In various eras people have conjured up many myths and misconceptions about blindness. Contemporary society is certainly no exception.

In medieval societies the blind and disabled newborn were treated in the most inhumane manner. They were either killed or hidden away from the community. Due to lack of education, these practices are still prevalent in primitive societies. The belief is that blind or disabled children should not be seen in public.

As in past eras the blind are still stereotyped as bearers of tin cups and "walking sticks", begging at the side of the streets.

In the time of Christ, civilisation believed that blind persons were being punished. Therefore, the misconception was that blindness was an inequity. This is one of the myths that still exist today.

Jesus in his earthly ministry had more encounters with people who were blind than any other disability. His dramatic healing of the man blind from birth using saliva and mud was one special occasion. Jesus wanted to demonstrate that blindness was not a curse not the result of any parent’s sins.

Many decades ago, people who were blind started weaving baskets. This requires a great amount of skill. Today it is still believed that people who are blind can only make baskets and do absolutely nothing else. Various jobs, however, can be performed by persons with visual impairment given the opportunity, training and the necessary adaptive technology.

Another misconception is that blindness is contagious. There is no way that a person who is blind can spread this condition. Blindness cannot be caught like the "common cold" or flu. Therefore, the general public should have no fear when interacting or communicating with a person who is blind.

People tend to think that because a person is blind, his or her other senses are affected.  Some believe that these persons cannot hear or speak for themselves and because of this misconception they should be spoken to through another. People who are blind can speak and hear for themselves, unless the individual is multiple disabled.

It is often felt that people who are blind have a sixth sense. This is incorrect since these individuals are attentive and more alert to what is happening in their immediate environment.  But it does appear as though they have a sixth sense.

Blindness does not mean total darkness.  In reality, it is possible for a person to be legally blind but yet have some vision: light perception, guiding vision, colour perception or tunnel vision.

Another fallacy is that people who are blind cannot be achievers.

Among the blind who are scholars, accomplished musicians and entertainers, sports personalities, business executives, lawyers, teachers, university graduates etc.  Right here in Trinidad and Tobago there are a handful of individuals who are blind that fall into these categories.

In the West Indies, a common belief is that persons who are blind are helpless, unable to do anything and should be cared for by their families or institutions. However, we are slowly moving away from this misconception. Change is occurring as we formulate our own agendas and adopt and emulate programmes from developed societies.