BALTIMORE, Feb. 15,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Federation
of the Blind strongly condemns the inappropriate and harmful
stereotyping of blind people that has been highlighted in the
response to a recent Congressional hearing before the House
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on
Delivering on Government Efficiency. The online mockery and
skepticism directed at a blind witness reflect a broader aggressive
and deeply troubling pattern in today's political discourse—one
that wrongly assumes blind people, and people with disabilities
more generally, lack the capacity to participate fully in public
life, including in complex and technical fields. We specifically
condemn all media outlets that are actively perpetuating these
horrible misconceptions and are falsely validating low expectations
that harm our society.
Amplifying misunderstanding about blind people is never
appropriate and should never be exploited as comic relief. The idea
that blindness equates to incompetence is not only false but
profoundly damaging. Blind people serve as scientists, lawyers,
educators, engineers, and business owners. We navigate and
contribute to society with skill, knowledge, and independence,
often despite systemic barriers and outdated misconceptions about
our abilities. The public ridicule and dismissive attitudes being
used to reject a blind expert witness in last week's hearing
perpetuate the very discrimination that blind Americans continue to
fight against in employment, education, and civic
participation.
The use of disability as a political tool—whether through
outright mockery, insinuations of unfitness, or performative
outrage—dehumanizes people with disabilities and reinforces harmful
stereotypes. It will not be tolerated by blind people, who vote and
pay taxes, and it should be rejected by all Americans. We call on
all elected leaders, policymakers, and media outlets to engage in
informed, respectful discourse that recognizes the capabilities of
blind individuals rather than exploiting ignorance for political
gain.
The National Federation of the Blind remains committed to
challenging these misconceptions and advocating for a society where
blindness is understood not as a limitation, but as a
characteristic that does not define one's ability to contribute
meaningfully. We are prepared to work closely with elected
officials and media professionals to provide accurate and
meaningful information about the true lived experience of blind
Americans.
About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind, headquartered in Baltimore, defends the rights of blind people
of all ages and provides information and support to families with
blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more.
Founded in 1940, the NFB is the transformative membership and
advocacy organization of blind Americans with affiliates, chapters,
and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. We believe in the hopes and
dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into
reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives
at nfb.org.
CONTACT
Stephanie Cascone
Director of Communications
National Federation of the Blind
410-659-9314, extension 2244
443-934-0666
scascone@nfb.org
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SOURCE National Federation of the Blind
