I came across this sign as I walked by a hospital a few weeks back.  The underlying intent is ridiculous or informative, but either way I think the sign tells us more than it says.

Signs meant for us that we never see

To believe that the sign presents instructions for “blind people” is a bit silly.  After all, a blind person could not see the sign, right?  Yet how often are there signs in our life made specifically for us that we can not see?  These can be warning signs such as off-hand comments from family or friends, performance hits in our work or academic life, or internal naggings we choose to ignore.  The signs can also be positive, such as opportunities we choose not to action or praise from peers we block with our internal insecurities.  The fact that we do not see these signs exposes our status as being “blind”.

These signs, or “blind spots”, are subtle and can include events in our life that are not always what they seem.  A job loss or emotional hurdle can be big neon letters screaming “Hey, blind person, how about you cross here??!!”  Unfortunately, if we do not see the sign, we keep wandering around the block time and time again until by some miracle the scales are removed and we see the light.

Lend the blind a helping hand

This is where the more likely second audience of the sign comes in.  Rather than being designed for blind people, I suspect the sign is to advise everyone else to watch out for blind people crossing the road.  Instead of a caution to not injure people crossing the road, I propose we who do not have the same blind spots watch out for our family, friends and colleagues who have a visibility-imparment in some parts of their life.

If you know someone or perhaps a group of people in an organisation who are clearly blind in a certain area and they are coming up to a crossing point, reach out, take them by the hand and help them cross!  This is not just a request.  I will go so far as to say that if you operate in the commercial playground as a supplier, it is your moral obligation.

I will note that many will not acknowledge their state of blindness.  This should not stop you from trying.  I know for me personally, I can appear to have it all together and think I can see all aspects of my life clearly.  However, I can think of more than a few instances where I have walked by clear signs and no one stepped out to help me cross.  If it is any incentive, the very act of helping may be your own sign to cross the road.

The vision for you

1. Be aware of your blind condition
2. Be open to those who would help you cross the street
3. Watch out for those who may not see what you see
4. Lend a hand to help those who are blind cross their street