How to Be Blind
Being blind is not the issue.  Existing in a society that never really has embraced the fact that some members are incapacitated and would need better support is.  I am 43 now, and blind since almost 40 years.  And even if you are not going to believe me: blindness is definitely not the issue.  When I feel down, it is always because society does not want to accomodate for people with disabilities.  And I say <i>want</i> because of the digital divide, and the unwillingness to change things for better accessibility.  About 20 years ago, web accessibility felt like &quot;Yes, lets do it!&quot;, these days, I read a lot of negative comments on HN which basically boil down to &quot;We already have a small revenue margin, we cant be bothered to basically work for free for these subhumans&quot;.  I am exaggregating of course, but to tell you the truth, it is just how it feels to someone dependant on society wanting to be inclusive.  And I am not talking about individuals.  Many individuals will tell you they support better accessibility.  But once you go higher up, you realize that is really just an individual thing.  Society as a whole does not want to be bothered with having to accomodate for its disabled members.  In the past, it was easier to &quot;fix&quot; this: people with disabilities were put in institutions where almost nobody could see them.  These days, with all that pesky independence, it is becoming harder to look away.  But still, a solution is not in sighted.  In fact, the situation is slowly worsening.  Many 40+ blind people I know had to actually quit their job early, because shiny new interfaces were quicker then any accessibility could be.  And suddenly, you wake up in the morning and realize that you are totally useless at work from now on.  A very nice feeling.  I know people who fell into depression.  Imagine, you&#x27;ve worked for 20 years, and suddenly, you are useless because &quot;innovation&quot;.