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What changes would occur?
What things would you become aware of that are normally irrelevant or not consciously attended to? How
would you feel about having to depend on others for help in dressing (or selecting your wardrobe), reading,
and even just moving about?
METHOD
Subjects: You will serve as your own subject. Ideally, you should perform this research with a partner from your class
or a close friend. It would increase the value of the experience for you to serve both as subject and as guide to
another person. You can compare notes as to the similarities in your experiences as well as discover differences.
Apparatus: Gauze pads and bandage, an Ace elastic bandage, sunglasses, long stick or cane, and a tape recorder, if
possible.
Procedure: The research task presented to you is to be blind for a day. Blindfold yourself when you go to sleep so
you will awaken without the use of your sight and do not remove the blindfold until the following evening. It is
advisable to put gauze pads over your eyes, then gauze bandage or some similar material to hold the pads in place,
and perhaps an Ace elastic bandage on top. Sunglasses might help you look less conspicuous. Be sure to make the
necessary arrangements in advance for how you will carry out the “normal” day’s activities. Also, do not take any
chances in crossing streets or other danger spots without prearranged assistance. The use of a long stick (or cane)
will be necessary to detect obstacles in your path.
If you cannot set aside an entire day for this research, it would still be valuable to do so for even part of a day, during
your morning or afternoon classes, or in the evening from dinner until bedtime.
GUIDE TO ANALYSIS
1. How do you imagine you will react to this experience of perceiving your world without being able
to rely on your visual sense? Before you begin, think about those aspects of the situation that will
be difficult or easy to adjust to. In what areas of functioning do you anticipate the experience will
have its biggest impact on you? Indicate these predictions on the table provided. When you have
completed the exercise, compare your actual and anticipated experiences.
2. Keep a mental record of your thoughts and feelings and the reactions of others to your “handicap.”
At several times throughout the study, write out your experiences (without removing your blinders),
or dictate them to your partner or into a portable tape recorder.
3 . While doing your research, also note the following:
. Do you have any unexpected difficulties in understanding other people or in expressing
your thoughts to them?
. Does your food taste any different?
. Is it difficult to eat?
. Do right angles become important to you as navigation signs? Why? Why do curved
sidewalks and other curves pose a special problem?
. How do you utilize and integrate sound, touch, smell, and other sensory feedback to
compensate for your visual loss?
. Are you more or less sensitive to interpersonal relations?
. What have you learned about yourself that you did not know or fully appreciate before?
4. When it is all over, how does it feel to know you have the power to regain your sight at will?
Imagine what it would be like if you could not reverse the effect—if you were blind not merely for a
day! Now consider whether the environment you operate in regularly has made any design
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concessions to accommodate students who are blind or handicapped in some other way. Can you
identify specific features of environmental design that might be changed to make the life space more
livable for those who cannot rely on all their senses or normal motor ability?