99% Invisible – 546- The Country of the Blind

Intro

In this episode of “99% Invisible,” host Roman Mars explores the story of “The Country of the Blind,” a tale by H.G. Wells that imagines a civilization of blind people who live without knowledge of the sighted world. The episode delves into the history of blind reading, the development of different systems for blind individuals, and the impact of technology on accessibility for the visually impaired. Host Andrew Leland, who is gradually going blind himself, shares his personal experience and discusses his new book inspired by Wells’ story.

Main Takeaways

Exploring Blindness and Assimilation

• H.G. Wells’ story “The Country of the Blind” imagines a civilization of blind people who live without knowledge of the sighted world.
• The story explores the question of escape versus assimilation, reflecting Andrew Leland’s own experience of becoming blind.
• Andrew Leland has a book out today named after H.G. Wells’ story.

The History of Blind Reading

• The history of blind reading involves finding a new language for the fingers and ears that captures the essential elements of a book without relying on visuals.
• Traditionally, there has been a tension between systems that stay close to the original form of a book and those that dramatically depart from it.
• The history of blind reading centers around two main shapes: lines and dots.
• Valentin Awee founded the first known school for the blind and developed the first machine-embossed book for the blind.
• A different blind reading system using dots instead of lines was developed by Louis Braille, which became the standard for blind readers.
• Samuel Gridley Howe established the Perkins School in Massachusetts and developed the Boston Line Type system to be read by both blind and sighted people.

The Battle of the Dots and Braille’s Dominance

• The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) played a significant role in making Braille the dominant system for blind readers in the US.
• A “war of the dots” ensued with competing systems, making it difficult for blind readers to access books printed in different systems.
• The decisive battle came in 1909 when the New York Board of Education voted for Braille to be used in their schools, leading to its adoption nationwide.

The Impact of Technology on Blind Reading

• The digital age and audio technology have made it easier for blind people to access literature.
• Talking books, narrated by individuals like Alexander Skorvy, transformed the way books can be accessed by blind people.
• Blindness is a loss, but there are ways to approach life as a blind reader, such as using an optophone to read ink print books.
• Learning to read in new ways, through new senses, could increase appreciation for the world around us.

Blindness and Identity

• Blindness could add something to life, even as it takes something else away.
• Blind individuals are hackers and must solve problems creatively.
• Blindness does not have to limit one’s ability to be an active protagonist in their own life.
• The dominant public perception of blind individuals is that they are helpless and passive.
• Writing a memoir can help individuals with disabilities navigate and communicate their experiences more effectively.
• Identity doesn’t exist without difference, but there is a bigger club of humans that everyone belongs to.

Summary

The History and Evolution of Blind Reading

The history of blind reading is a fascinating journey that involves finding new ways to capture the essence of books without relying on visuals. Valentin Awee and Louis Braille were instrumental in developing different systems using lines and dots, respectively. While the Boston Line Type system aimed for integration between blind and sighted readers, Braille’s system eventually became the dominant choice.

The Battle of the Dots and the Rise of Braille

The American Foundation for the Blind played a crucial role in advocating for Braille and making it the standard system for blind readers in the US. However, the competition between different systems created challenges for blind individuals, as libraries had books printed in various formats. The adoption of Braille by the New York Board of Education in 1909 marked a turning point, leading to its widespread use across the country.

The Impact of Technology on Blind Reading

The digital age and audio technology have revolutionized accessibility for blind readers. Talking books, narrated by individuals like Alexander Skorvy, provided a new way to experience literature. Additionally, advancements such as the optophone enabled blind individuals to read ink print books. Learning to read in new ways through different senses can enhance one’s appreciation for the world.

Blindness and Identity

Blindness brings unique challenges, but it does not have to define one’s identity. Blind individuals are creative problem solvers and active participants in their own lives. Writing memoirs can help individuals with disabilities navigate and communicate their experiences effectively. Understanding that identity exists within both difference and a shared humanity can foster empathy and inclusion.

Conclusion

The story of “The Country of the Blind” serves as a starting point to explore the rich history of blind reading and the experiences of blind individuals. Through technology and creative adaptations, blind readers have gained greater access to literature and integrated into society. The episode highlights the importance of embracing diversity and challenging preconceptions about disability. Blindness may present challenges, but it also offers unique perspectives and opportunities for growth.