Power Grid Blog
Mark's Weekly Message
January 4, 2013 | Mark Perriello
I am blind in my right eye. If technology continues to advance at pace, restoring my vision will be a very real option in the next few decades.
I lost my sight when I was about 3 or 4 years old due to an infection. Like many with disabilities, the adults in my life hoped to “fix” me. I went through two unsuccessful operations and was dragged to several reputable faith healers. Needless to say, none of these efforts met with success.
I’ve monitored technology and medical advances off and on over the years, but never felt the same need to restore my vision that drove my family. I’m proud of who I am, as I am.
I read an article today about two British men with Retinitis Pigmentosa, who had their sight partially restored with electronic retina implants. While the tech only restores light perception, models are already being built that will vastly improve the quality of images. This is one of many efforts around the world to restore vision.
As tech makes “cures” more viable, our community faces inevitable questions. There are purists on both sides.
AAPD isn’t in the cure business. The only cure AAPD fights for is an end to discrimination – in things like employment, healthcare, housing, technology, and education.
I read another article that asked readers if they would replace a fully functioning eye with one that had enhanced functionality, like night vision. The questions around future tech are not just for those with disabilities, it seems.
Again – AAPD isn’t in the cure business. What we fight for can changes lives and outcomes for the better, now.
Share your thoughts on these questions below and help AAPD cure discrimination by investing in our fight for equality today.
Comments
Submitted by Karen at 02:57 PM on January 7, 2013