. Sometimes my parents will step off of a ledge and I’ll stop, wondering how they managed to step off of a skyscraper without a care. (They must’ve used their witches’ brooms) They’ll look like the people in drone footage. And then I’ll carefully take a step, dropping 1 foot down. Hallelujah!
I’m not a horror movie protagonist. I can read the no trespassing signs, and the tiny print on sketchy contracts. I love reading and writing as a hobby. Most people think that just because my vision is impaired, I wouldn’t strain my eyes reading. Well I do. And I love it so much I want it to be a part of my career.
But that’s just me. Just because I say that doesn’t mean everyone with ONH or with limited vision have the same issues or interests. That’s why it’s good to ask questions. I love answering them, and if you have any specific questions you want to ask me, whenever you see me feel free to ask!
And this also doesn’t just include people like me. Every employee on the ScoopAble team sees the world in a unique way, and they most likely have fallacies that people put them behind—this lock just won’t budge!—and that won’t change. But just remember, when you talk to anyone from now on, remember that they have a unique perspective on the world, and it’s not the same as yours.
“The reason why we work here is because Amy decided to understand our unique perspectives and let us shine in our own way.”
The reason why we work here is because Amy decided to understand our unique perspectives and let us shine in our own way.
And as a community, I bet we can see through the spooky fog, and celebrate everyone’s perspective, because you might miss something if the fog is in your way…
Happy Halloween!
