Greetings readers,

Welcome back to the blog!

Happy December, the most festive season of the year, and of course… winter!

It IS winter indeed. And why I say that, you ask? Well, we just had a nearly week-long winter storm in where I live. So, what’s a more perfect time to talk about: Being disabled in winter.

Winter, being the most festive, and joyful season of the year, at the same time, it can be so challenging and even dangerous for people living with disabilities. Let me tackle some issues that are close to home. I have a love and hate relationship with winter. Why I love winter? Of course, because many holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s and Lunar New Year all happen in winter. It’s a time for family and friends to gather and reunite. I for one, was born in winter. There’re many reasons to hold celebrations in winter.

On the other hand, winter is also the most challenging time of the year for me as well. Getting from point A to point B in the winter can be such an anxiety inducing task. As someone who is visually impaired, it is difficult, next to impossible to distinguish between sidewalks and roadways, when everything is covered by snow. Snow also muffles sounds and causes glares that make it difficult to hear and see my surroundings. As a visually impaired person, I’m susceptible to falls, and travelling in winter, in snowy and icy conditions, it definitely is a dangerous mix. But of course, I’d done a lot of research about this a few years ago, and acquired a decent pair of anti-slip shoes—It is not 100% guaranteed to prevent slipping, but it reduces the chances of slip and falls by a lot.

As you can see, that’s just a fraction of how challenging winter can bring to me as a visually impaired person and believe it or not, that’s not even all! On top of how winter can be difficult for me as a blind person, it can be just as harsh for me and my chronic illnesses. I’m sensitive to winter, to the point that the cold air causes me pain. I have a lot more chronic pain in winter than in any other season of the year. In the past, there were times where I would fear winter even before it arrives. But now, I’m thankful that is no longer the case. Winter makes my chronic illnesses flare more often than any other season of the year. I know with all of what’s being said, I am not alone, far from it. A lot of disabled people face similar challenges with the winter season. Not just the physically challenges, but also the emotional and financial ones, too.

Since winter has officially arrived, I’m remaining hopeful that this time, I can enjoy it a little more. Even though it’ll still be difficult at times when I have to venture out into the cold and snow. Sometimes, it’s just what I needed: to get out there, and see the festive lights in the park, to bring a little festive joy to my heart. And I plan to do just that… hopefully soon!

Do you have winter holiday plans or traditions?

By: The Invisible Vision Project