Written by Thabo Baseki and Tshepiso Lazarus, two blind individuals sharing their unique perspectives.
When you think about blindness, what do you see? A dark void? A loss of independence? Many people assume that life without sight is limited. But for the two of us who live in a world without vision, it’s anything but that. We experience the world differently, yes, but in ways that are often fuller and more insightful than what you might imagine.
We want to take you on a journey through our lives, sharing some of the lessons blindness has taught us—lessons we believe everyone, especially those who can see, can benefit from. So, let’s ask ourselves: what does it really mean to “see”?
Do We Really See with Our Eyes?
Thabo’s Perspective
People often ask me, “What’s it like to be blind?” They’re usually imagining total darkness or endless obstacles. But the truth is, I’ve learned to see in ways that go far beyond my eyes. I may not experience the world visually, but I sense it. I listen. I feel the energy of spaces and people. And believe it or not, I often have a better sense of what’s going on around me than those with perfect vision.
Is sight really the only way to understand the world? Or do we, as humans, rely too much on our eyes while missing out on the deeper connections?
Vulnerability Isn’t Weakness—It’s Strength
Tshepiso’s Perspective
For me, vulnerability has been one of the biggest lessons blindness has taught. The world isn’t designed with me in mind, and asking for help is part of my daily reality. But rather than seeing it as a weakness, I’ve learned that it takes strength to be vulnerable. I don’t shy away from asking questions or seeking support, and through that, I’ve built stronger relationships.
Isn’t vulnerability something we all share? How often do you, as someone with sight, pretend to have everything under control when you could grow so much more by admitting you need a helping hand?
Resilience Isn’t a Choice, It’s a Way of Life
Thabo’s Perspective
Every step I take outside my home is a practice in resilience. Whether it’s navigating the cracks in a sidewalk or dealing with inaccessible technology, life as a blind person is a constant challenge. But you know what? Those challenges have taught me to be adaptable and persistent. I’ve come to realize that resilience is less about bouncing back and more about pressing forward, even when the road is uneven.
What obstacles do you face? Do they stop you in your tracks, or do you find ways to move through them?
What Does It Mean to Be Independent?
Tshepiso’s Perspective
Independence looks different for me. It’s not about doing everything on my own but about knowing when to ask for help and when to rely on others. Does that make me any less capable? Absolutely not. I still cook my meals, travel, work, and live fully. I’ve just learned to embrace a different definition of independence, one that values interdependence.
What does independence mean to you? Is it really about doing everything alone, or is it about finding your own way to thrive—whatever that looks like?
Suggested Picture: Caption: “True independence comes from collaboration, not isolation.”
Vision Goes Beyond the Eyes
Thabo’s Perspective
Vision isn’t just about sight. It’s about dreaming, imagining, and building something greater than yourself. I may not see the world, but I create visions for my future, for the communities I’m a part of, and for the change I want to bring. Blindness hasn’t stopped me from having a clear vision of where I want to go in life.
Do you focus on your dreams and goals, or are you distracted by the things in front of you? Maybe it’s time to step back and think about what vision really means.
Inclusion is Everyone’s Responsibility
Tshepiso’s Perspective
Living in a world that isn’t always built for you makes you very aware of how much inclusion matters. I’ve had experiences where I couldn’t participate because something wasn’t accessible, but instead of feeling bitter, I see it as an opportunity to educate. Inclusion is a collective responsibility. It’s not just about laws or ramps—it’s about changing the way we think, design, and interact so that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully.
What can you do to make the world more inclusive? Inclusion isn’t just for those of us with disabilities—it benefits everyone.
A Conversation Between Thabo and Tshepi
Joint Perspective: Thabo Baseki & Tshepiso “Tshepi” Lazarus
Thabo: “You know, Tshepi, I’ve been thinking a lot about how people perceive blindness. Do you think they really get it?”
Tshepi: “Not really, Thabo. Most people still think it’s all about what we can’t do—like sight is the only way to experience life.”
Thabo: “Exactly! But we’ve learned to see in ways others can’t. We listen, we feel, we navigate life in ways that show us deeper connections. Don’t you think everyone could benefit from that? I mean, seeing isn’t just about your eyes, right?”
Tshepi: [nodding] “Totally. Vision is more about your mind and your heart. It’s about understanding, not just looking. If only more people realized that, maybe they’d see the world like we do—full of color, sound, and possibility.”
Thabo: “So, what’s stopping them? Why don’t they take that extra step?”
Tshepi: “Maybe they just need a little nudge. Maybe they need to hear from us, to know that there’s more than meets the eye.”
Thabo: “Then let’s challenge them. Let’s ask everyone who reads this: Are you truly seeing the world around you? Or are you just looking at what’s in front of you?”
Tshepi: “And hopefully, after reading this, they’ll start seeing with more than just their eyes.”
With their conversation, Thabo and Tshepi leave you with a thought: how are you truly seeing the world around you? Because the beauty of life isn’t always in what you can look at—it’s in what you can feel, hear, and understand on a deeper level.
Comments