In this age of technology, blind people can use computers just like sighted people can. We use a variety of adaptive software that make computers accessible for the blind. Some of these programs include screen-reading technology that use a voice synthesizer to read out loud what is on the screen and give continuous verbal feedback. When using this speech software, we do not use a mouse. Instead we use keyboard strokes to activate various commands. See similar questions...

There are many ways for the blind to go from one place to another. Using a long white cane when you walk allows someone who is blind to locate steps, curbs, streets, driveways, doorways, bicycles, elevators, escalators, people, chairs, tables, desks, or any other object or place. The cane is long enough to be about two steps ahead of your feet as you walk, so you find things with your cane before you get to them. See similar questions...

Yes. A very small percentage of people who are considered legally blind have no sight. Each individual is different based on his or her eye condition. Some individuals may see light, shadows or certain shapes. Others may have perfect central vision and no peripheral (side) vision or the reverse. Some individuals may see well indoors, but in extreme light or darkness, they have difficulty seeing. See similar questions...

Not particularly however all of them enjoy the experience because it's a unique way to share what it feels like being blind with their friends and relatives. See similar questions...

It is simply a matter of personal choice. Some blind people like using canes better, and some enjoy using dogs. No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that blind people are able to go wherever they want, whenever they want, independently. See similar questions...

No, some people who are blind or visually impaired use guide dogs; however, they are not appropriate for everyone. The dogs do not lead an individual at will, they rely on commands and signals. Dogs can be time consuming and not all blind people want the responsibility of owning an animal. Using a guide dog differs than using a cane in that the guide dog user does not contact the environment as a cane user does. See similar questions...

Blind people use a variety of types of transportation. When the distance is short, we walk. We also take busses, often counting the stops or judging by various landmarks where we are. Many of us ask the bus driver to let us know when we have reached a particular destination. WE also take cabs, particularly if we want to get somewhere quickly, or if we have a lot to carry. Blind people also get rides from friends, family members and spouses. See similar questions...

Blind people use several techniques for organizing money once they receive it. One common method is to fold each denomination in a different way. For example, ones might not be folded at all, while fives are folded in half widthwise, tens folded once in half lengthwise, twenties folded twice, etc. There are also wallets with separate compartments for each type of bill and devices for marking currency with raised dots. See similar questions...

Blind people can use the same gas or electric ovens, microwaves, grills, mixers, food processors, blenders, electric knives, skillets, fryers, crock pots, and other kitchen tools and appliances as the sighted use. We can put Braille labels on the microwave touch buttons, and some blind people like to use Braille or a special marking glue to put dots on some of the stove or oven temperature dials. See similar questions...

No, people with AMD almost never become totally blind. Although the wet AMD frequently results in loss of central vision, the peripheral (side) vision is only rarely affected by wet AMD. This means that even persons with severe AMD who have lost the central part of vision in both eyes, making it difficult to read or drive, will still be able to get along fairly well. See similar questions...

Blindness and visual impairment most often occur later in life when diminished tactile sensitivity makes learning braille difficult. For persons who have been unable to read print from an early age, however, braille is a very important key to literacy. Among this population, the use of braille is very common. See similar questions...

No! Though many patients become legally blind, most people with macular degeneration lose the quality of their central vision and do not become completely blind. See similar questions...

Most people who are blind have some residual vision, such as light perception, detection of movement or detection of gross shapes. See similar questions...

Just about anything. Here's a list of some occupations in which blind people are working today, but there are many more. See similar questions...

Most articles of clothing will have at least one distinct way of identifying them by feel. They will have different buttons or snaps or bows or ties or the fabric or texture will be different. Some dresses or skirts will have belts or elastic at the waist or different kinds of pockets. You might know that the red shirt is the one with the funny-shaped buttons, or the blue pants are the ones with no pockets. See similar questions...

Some blind people are able to see some colors. Sometimes a blind person might have enough vision to see all colors, or maybe he or she can only tell bright colors. Some blind people can see some colors but not all of them, or they might have a hard time telling blue or black or brown apart, or pink from white. Some blind people do not see any colors. It is important to learn about colors even if you cannot see them. See similar questions...

There are many kinds of food that can be identified by touch, such as fruits and vegetables, hot dogs, chicken, and other items. But things like cans of soup, cereal boxes, canned vegetables, gallons of milk, ice cream containers, and other things may be hard to identify. Many blind people like to shop with a friend who will help to find things and can read the different brands and types. Or a blind person might use a store employee who can help find the groceries. See similar questions...

It takes some practice to become a good reader of Braille, just as it does with print. We learn Braille by feeling the different dots in each Braille "cell" and memorizing what the different combinations of dots stand for. It is best to learn Braille when you are young, even if you can still read some print. That way, you have had many years of practice and experience to develop good Braille skills by the time you are an adult. See similar questions...