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Blind & Boundless - Alex Castillo's Perspective
Manage episode 497762320 series 3605484
What happens when you've lived your whole life with low vision, but refused to acknowledge what that means? Alex takes us on a journey through his experiences growing up as a self-described "mischievous kid" with visual impairment—from misunderstanding what "clear vision" truly meant until age 14, to the transformative moment when other blind people left him behind because he wasn't using a cane.
Through candid stories and thoughtful reflections, we explore the realities of navigating daily life as a blind person. Alex shares practical insights about riding public transportation, finding restaurant bathrooms by listening for door sounds, and dealing with well-intentioned strangers who sometimes help without asking. His experience at the Louisiana Center for the Blind proved pivotal, teaching him that the limitations he faced weren't about blindness itself, but about societal barriers and lack of resources.
Alex challenges common misconceptions about blindness with refreshing directness. No, blind people don't have superhuman hearing—they simply use their senses differently and more intentionally. When asked what beauty means to him, his answer reveals profound wisdom: "Think of the most perfect thing you can imagine... now you carry that and hit a wall, a little chip comes off. That's beauty—that little imperfection within the perfect."
As someone who now works professionally helping others with vision loss, Alex's perspective bridges personal experience with broader advocacy. His message resonates beyond disability: be patient with yourself, find your community, and remember that giving to others ultimately enriches your own life. Listen now to change how you see the world—even if you can't see it at all!
Watch more episodes here: https://respectingperspectives.com
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Chapters
1. Meeting Alex: Studio Introduction (00:00:00)
2. Alex's Childhood: The Mischievous Kid (00:05:21)
3. Growing Up with Low Vision (00:09:53)
4. Louisiana Center for the Blind (00:21:30)
5. The Reality of Daily Life as a Blind Person (00:30:15)
6. Misconceptions About Blindness (00:38:24)
7. The Beauty in Imperfection (00:43:20)
8. A Message to His Younger Self (00:47:40)
9. Final Thoughts: Food is Life (01:12:24)
21 episodes
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