Blindness: Rethink What You Know. | Poonam Vaidya | TEDxStAloysius
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- Опубликовано: 5 апр 2025
- This thought-provoking talk challenges misconceptions about blindness and disability, offering a fresh perspective on what it truly means to navigate the world without sight. Through personal experiences and engaging storytelling, the speaker explores the myths surrounding blindness-debunking ideas of tragedy, dependence, and superhuman abilities. They highlight how societal attitudes shape perceptions of disability, often leading to exclusion or misplaced admiration. The talk emphasizes the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and recognizing the contributions of disabled individuals. With humor and real-life anecdotes, the speaker shares how blindness didn’t end their life-it simply changed it. From learning new skills to gaining independence, their journey is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. This talk inspires audiences to challenge stereotypes, rethink their interactions with disabled individuals, and work toward a more inclusive society where disability is seen not as a limitation, but as a valid and integral part of life Poonam Vaidya is an HR senior analyst specialising in inclusion and diversity, with a background in content writing and editing for the sector. She holds an MA in English with communication studies from Christ University and a BA in journalism, psychology, and English.
Her live experiences of disability have shaped her advocacy, leading to features in BBC mini, documentaries and various podcasts. A writer, traveller, and audiobook enthusiast, she frequently speaks at workplaces and conferences, championing authenticity as a force for meaningful change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
I Always felt kinda weird when people called me inspirational for no reason. Never knew how to put it before. Now I do. This is an amazing speech Poonam, and I'm really proud to know you😊
Thank you Anoop! Remember… Inspiration as a verb. Doesn’t allow them to be lazy about it.😅
Poonam Vaidya's talk resonates deeply with me. As a blind person, I've learned to navigate a sighted world, adapting and innovating along the way. Blindness isn't limitation, it's just a different perspective. Let's break down barriers and redefine what it means to be blind!
Photo description of the picture in the beginning… It’s a simple blue circle with the question what is this… 🔵Thanks for your comment!
• “Thanks for the kind words - it’s a message close to my heart.”
Thank you so much Poonam! A simple, honest and a beautiful talk! I shall particularly remember what you say about inspiration - how important it is, and how much we can benefit by opening our eyes, ears, minds and hearts to other people. The drawing of a tree which you show at the beginning of your speech is a beautiful example of how a child with total blindness tries to 'translate' a 3-D object into a 2-D drawing. It took me on a journey in time, many years back, when (inspired by a poster advertising services of a charity supporting education of blind children) I started working as a volunteer teacher of English to children with a visual impairment. Each lesson was (and is) an inspiration - the questions and comments one hears from children born blind: "What colour is the wind?", "Does a stone look the way it feels?", "How can you see a big mountain through a small window" etc. reveal the desire to discover and learn about the 'sighted world". I wish sighted people made a similar effort to learn about the ;invisible world'. And then came more inspirations from tactile drawings made by children. Thank you for bringing back these happy memories! Now, many of these children work as translators, psychologists, teachers, lawyers or in computer programming!
Dear Poonam.
I heard your talk again and again. Love you for what you are .
Your sincere talk has really educated me and many others.
We have learnt how to behave with a person with disability.
In fact you have opened our eyes. All the best dear.
Very proud of you girl!!! This was another window into the life of one of our dearest friends. Learnt so much from you !
Salutations☺️
What an honest and refreshing take on how blindness/disability is viewed. This perspective was candid, personal and eye-opening. More power to you Poonam!
Thank you for the support Nitya!🥰
Can see that you've been the authentic you on stage by the manner of narration , especially the incidents. Always helpful to know these perspectives while interacting.
• “I’m grateful it resonated with you!”🥰
Poonam, loved your talk! Took me back to our discussions. You helped me look at how deep our biases run. How the use of certain terms alienates instead of welcoming people with challenges. How the world is so skewed in its perspective and viewed through the lens of privileges. Thank you ❤
Wonderful words of wisdom!🥰
Such a powerful and inspiring talk, Poonam! You shared your journey with so much honesty and strength. Thank you for shifting perspectives and breaking stereotypes. Truly amazing!
Thank you for those heartwarming words 🥰
Great speech, Poonam! You are a very good speaker! Congratulations!!
• “Thank you so much for watching - really glad it spoke to you.”
Hey Poonam, You’re truly wonderful! The time we spent together at Meghshala, and those deep conversations about life, still inspire me-and now I pass that wisdom on to my daughters. Meeting you has been one of life’s greatest gifts. Keep shining, keep rocking! 🌟"**
Thank you for your kind words, happy I was able to positively impact the life of you and your daughters! So important to bring up kids with the attitude of inclusion, this made my day!
Amazing talk!! How beautifully you have described your journey and dissected all the myths. Wonderful to see you smiling while sharing the ‘incidents’. Keep doing extraordinary things, make path for others to follow and be brave forever with the same smile. You are awesome ❤
Let me share a secret with you, which you might have experienced yourself… Remember when you can’t hear on the phone you shout a little louder? In the same way when I can’t see the audiences reactions I am emoting even more! In this case it helped me… Glad you enjoyed the talk and thank you for your words.
Great talk Poonam! Much needed busting of myths!
thank you…🙂
Poonam you are definitely an inspiration to many. You have done more things than most able people have. Go for it girl! Stay blessed.
Thank you so much for the kind words-I truly appreciate the support. I just want to gently share that being called an “inspiration” simply for living with a disability can feel a bit limiting, as it shifts focus from who we are to what we represent. I’d really urge you to revisit my point about disability and inspiration for a fuller understanding.
Superb Poonam PROUD of you really ❤
• “Thank you so much for watching - really glad it spoke to you.”😁
Be humble and be creative ❤ because world has a lot of expectations for you
Will do my best…☺️
A very honest talk Poonam. Got me thinking. ❤
Glad to know it resonated with you.😁
Poonam, that was very interesting... Things I never really considered about disabilities. Thanks for shining a spotlight on some unique angles.
Appreciate your words, glad my talk made an impact!🥰
Thanks for sharing your perspective, and bringing enlightenment to Living and learning blindness. Beautiful thoughts, beautiful voice, Awesome awareness.
So glad to hear your words☺️
first viewer
Much gratitude