welt.de
Stable Numbers, Shifting Causes: Blindness and Visual Impairment in Hesse
In Hesse, Germany, 23,540 people live with blindness or visual impairment as their most significant disability—a number that has remained consistent over the last century despite shifts in causes, from congenital and war-related to age-related vision loss. The BSBH (Blinden- und Sehbehinderten-Selbsthilfe Hessen e.V.) advocates for improved accessibility and inclusion for visually impaired individuals.
- What is the current number of blind and visually impaired individuals in Hesse, Germany, and how have the causes of blindness changed over time?
- The number of blind or visually impaired people in Hesse, Germany, remains relatively stable at 23,540, though the causes have shifted. Technological advancements have made many causes of blindness preventable, leading to a decrease in congenital blindness and war-related blindness. However, the aging population is resulting in an increase in age-related vision loss.
- How do technological advancements both aid and hinder the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals, and what are the resulting challenges?
- While technological advancements like screen readers and AI-powered image description improve accessibility for the visually impaired, challenges remain. Many public touchscreens are inaccessible to those using screen readers, hindering participation in daily life. This highlights a need for inclusive design and consideration of accessibility in public spaces.
- What are the potential long-term implications of increasing reliance on assistive technology for future generations of blind individuals, and what role does the BSBH play in addressing these concerns?
- Future implications include potential skill degradation among younger blind individuals who might over-rely on assistive technology, possibly losing skills like navigating without audio cues. The BSBH's role in providing support and advocacy remains critical, especially considering the rising number of age-related vision impairments due to increased life expectancy. This necessitates ongoing adaptation to technological advances and a focus on inclusive design.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames technological advancements as primarily positive, showcasing assistive technologies and their benefits. While acknowledging limitations, the overall tone emphasizes the empowering aspects of technology, potentially overshadowing other challenges or negative impacts. The headline, if there was one, likely emphasizes the positive aspects of technology as well.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, but terms like "Revolution Nummer drei" (third revolution) in reference to AI may be slightly hyperbolic. The article primarily uses descriptive and factual language, avoiding overtly biased terminology.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the advancements in technology for the visually impaired and the experiences of one individual, potentially omitting other perspectives and challenges faced by the blind community. While it mentions the overall number of visually impaired individuals in Hesse, it lacks a broader discussion of the diverse needs and challenges within this population. The article also doesn't explore potential downsides or ethical considerations of increased technological reliance for visually impaired individuals.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a strict false dichotomy, but it subtly implies a trade-off between technological dependence and the loss of traditional skills. This is presented as a potential concern without exploring the complexities of this relationship or alternative viewpoints.
Gender Bias
The article focuses primarily on the experiences of a male individual, potentially lacking balanced representation of women within the blind community. While this may be unintentional due to the focus on a specific individual for a case study, it's important to note this imbalance. More diverse voices would enhance the article's representation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the use of AI and assistive technologies to improve the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals, promoting their inclusion and reducing inequalities in access to information and daily activities. The focus on accessibility and overcoming technological barriers directly contributes to reducing inequalities experienced by this group.