Blind Leading the Blind

In a sense what we are doing is sorta like the blind leading the blind. I'm not really sure of what I am doing, nor do I want to step on Stephyn's independence. I do not, however, feel that it is appropriate to tape up his eyes and then turn him loose (so to speak). But I guess I'm jumping the gun here.

Monday morning we hopped in the car and headed for the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind. We had set up a meeting with Mrs. Vicki Banks, a teacher in the Blind School. She graciously spared an hour of her time to meet with us and talk with us about what we might expect to be difficult, how we might cope, and above all, how to manage our trial safely. She led Stephyn thorough a short training session on the use of his cane, on how to manage without the cane, and on how to be led by a sighted guide (me, in this case). It was certainly an extremely helpful meeting, and I believe that we would have been far worse off without it.

Then it was time. I pulled out the bag containing our blinding apparatus-- a pair of giant needles, a fork, and some iodine--and got to work.

Ok, so all we really had was some eye bandages that had been duct-taped over and some blacked out sunglasses, but I think the other way would certainly have been more effective at achieving total blindness, right? In any case, Stephyn was blind within 5 minutes. I asked if he were ready, and he quickly replied, "Not really" as he was closing his eyes and turning his face toward me. Of course, we had discussed his trepidation beforehand, and I understood that he was prepared for it, no matter what he said.

After that, we sort of stumbled together out of the school and into my truck. We went to the bank first as we both needed to deposit some money. It is fairly easy to guide Stephyn, and I am sure that it is mostly due to him. He is very trusting of me and responds quickly to any verbal ques or warnings of mine. I certainly appreciate that.

The rest of the day was filled with exploring the campus (the many different buildings and locations) and practicing his mobility. During these times I allowed him as much independence as I could, which means I let him run off the sidewalk or into a bush if I was sure it wouldn't hurt him. I figured the mistakes would help him learn how to walk about more quickly by noticing what different things feel like through the cane.

Our testing ran smoothly and I got some interesting results. I saw some patterns in the smell and taste testing that could suggest some confounding factors, so we shall have to take careful note of those things as the testing proceeds.

All in all, the biggest thing I learned today was to be quitely watchful. If I saw something Stephyn doing something that could injure himself or someone else, I would say something. Other than that, it is best for me to keep silent and let him figure it out for himself. He is happier with what independence he can achieve and I don't have to be constantly involved.

We are learning these roles together, and it will take time. I am sure, however, that with his determination and my vigilance we shall have some interesting results scientifically and some interesting stories for the future.