The Foundation Fighting Blindness is a nationwide organization dedicated to funding research that will help prevent, treat and hopefully, find a cure for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration and other degenerative retinal diseases.
What a unique and creative way, I thought, to educate the public about the challenges blind people face every day.
I’m nearsighted and wear corrective lenses. I wake up several times during the night, and in the dark, find my way easily to the kitchen or bathroom. It’s so different, though, when you’re in familiar territory. At dinner, I wouldn’t have attempted to find my way out of that room. All the exit signs, doors and openings to the room were covered with black drapes, so we would be in total darkness. Fire marshals were on hand, however, for safety reasons, so there was no need to be alarmed.
The evening began with the lights on. Salad was served, and we were treated to a wonderful performance by the Johnny Mercer Children’s Choir from the Braille Institute.
While I could see, I paid attention to everyone at my table, trying to match voices with faces for future reference.
I also made sure I placed my silverware and glasses where I could get to them easily. I had a wine glass and a water glass, each of which was distinctive in size and shape. The water glass was taller, beveled, or octagonal, so when I grabbed it, I knew by touch alone it was the water glass.
