4/9/15 - How to See Without Eyes (Literally)

4/9/15 - How to See Without Eyes (Literally)

Watch this video of "Real Life Batman" Daniel Kish:

Daniel was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer which attacks the eyeballs and at 13 months old his eyeballs were removed.  Not long after he was climbing in trees (sometimes falling) and exploring the world around him - alone.  It stressed his mother out (understandably) but she says that she knew she had to let him make discoveries on his own, even when those are dangerous discoveries.  Daniel attributes his development in echolocation to his mother's self control from helping him and holding his hand (both literally and figuratively) through his life.  Daniel feels that guiding the blind with hand holding or other means is actually debilitating to the development of independence for someone who is fully capable, if only society saw the potential of the individual.

What is fascinating about this story is that professionals in neuroscience have done various studies on Daniel and others using echolocation; including cat-scans.  The results showed that the "clicking" did not impact the hearing part of the brain; instead, the visual cortex lit up!  (Here's a good article to reference in this.)

Which begs the question: how do you define sight?  Is it having physical eyeballs?  Or is it the brain's reception of information?


Perception

A common perception is that blind poeple need to be guided and if they aren't escorted then they are in danger.  The perception is that they are not as capable.  Consequently, by treating a person as if they are not capable, then often times their capability disappears.  After watching this video and learning about Daniel's story do you see the abilities of blind people differently?

In what ways has others' perception hindered you?

In what ways has your perception hindered you?

In what ways has your perception hindered others?

Have you ever had a moment in which you are glad that you experienced danger/fear/loss because it taught you something priceless?

Daniel fell out of trees as a boy while his mom watched and cringed all so he could grow up to be a man who could see without eyes; and could inspired others to gain sight of their own.


Biblical References

1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him.  For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.