Myths & Facts About Blindness

Question 1

T/F: over 50% of newly blinded persons are over the age of 65

Answer 1

True

Question 2

T/F: a blind person can determine different US paper money denominations by feel

Answer 2

False, however many blind people fold their money or use other systems to help tell different denominations apart

Question 3

T/F: most blind and visually impaired people know braille

Answer 3

False – maybe 10% no braille because they often go to regular schools and software can speak to them

Question 4

T/F: more people receive I injuries playing baseball and basketball than in other team sports

Answer 4

True– In baseball from dust and the ball itself and in basketball from thrown elbows

Question 5

T/F: the majority of legally blind persons have no remaining vision

Answer 5

False - total blindness effects about 10% of the legally blind population

Question 6

It is estimated that what percentage of all causes of blindness can be prevented?

Answer 6

About 50%!!

Question 7

T/F: with today’s advancements in technology and corrective procedures, vision loss as a whole should decrease in our society over the next five years

Answer 7

Falls – although technology gets better, so does our life expectancy

Question 8

T/F: the leading causes of blindness in the US are: macular degeneration, glaucoma, cateracts, and diabetic retinopathy

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What is the leading cause of blindness at lighthouse for the blind?

Answer 9

Macular degeneration

Question 10

What is the current estimate for unemployment rates for blind, working age adults?

Answer 10

70% - up to 84%!!

Question 11

T/F: when a person loses his or her vision, his or her hearing improves

Answer 11

False

Question 12

**What is the preferred method for being a sighted guide for someone who is blind or visually impaired?

Answer 12

Let him or her hold your elbow

Question 13

**T/F goal ball was developed as a sport or or veterans who had been blinded in combat

Answer 13

True