How to Be a Better Human – What vision loss helped Andrew Leland gain

Intro

In this episode of the “How to Be a Better Human” podcast, writer and audio producer Andrew Leland shares his experience of gradual vision loss and how it has shaped his perspective on life. He discusses his memoir, “The Country of the Blind,” which explores his journey with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and the challenges and insights that come with adapting to life transitions and accepting blindness. Join Andrew as he delves into the malleability of identity and the importance of communication and community in navigating vision loss.

Main Takeaways

Adapting to Vision Loss

• Andrew Leland has been slowly losing his eyesight due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative eye disease.
• RP started with night blindness during his teenage years and progressed to tunnel vision during the day.
• Blindness is not a binary; the majority of blind people have some level of usable vision.
• Blindness is a spectrum, and the process of becoming blind is not linear.
• Accepting blindness involves accepting the remaining sight and letting go of absolutes.

Identity and Community

• Andrew’s memoir, “The Country of the Blind,” explores the malleability of identity and the challenges of adapting to life transitions.
• Joining a community of blind people can be difficult but ultimately rewarding.
• Internalized ableism can lead to reluctance in joining the blind community.
• Some segments of the blind community focus on cure, which may not resonate with everyone.
• Communication and understanding are crucial in navigating life transitions, especially with a partner.

The Complexity of Disability

• Blindness can become ordinary and fade into the background, emphasizing that individuals are more than their differences.
• Stigma can force blind individuals into unwanted positions and limit their opportunities.
• Blind people often internalize feelings of incompetence due to others’ perceptions.
• Accessible memes and making visual culture inclusive can challenge assumptions about accessibility solutions.
• The gray area of invisible disabilities and the skepticism faced by disabled individuals are discussed.

Summary

Adapting to Vision Loss

Andrew Leland shares his personal journey of gradual vision loss due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). He highlights the non-linear nature of blindness, emphasizing that it is a spectrum rather than a binary condition. Accepting blindness involves accepting the remaining sight and embracing the malleability of identity. Andrew’s memoir, “The Country of the Blind,” explores his experiences with RP and the challenges of adapting to life transitions.

Identity and Community

Andrew discusses the importance of joining a community of blind people, despite the initial difficulties. Internalized ableism can create reluctance in embracing the blind community, but the rewards of connection and support outweigh the challenges. He also acknowledges that segments of the blind community focus on cure, which may not resonate with everyone. Communication and understanding play a vital role in navigating life transitions, especially when experiencing them with a partner.

The Complexity of Disability

Andrew highlights the need to recognize that blindness is just one aspect of a person’s identity and that individuals are multifaceted. Stigma and societal perceptions can force blind individuals into unwanted positions and limit their opportunities. Accessible memes and making visual culture inclusive challenge assumptions about accessibility solutions. The discussion also touches on the gray area of invisible disabilities and the skepticism faced by disabled individuals in society.

Conclusion

Andrew Leland’s experience with vision loss offers valuable insights into adapting to life transitions and accepting blindness. His memoir, “The Country of the Blind,” sheds light on the malleability of identity and the importance of community and communication. By challenging stereotypes and embracing the complexity of disability, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society for everyone.