Blindness is not contagious

Maybe this is a touchy topic for many; but here goes. When I was growing up, I found that many persons, both kids and adults alike were often afraid to approach me and other blind kids. I often used to think that maybe and just maybe, they may have been feeling that if they came too close to me, they too would become blind. Things have improved over the years but there is still that hesitance especially so on the part of adults.

I am finding more and more that younger persons are not afraid to approach blind people. They are much less inhibited and not afraid to engage in conversations with us. For anyone who is hesitant to become friends with a blind person: Blindness is definitely not contagious. You can certainly become friends with us. You would be quite surprised to know and learn what great friends we can be.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and spread the word about how you can become friends with blind persons.
Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.