Misconceptions of Blindness in the Workplace (Michael Hingson)
Watch/Listen to this Episode Misconceptions of Blindness in the Workplace (Michael Hingson)
Michael Hingson, a disability advocate, speaker, and author, addresses the misconceptions surrounding blindness in the workplace in this episode of Time We Discuss. He argues that blindness itself is not the problem—rather, it is the way society perceives and responds to it. The conversation explores the biases that blind individuals face, the barriers to employment, and the need for a more inclusive perspective on disability.
Hingson starts by challenging the widespread fear of blindness, citing research that shows blindness has long been ranked among people's top five fears. He explains that sighted individuals often assume that without vision, a person cannot function effectively, leading to discrimination and exclusion. Despite the significant progress made over the years, blind individuals still experience disproportionately high unemployment rates. When he was younger, the unemployment rate among employable blind people was around 70%, and although it has improved to approximately 50%, it remains far higher than the general unemployment rate.
Throughout his career, Hingson has personally encountered discrimination in hiring. He shares an experience where a recruiter scheduled him for an interview based on his strong qualifications, only to cancel it upon discovering he was blind. The recruiter assumed that the employer would not want to hire a blind candidate, highlighting how deeply ingrained these biases are in the hiring process. Hingson argues that these attitudes are not rooted in an actual lack of ability but rather in people's conditioned belief that vision is essential for competency.
A key point Hingson makes is that disability does not mean inability. He emphasizes that all individuals have characteristics that shape how they interact with the world. Sighted people, for example, are dependent on light to navigate their environments, while blind individuals have adapted to function without it. He shares a humorous but revealing anecdote about a hotel blackout, where sighted guests panicked because they were unable to see, whereas he was completely unaffected. This example underscores his message that blindness is simply a characteristic, not a limitation.
Hingson also discusses the importance of inclusive language. He criticizes the term “visually impaired,” arguing that it is inaccurate and demeaning. He compares it to the way the deaf community has rejected the term “hearing impaired” in favor of “deaf” or “hard of hearing.” He advocates for referring to blind individuals as “blind or low vision” rather than using language that implies deficiency.
The conversation touches on the role of technology in making workplaces more accessible. Hingson works with AccessiBe, a company that uses artificial intelligence to improve website accessibility for individuals with disabilities. He stresses that there is no longer any excuse for websites and digital services to be inaccessible, as the technology exists to make them usable for all. He also references the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which legally requires businesses to provide reasonable accommodations, including digital accessibility.
Addressing solutions to employment challenges, Hingson highlights the work of organizations like the Colorado Center for the Blind, which trains blind individuals to develop independence and self-advocacy skills. He notes that graduates of such programs have lower unemployment rates, as they are better equipped to challenge biases and demonstrate their capabilities.
Finally, Hingson shares his experiences as a motivational speaker and author. He has written multiple books, including Thunder Dog and Live Like a Guide Dog, which explore his journey and the lessons he has learned. He encourages listeners to recognize that disability is not a barrier to success and that true inclusion means embracing all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
Ultimately, Hingson's message is clear: blindness is not the problem—society's attitudes toward it are. By changing perceptions, improving accessibility, and fostering true inclusion, we can create a world where blind individuals have the same opportunities as everyone else.
Links from the Show
- Website
- The Unstoppable Mindset Podcast
- Thunder Dog (Book)
- Running with Roselle (Book)
- Live Like a Guide Dog (Book)
Also Mentioned in This Episode:
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