Did you know? The world can sometimes be a scary place for those of us with low vision. All of a sudden, things can pop up that we didn’t see. They were just in our blind spot. I have trouble seeing below my eye level line of vision. If a person darts in front of me quickly, it can appear as a flash of color and a shock to my eyes. I definitely might flinch or stop in my tracks. Sometimes I even squeeze my eyes shut and put my hands up because I feel like I’m about to hit something. Then I might realize it’s just a person who cut in front of me and then I relax a little.
I’m about to let you in on some obstacles for people with low vision that you might never have even thought about. It’s my personal top 5- enjoy! 🙂
5. Open kitchen cabinet door
I control this so it doesn’t happen too much anymore, but I have definitely banged my head a lot on open cabinet doors! I have trained myself to remember to close them before I leave the kitchen. That way I won’t forget I left them open when I come back.
4. Sidewalk cellar doors
Haven’t had a problem with this yet but it seems very dangerous for blind people especially. They could be open and someone could fall inside. I steer clear and walk on the other side of the sidewalk- just in case!
3. Person pulling suitcase
AHHH! Anytime someone is pulling a bag or a cart, I’m focused on looking at the person and don’t realize at all that they might have another appendage. Always have to look down, especially in NYC where people might be traveling or pulling their work bag. I have definitely kicked too many suitcases to count…
2. Benches, chairs, furniture, etc.
Unexpected furniture can throw me off. If I’m in a museum and all of a sudden, one room has a bench, I might not even notice. I love art- so I’ll be looking at that! One time, I walked right into a bench and flipped onto it, landing on my stomach. Good thing I have a sense of humor!! Oh, and good thing it had a cushion!
1. The ultimate nemesis: THE WET FLOOR SIGN
This is an obstacle of the highest degree. It could be anywhere at any time. It could take different forms. If you kick it and walk into it, it makes a NOISE as it crashes shut onto the floor and everyone looks at you. If you were trying to walk around and blend in like a normal person, you failed! Foiled again by the wet floor sign! And that is why it tops my list.
Bonus item: toddlers & small children! More on that soon 🙂
@CatarinaRivera 
Oh, don’t mention the babies and toddlers! Done that many times and it is mortifying. I almost wish I was totally blind so I don’t seethe horrified faces around me!
I know what you mean!
I’ve hit all 5 of these – more than once – it’s a scary world out there
Yes it is, be careful!
Love your blog, Catarina! I have RP and I agree with all of these (I am my own worst enemy with the cabinets–I leave them open on myself ALL THE TIME!). Thanks for your insights!! Now that I know your blog exists, I’ll be posting entries on my FB page. I hope that results in increased readership for you.
Thanks for the support, Julia! We all have our moments where we forget to move something and we create our own obstacles. Let me know if there’s anything you think I should write about next.