Blindness?

[Archer]

I was just wondering about this since we now have a few blind characters here at the Weyr. I've seen on another Weyr where the blind person is allowed to temporarily "see" with the aid of a firelizard that sends them the images of their surroundings. What are your thoughts on this idea?

[kandykat]

That's what I'm planning on doing with R'lyr and Kestrel. Kes can send images to R'lyr, but they only last for a few seconds. Flitt vision is different than human vision, so it isn't quite the same, but it's better than nothing.

In the Flight I'm also saying that he can see through Easath's eyes. Based on the Flights described in the books, it seemed possible. But again, dragon eyesight is different, so it's not exactly the same as having regular sight back.

[Nick]

yeah, they are only images really...from fire-lizards. And in Flights there can be a little 'sight' because of how close the rider and dragon become.

that's really it

[MissaatSchool]

That's not entirely true Nick. Blind Handlers can share their sight with their Whers. Normal handlers have to be taught this, but those blind can share vision at any time.

[Sparrow]

I think that someone could only share images with a fire-lizard/dragon/wher if there was a time in their life that they can remember where they could see. If they have never seen before, then I don't think that they could really see and comprehend images that their bonds sent them because they have no idea what it's supposed to be.

[Nick]

Thats true...i forgot about Whers *ashamed*

anyway, yeah it would be more acceptable if they only had that 'sight' if they could once see. Now during Flights...that would be an acception I think, though the person wouldn't really know what the images were.

Wherhandlers that have been blind all their life...hmmm...i don't think that they would see. I agree with Sparrow.