blind to see

Once upon a time, I stood in a world blanketed by darkness, both literal and metaphorical. I was, for lack of a better term, blind; not just to the vibrant colors and intricate shapes that dance before the eyes, but also to the profound beauty and potential nestled within the human spirit. My story, however, is one of transformation, a journey from darkness into light, from ignorance into enlightenment, from exclusion into inclusion.

What changed? Simply put, my perspective. I opened my eyes, both literally and figuratively, to the myriad faces, voices, and experiences that until then, I had either ignored or dismissed. And with that simple act, a world previously unseen, untapped, and unjustly sidelined, came into vivid focus. This is the story of my inclusive awakening.

Understanding Inclusion and Exclusion

To understand my journey, we must first unravel the threads of inclusion and exclusion. Inclusion, at its core, is about making people feel valued, respected, and safe enough to bring their authentic selves to the table. Exclusion, on the other hand, is its antithesis, perpetuating a culture where difference is not celebrated but shunned, silenced, or ignored.

a black and white button with the words, i was blind but now i see

the words i was blind but now i see are in black and white letters on a white background

" If the world was blind , who would you impress ? "

I was once guilty of that. I was guilty of seeing the world in binary terms, of drawing lines in the sand and expecting everyone to stay within their respective boxes. I was guilty of not seeing, of not wanting to see the spectrum of humanity in all its beautiful, colorful complexity.

Personal Identities and Preferences

Identity is a multifaceted gem. It's not just about race or gender but also about sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, disability status, age, religion, and so much more. Each of these aspects contributes to our unique personas, making us who we are. Yet, for too long, I had onlyfocused on my part of the spectrum, missing out on the richness that different identities bring.

the words even without sight there is still vision written in black on a green background

Consider, for instance, the fact that over 1 billion people worldwide have a disability. Imagine if we all did as I did; ignoring, underestimating, or overlooking their unique challenges and strengths. We'd be diminishing not just their potential but our own, for we are all interconnected in this grand human tapestry.

Social and Systemic Barriers to Inclusion

Our identities aren't developed or lived in a vacuum. They are shaped by, and in turn, shape our environments. These can either foster or hinder inclusion. I was blind to the systematic biases and barriers that kept others from accessing equal opportunities, services, or spaces. I was blind to the structural discrimination, power dynamics, and privileged perspectives that I, unwittingly or otherwise, perpetuated.

systems that marginalize some are, by definition, exclusionary. Examples abound: from employment practices that disproportionately discriminate against certain groups, to educational curricula that barely scratch the surface of diverse histories and experiences, to media representations that reinforce stereotypes.

Books To Read for Disability Pride Month | Penguin

the words even without sight there is still vision in white letters on a black background

October is Blindness Awareness Month! So here’s a reshare the what I made last year (resized from the original square format). I realize it’s kind of ironic to use visuals to help spread awareness about blindness though….😅 For the first slide, I wanted to show how blindness doesn’t stop people from enjoying their lives. With the right precautions, a blind person can enjoy a trip to the park the same way a sighted person would. 😌 Made using Canva #blind #disability #october #awareness #blin... The Originals, Instagram, Blinds

a sign with people walking across a crosswalk in front of a car and another person crossing the street

5 Things I Wish People Understood About Being Legally Blind

Embracing an Inclusive Worldview

The shift from my old, blinkered perspective to this new, inclusive worldview was seismic. Suddenly, I saw the richness, the vibrancy, the resilience in fellow humans who I had previously labelled 'other'. I saw the need for intersectionality, for policies and practices that saw each aspect of our identity not as standalone elements, but as intertwined strands that make us whole.

I started to see not just race or gender, but the nuanced complexities within each category. I started to see not just physical disability, but the invisible ones too. I started to see not just straight or gay, but the fluidity of sexuality and the spectrum of gender identity. I started to see, truly see, the vast spectrum of human diversity.

New Habits of Mind

To embrace this new perspective, I had to change my mental habits. I had to active seek out spaces, voices, and experiences instead of passively consuming those that fed into my echo chamber. I had to interrogate my biases, challenge my assumptions, and expand my circle of engagement.

a train track with the words i was blind but now i see

a person who sees is better than a seeing person who is blind text reads, a blind person who sees

I started to amplify the voices of the marginalized, to use my privilege to create space for others. I started to listen more than I spoke, to learn more than I lectured. I started to engage in conversations about race, gender, class, and disability, not as a debate to be won, but as a dialogue to be had.

Reimagining Spaces and Systems

The real work, however, lied not just in changed mindsets but in reimagined systems. I started to understand the power of inclusive design, be it in physical spaces, digital platforms, or policy frameworks. I started to see the need for representation not just in numbers but in narrative, in leadership, and in decision-making tables.

I started to advocate for policies that plugged the gaps in access and opportunity, for practices that celebrated difference instead of penalizing it. I started to believe in, and fight for, a future where being different was seen not as a deficit but as a strength, a source of innovation, creativity, and resilience.

A world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued - now that's a world I want to live in, a world I want to be a part of creating. It won't be easy, but then again, nothing truly transformative ever is. So, I take a step forward, armed with my new perspective, committed to walking this inclusive path, one mindful, deliberate, and hopeful stride at a time.