No one would argue that perception is primarily visual.

We tend to judge people initially on appearance, and then through conversation, in our attempts to relate to one another. For this reason, we may not approach a person based on their looks, because we might not be comfortable with their appearance. We tend to stay in our own comfort zone; unprepared or unwilling to address that which is threatening or unfamiliar to us.

I consider this two ways: How I am being perceived by others, and how I perceive those whom I have come in contact with. For the most part, I have positive experiences with others and am treated with respect and a friendly demeanor. At times, my visual impairment is not apparent to some, since I don't “look” blind, and that can throw people off. Some people don't recognize the cane as a tool of mobility, and ask where I got it and what it is for. There is the occasional “What, did you forget your glasses?” comment, or the stares. Yes, I can feel them. Perhaps what bothers me the most is that my son Jack has to deal with teasing from his peers due to my disability. I will never understand why some children find satisfaction in making another child feel inadequate, even when it is not his inadequacy that is being poked fun at. I believe this stems from a lack of education and empathy that must be taught at home, and modeled in the community for a child to possess these qualities.

The most fascinating thing about this impairment is that I have talked to people whom I probably would have never dared to when I could see, and it has opened doors to worlds that I would not have had the privilege to go through because I had been bound by the prejudice of my eyes. In some ways, the lack of vision makes me less apt to walk up to someone and start a conversation. However, it is an uncertainty of self and not due to my preconceived assessment of the person. I am also acutely aware when someone is not comfortable with me, and it often has to do with my disability. For this reason, I have a tendency toward effusiveness that may not seem genuine, but it is actually an attempt to make that person comfortable with me. A good joke goes a long way too.

If you see me, or someone like me, close your eyes for a moment, and picture me as a person you can relate to, because I will be picturing a face that is not there for me to see; one that is hopefully smiling and happy to step into my world for a moment.

Susan Storms is second vice chair of the Options for Independence Board of Directors