Top Ten: What You Need to Know About Me Being a Person with Low Vision

Author: Tony Labillois

We all see things differently. Even people with perfect 20/20 vision still have different perceptions of colors and details in this diverse world we all share.

This means that visually impaired people have a unique perspective on daily life to share, which is not only valuable, but also insightful and creative.

In my case, I was born with a weaker vision than most other people. While most people have 20/20 vision, I have a visual acuity of 20/400, which means I can see at 20 meters what others with 20/20 vision see clearly at 400 meters.

This type of eyesight is normal for me. What I see is not blurry or hazy: I just see fewer details. Think of my vision like an old standard-definition TV compared to your new ultra-high-definition TV.

Now that you know more about me, here are 10 things you should know about what it’s like for me to live and thrive as a person with low vision:

1. Should we run into each other in the outside world, realize that I might not recognize you right away. It’s not that I’m being forgetful or rude: I can’t see you well enough to recognize you. When you say hello and tell me your name, I’m certain that I’ll be happy to see you again so that we can catch up and chat.

2. I don’t have a guide dog and I don’t use a white cane. Only 10% of blind or visually impaired people in Canada use braille as their primary reading method, so don’t assume that I can read braille.

3. If we’re out and about, don’t be afraid to ask me if I need help with anything. If I need your help, I’m happy to let you know how you can assist me. Feel free to let me know if we’re coming up to steps, poles, a rope, or a chain at ground level that I might not have noticed.
   And if I bump into something, it’s not your fault. Bumping into unexpected obstacles is a part of my life, but it’s never stopped me from blazing forward.

4. I’m a guy with a unique sense of flair and style because I’ve learned how to do things in my own way. I can screw in a bolt, fasten a seatbelt, knot a tie, count change, or type on a keyboard without looking. I am very organized, and I count on the cooperation of those around me to keep things in predictable places. It’s a practical way to live, and you could increase your own productivity if you follow my lead!

5. This world has a plethora of new experiences in it, and I’m always ready to try more exciting things. I’ve been hot air ballooning, bobsleighing, parasailing, and wakeboarding. I’ve owned a few cars since I was 18, and I’ve never held a license to drive them. However, I have driven a moped, ridden bicycles, skimmed across the snow in a small snowmobile, and taken the reigns of a dog sled!  Back home, there are chores to do: I mow the lawn, I clear the driveway with a snowblower or a shovel, I do the laundry, and I even do windows!
   Look beyond your perceived limits! You’d be amazed what you can do while balancing risks and fully embracing life!

6. While navigating this world filled with sights to behold, I can appreciate the beauty of nature, art, colorful neon lights, fireworks, fashion, architecture, etc. While I travel alone in Canada and across the world, I love to people-watch, even without the usual eye contact and or being able to decode their non-verbal expressions. When I explain things to colleagues and friends, I can draw, sketch, and even use my hands to ensure that they grok my meaning easily.

7. My mobile phone is an amazing tool that continues to enhance my independence and my productivity. Among its many tools (GPS, a magnifier, a telescope, a flashlight, a camera, notes, news, generative AI, translation, communication, etc.), the voice commands are my favorite. I can use voice-to-text to write messages, ask questions, generate Internet searches, then get the answers spoken back to me. I also enjoy taking photos with my phone and I have received praise for my photography.
   That being said, I usually need to use a dark, high-contrast theme that significantly reduces screen brightness while maximizing content readability. These types of display themes are commonly used for accessibility or to enhance visual comfort, especially in dimly lit environments. I would encourage you to try these display options to help with your focus, sleep quality, and to preserve quality long-term eye health.

8. Make the effort to make accessibility a priority.

   When you are providing a service, whether you are engaging with the public, designing apps, coding websites, or creating documents, do your best to make everything accessible to as many people as possible. With my low vision requirements, I need content in an accessible format (not PDF) and that has the option of using large fonts.  Low-vision accessible charts and dashboards are key to fully understanding data, trends, and highlights.
   When I’ve taken the time to express my needs and the agreed-upon accommodations aren’t respected, this immediately throws up a barrier that excludes me, leading to sadness, frustration, and a waste of my time. I should not be forced to repeat myself, or worse, beg for a service that should be straightforward.

   Do your best to be part of the solution for people who need small adjustments to ensure their full participation and inclusion in our society and economy. Be proactive in offering help and be mindful to keep your promises. If you do, we all win.

9. If I am accompanied by someone else and I ask for a service, ask a question, order a drink, or negotiate buying my next car, show me some respect by speaking to me directly. Don’t raise your voice, don’t treat me like a child, don’t offer me a wheelchair, or lay hands on me without my consent.
   If I’m alone, kindly take note that my vision is weaker than others and instruct me how to get to your counter rather than just shouting “Next” or “Come here.” You should still want to provide efficient and courteous service, even if I can’t make eye contact or let you know that I need something else.

10. Remember that your sight is precious, and we too often take it for granted. The viability of your eyesight can change quickly due to accidents, illness, and simply by aging. I cherish the vision I have, which allows me to appreciate so many beautiful things and participate in many aspects of life. I hope I never have to welcome you to the club of people with low vision.

    Take care of your eyes by wearing safety glasses, being mindful of screen time, and regularly consulting eye care professionals for preventive check-ups. If one day your vision decreases, your life will not be over. Be open to talking about it, accept accommodations as common as needing glasses, and even other tools and apps that will enhance your productivity, comfort, and quality of life.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Please share it and discuss it with others around you. In this way, more people can understand our reality as low vision people and be more sensitive, open, and inclusive to others, their needs, and their aspirations.

Biography of Tony Labillois

Tony Labillois dedicated 35 years of his professional life to Statistics Canada, earning a distinguished reputation of leadership in economic and social statistics and a consistent commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Tony was the Director General of Justice, Diversity, and Population Statistics, and co-lead of the Disaggregated Data Action Plan. For 22 years, he passionately advocated for the full participation of persons with disabilities and valued their brilliant contributions.

Since 2020, he serves as Vice-Chair of the Governing Council and Chair of the Advisory Council of the Canadian Accessibility Network.

This article was reviewed and edited by John David Hickey.