BLIND ISN’T BLACK AND WHITE.

Some blind people have no useful sight. Others may see light, shapes, movement or parts of what’s in front of them. Someone might see well enough to read large text but struggle to recognise a face. Lighting, distance and surroundings can make a difference too.

That is why seeing something does not tell you how much a person can see, or what they need.

“But I saw them using their phone.”

You probably did. A phone can be an important accessibility tool. People may enlarge text, change contrast, use a screen reader or speak to their device. Watching someone use a phone tells you that they’ve found a way to use it. It doesn’t measure their sight.

The same goes for eye contact, moving confidently through a familiar place or spotting something you didn’t expect them to spot.

A better question

If it matters in the moment, ask: “Is there anything I can do to make this easier?”

Then listen to the answer. The person knows their own sight and preferences better than a stranger can guess.

Blindness isn’t a single way of seeing. And nobody owes you a demonstration of theirs.

Keep looking closer

• Read: Blindness is a spectrum
• Hear from people who live it: Real Voices