Thread by @veron4ica

I've seen the #BirdBoxChallenge all over social media lately. As someone with low vision and a blindness cane user, it worries me to see many unsafe and inaccurate videos about doing tasks with no vision. Here is a thread on safe and positive alternatives to the viral challenge

I'm not actually offended by the Bird Box Challenge itself. I like the idea of people learning about life without sight. What I don't like is that many of the activities can easily lead to injury or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Now, let's get started with our alternatives!

1. Use a screen reader to navigate technology

How would you use your smart devices without eyes? Try enabling a screen reader to find out. iOS users can turn on VoiceOver and Android can use TalkBack.

For Windows, press ctrl-windows-n and for Mac press command-F5

2. Learn the basics of Braille

Yesterday was #WorldBrailleDay, so there's lots of great resources for learning the Braille code. Look for Braille books and signs in your area. Use a blindfold so you don't cheat and use your eyes

Fun facts on Braille- veroniiiica.com/2019/01/04/ten…

3. Walk with a human guide the correct way

I know it's tempting to walk down the stairs unassisted, but take advantage of a human guide that can act as your eyes. Hold onto their arm and listen to them guide you, as well as listen to your surroundings

4. Have a blindfolded dinner party

Cooking while blindfolded is fairly dangerous. Instead, try tasting your favorite foods while wearing a blindfold and focus on the different textures and tastes. It's also fun to guess which foods you're eating!

5. Watch a movie or TV show with audio description

Audio description narrates visual information for people who can't see it. @Netflix has lots of great audio described content, including #BirdBox. Search for titles with audio description and turn it on in audio settings

6. Put together outfits without looking

This is more of a silly activity, but try arranging outfits based on the texture of your clothes and see what you come up with. Feel free to use a color reader- many people with VI use them and you can download a color reader for free

7. Learn about the colors and tips of blindness canes

Did you know there are several types of canes? My everyday cane has a rolling tip and a red stripe on the bottom, but there are many other canes

More on colors- veroniiiica.com/2018/01/12/dec…
More on tips- veroniiiica.com/2018/10/09/dec…

8. Create images that simulate vision impairment

Did you know that many people who identify as blind or vision impaired have some usable vision? A great way to simulate vision impairment is to edit images that show what a person sees. Learn how- veroniiiica.com/2018/08/17/six…

9. Volunteer with @BeMyEyes

Have you ever wondered what tasks people with vision loss actually need help with? Register as a volunteer with Be My Eyes and help people with various tasks using your smartphone. I have some volunteer tips below

veroniiiica.com/2019/01/01/be-…

10. Try using Seeing AI

Seeing AI is an app from Microsoft (@MSFTEnable) that acts as a virtual assistant for the blind and vision impaired. It can identify colors, objects, money, read short text, and more! Read my post about it here- veroniiiica.com/2018/01/30/mic…

11. Learn to be a human guide

Want to know how to guide a blind or low vision person? Let them grab onto your arm, warn them about obstacles, and use specific directions such as left and right when describing locations. Oh, and #JustAskDontGrab

12. Create your own audio descriptions with @SKERI_YD

Use the free YouDescribe website to describe YouTube videos for people who cannot see them. This is a great way to practice narrating your surroundings and help others. Their website is youdescribe.org

So there you have it, 12 safe and positive alternatives to the #BirdBoxChallenge. If you want to read more and check out related links, read my post on my vision impairment/assistive technology blog here- veroniiiica.com/2019/01/05/saf…

Thanks for reading!