Rachel keyteThe following was not written by me however I can relate to most of it. It's a post that's going around Facebook and I thought most blind people on here can probably relate to it as well, and it will definitely help a lot of sighted people understand the difficulties of us failing social associations and just wanting to socialise like everyone else. This is the biggest frustration for me right now as all my friends are cited. #a11y Imagine walking into a room filled with laughter, chatter, and the sounds of life buzzing around you. There’s excitement in the air, warmth, and a sense of connection. People are moving, mingling, sharing stories, and exchanging smiles. But now imagine all of that happening behind a veil—a veil that separates you from truly being part of the moment. That’s what social events can feel like for a blind or visually impaired person.
For many people, social gatherings are a chance to connect, to build relationships, and to share experiences. But for those of us who navigate the world without sight, these gatherings can often leave us feeling like spectators, not participants. Even in a room full of people, we can feel profoundly alone.
The Unseen Barriers of Social Isolation
It’s easy to assume that simply being present at an event means you’re part of it. But for someone who is blind or visually impaired, the experience is much more complex. When sight is limited or absent, so much of what others take for granted—like recognizing a familiar face across the room, catching the unspoken cues in a conversation, or even just navigating through a crowded space—becomes a challenge.
Imagine hearing a group of friends laughing nearby, but not being able to see their expressions or join in because you can’t tell if they’re talking to you or if you’re just overhearing. Imagine feeling the energy of a room but not knowing where to go, who’s around, or if anyone is reaching out to you. Imagine missing out on the subtle glances, the handshakes, the body language that forms the backbone of human connection. It can feel like being on the outside looking in, even when you’re right there in the middle of the action.
For me, as someone who is progressively losing my sight, I’ve experienced this loneliness firsthand. At social events, I often feel disconnected, not because I don’t want to engage, but because the usual ways of connecting are simply not available to me. I rely on touch, sound, and trust to navigate the world, but in a fast-moving social environment, it can feel like everyone is in a race, and I’m stuck at the starting line.
The Emotional Weight of Feeling Invisible… (1/3)
David Dunphy
Robin Frost