Overview

Blindness refers to significant vision loss that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Vision loss exists on a wide spectrum—some individuals have no usable vision, while others may have partial sight, light perception, or fluctuating visual ability. Blindness may be present at birth or develop later in life due to illness, injury, or genetic conditions.

Blindness does not limit intelligence, independence, or potential. With access, accommodations, and understanding, individuals who are blind can learn, work, connect, and thrive.

Common Experiences

Individuals who are blind may experience:

• Little to no functional vision

• Reliance on nonvisual senses such as hearing or touch

• Use of assistive tools like white canes, guide dogs, or screen readers

• Navigation challenges in unfamiliar or inaccessible environments

• Fatigue from navigating spaces designed primarily for sighted individuals

Vision loss is not always obvious, and experiences vary widely from person to person.

Support Looks Different for Everyone

Support for blindness focuses on accessibility, independence, and choice. Support may include:

• Orientation and mobility training

• Assistive technology such as screen readers or braille displays

• Accessible formats for written information

• Environmental adaptations and clear spatial design

• Respectful communication and inclusion practices

Support is most effective when accessibility is built in—not added as an afterthought.

For Families & Caregivers

Families and caregivers often support skill-building, advocacy, and access to resources while navigating systems that may not always be inclusive. Encouraging independence while offering support can require balance and trust.

Understanding from the broader community plays a vital role in creating safe, accessible spaces.

How Infinity Pathways Supports Blindness

Infinity Pathways creates tools that help individuals and caregivers communicate access needs, preferences, and important information across settings. Our resources support clarity, planning, and confidence—helping others respond with respect and understanding rather than assumptions.

A Note on Language

Some individuals prefer identity-first language (“blind person”), while others prefer person-first language (“person who is blind”). At Infinity Pathways, we respect personal preference and honor how individuals choose to identify.