Curious? You’re not alone!

Here are some of the most common questions Kristie gets about being blind. People often wonder what it’s like, what she can see, and how she navigates the world — and she’s always happy to share. These answers are meant to clear up some myths, offer honest insight, and make it easier to have open conversations about blindness.

What can you see?

Kristie has a condition called Stargardt’s disease, which affects the macula — the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. As a result, she has difficulty seeing things in detail, especially when looking straight ahead. However, she can often rely on her peripheral vision to navigate, recognize shapes, or notice people and objects around her, though she can't see them clearly.

Is the word ‘blind’/’visually-impaired'/’disabled’ offensive?

Nope.

“Should I avoid phrases like ‘see you later’ or ‘did you watch that movie?’”

Nope! Most blind people use and hear those phrases all the time. They’re part of normal conversation, and we don’t take them literally. You don’t need to walk on eggshells.

How do you use a phone/computer?

With magnification and screen readers! A screen readeris a tool that reads out loud what's on the screen. Some blind people also use braille displays and voice commands.

Do you read braille?

Some blind people do, but not all. It depends on when they became blind, how much training they’ve had, and personal preference. Many use screen readers instead. Kristie can read Braille but generally prefers screen readers.

How do you get around?

Using a guide dog, my cane, orientation & mobility training. The more familiar I become with an area, the easier it becomes to navigate.

How do you do [insert everyday task]?

There’s almost always a way.

Can you live alone?

Absolutely. Blind people can and do live independently, work, raise kids, and live full lives.

Can you work?

Yes! Blind people can work in all kinds of jobs — I’m a software engineer.

Do you date?

Yes — blind people date, fall in love, have relationships, and get married like anyone else. I myself have a hot boyfriend.

Did your other senses get stronger?

Not stronger per se, but many blind people get really good at using their hearing, touch, and spatial awareness to get information others might not notice.

Can you enjoy movies or TV?

Yes! Audio descriptions make it accessible, and many blind people enjoy the dialogue, acting, sound effects, and music just like sighted folks.

If you’re blind, why are you looking at me?

Blindness is a spectrum, and most people who identify as blind have some remaining vision. For me, I can usually see when a person is in front of me. Though I can’t typically see their face, I can “guess“ where their eyes are in order to make eye contact.

If you’re blind, how did you see that?

I have remaining vision and I use it. I often feel insecure that people think I’m “faking” blindness when I can obviously see something that others assume I cannot (due to my cane or guide dog). Know that blindness is a spectrum, I can see things. Just not everything that you can.