A fantastic group of eleven Broome residents, RA Drew, RHD Ty, RHAD Ali, and Lab Stream FA Burt Goldberg headed out to one of NYC's newest attractions last night: Dialogue in the Dark, located at the South Pier. It's fair to say that everyone had a transformative experience, one that is hard to describe to someone who hasn't yet visited this exhibition.
Dialogue in the Dark describes itself with the following:
Dialogue in the Dark is an experience in total darkness where, led by blind guides and trainers, one learns to interact and communicate by relying on other senses. The sudden withdrawal of eyesight challenges everybody. While participants stay for a short while in pitch darkness, they are emotionally immersed and confronted with own limits. Blind people are the “sighted” ones in this environment and can demonstrate their capabilities better than their sighted colleagues. This reversal of roles guarantee reflection, the discovery of the unseen and the need of communication and cohesion The experience provides an innovative and powerful tool to understand one’s limits and respect the other, reinforcing a collaborative mindset and emotional intelligence.
Perhaps the best part of the experience was our tour guides: two individuals who themselves live life with visual impairments. They were both incredible and informative guides, not to mention incredible human beings. Broome received but a glimpse into what everyday life is like for them, and it is safe to say that we all left the exhibit with a new found sense of respect for those around the world who live with visual impairments.I myself summarized what I learned with a quote I found painted on the wall of the exhibit:
“Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision.” - Stevie Wonder
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