Prejudice is based on generalisations and unverified conclusions. They have a negative impact on the attitude of others, as well as on those that make them. They distort perceptions about the lives of others.
It isn’t true that:
- The loss of one’s sight leads to the improvement of other senses, such as a touch and hearing.
- Blind people have an absolute musical ear, more often than ordinary people.
- Blind people possess a special ‘sixth sense’ for overcoming unseen obstacles.
- The loss of sight evokes the presence of some special skills such as clairvoyance.
It isn’t true that:
- We should talk slowly and simply to a blind person, so they can understand us.
- We shouldn’t talk about colours or other visual perceptions with a blind person.
- We should refrain from the use of phrases such as; look, see you, etc. to avoid hurting their feelings.
- That blind people should always be utterly thankful for our help.
It isn’t true that:
- It is necessary to avoid further damage of a partially blind person. Watching TV and reading should be omitted.
- The stronger the glasses worn, the worse the sight.
- Glasses fix any damage to the sight.
- Everyone using a white walking stick is totally blind.
- All blind people see only darkness.
It isn’t true that:
- A blind person shouldn’t be concerned about their looks as they cannot see, and others don’t have any right to criticise them.
- We don’t advise a blind person about the appropriateness of their clothes or behaviour so as not to offend them.
- There mustn’t be any pictures or mirrors in the blind person’s house.
It isn’t true that:
· With the loss of sight, one becomes absolutely dependent on the help of others.
This data was collected from the website of Tyfloservis, o.p.s., social rehabilitation of blind people and partially blind people in the Czech Republic, with the use of regional network centres. (www.tyfloservis.cz)