For generations, the phrase 'the blind leading the blind' has been used to describe confusion, incompetence, or ignorance in conversations nationwide.
Guide Dogs is on a mission to redefine this phrase and highlight the real stories of leadership, independence, and resilience that challenge society’s misconceptions about people with sight loss.
Sunita is a Guide Dogs Habilitation Specialist, supporting children with sight loss, like four-year-old Mabel. Sunita has a vision impairment herself and knows first-hand that sight loss doesn’t define a person. It goes hand in hand with success, fulfilment, and leadership. For Sunita, leading is part of her everyday life – helping others with a vision impairment gain the confidence to navigate the world independently.
“My vision impairment is only one part of me, it doesn’t define me, and I don’t let it. There are times when people make assumptions about someone with a disability – what they think you can do and can’t do. So, I do feel like I am breaking down barriers and I hope that will make things easier for the children I work with, like Mabel, and the next generation.” - Sunita
Read more about Sunita's story and Mabel and her family's journey.
According to the official OED definition, ‘the blind leading the blind’ is used to describe a situation where a person who knows nothing is getting advice and help from another person who knows almost nothing. The phrase implies that people with a vision impairment lack knowledge and skills and aren’t capable of leading in society, yet time and again, people are proving otherwise.
For Emma, a Pilates instructor with sight loss, it is leading Pilates classes with confidence, challenging outdated perceptions every day, showing that leadership is about strength, skill, and independence.
“New people that come to my classes are often apprehensive when they see I am taking a class, but they quickly settle once they see I am more than capable of leading a class on my own.” - Emma
For guide dog owner Simon, a vicar with sight loss, his story proves that blindness is no barrier to leadership - whether pastoring his congregation, running marathons, or carrying the Olympic torch, he challenges outdated perceptions and redefines what it means to lead.
These are just a few of the many real-world examples that challenge outdated perceptions of sight loss. Learn more about Emma's journey and explore Simon's story to find out more.
The Impact of Words
Research commissioned by Guide Dogs reveals:
77% of people associate 'the blind leading the blind' with negative stereotypes.
75% believe that people with vision impairment can effectively support each other.
51% say they would be open to rethinking the phrase if they understood the misconceptions it reinforces.
With nearly half of people acknowledging that language shapes attitudes toward disability, it’s time to move past outdated phrases and towards a more accurate, empowering representation of sight loss.
Join the Conversation
Guide Dogs is calling on the public to rethink outdated perceptions and redefine the narrative.
Step 1: Watch the campaign video.
To view the accessible version of this video, follow this link.
Step 2: Share your thoughts on social media using #RedefiningTheNarrative
Step 3: Join us in challenging outdated stereotypes
“Language shapes how we see each other. The real stories of people with sight loss, like Mabel and Sunita, show resilience, confidence, and independence in action. These people are not defined by their vision impairment but empowered by their abilities. Our vision? To rethink these outdated perceptions. In just six-month’s time, when people Google the phrase, they won’t just see the old meaning – they’ll see powerful, positive examples of ‘the blind leading the blind’.” - Alex Pepper, Head of Accessibility, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
