Blind Hammer reprises how a totally Blind supporter can see West Ham and comment.
Reading through the comments on my Manchester City analysis I noticed that some were confused as to how a blind West Ham supporter could be providing reports or insights into a game he had not seen. Some were also confused as to how a blind person could use a computer and read websites.
To answer the latter point first I am now touch typing this, sitting in my armchair, with a keyboard on my lap. I have a monitor over on my right but this is turned off. However I am also using earphones through which a synthetic computer voice feeds back my typing and allows me to read much, if not all of what appears on a computer screen. The rate of speech I use is extremely rapid and most people cannot comprehend it but this is what we need to learn to keep up. There is a lot more we need to learn, including dozens of keystrokes to drive a computer without a mouse but that is probably enough detail here.
In relation to the Manchester City game, I used a fellow supporter as a sighted guide for whom the club provides a free second ticket. During the game I listened mainly through the in-stadium commentary, occasionally switching to the talkSport Commentary to get impressions from them. The professional radio pundits sometimes offer good insight though they completely missed Antonio setting up Valencia for the second goal by wittering on about Manchester City issues which was annoying. During and after the game I discussed patterns of the play with my guide, who clarifies for me any aspects that the commentary has failed to illuminate. Taken together all these inputs help me create a mental image of the game, from which I construct my insights and commentaries. How accurate this mental picture is for others to judge I guess.
I have a gorgeous and amazing guide Dog called Nyle who has his own West Ham bandana, but for whom there is currently no room where I sit in the Alpari Upper. West Ham have organised a seat for me at the OS which will hopefully allow his attendance. He is apparently always sad at missing the football or maybe he is just missing me.
Anyway there was a lot more involved in my emotional return from being a past sighted supporter into a present day Blind Hammer. Some of you may have read the original three posts I submitted to the site last year which goes into this in much more detail. Iain Dale has kindly agreed to provide the links to these posts below for those who may not have come across these, are interested and want to catch up.
COYI
David Griffith
On Being a Blind Hammer Part 1
On Being a Blind Hammer Part 2
On Being a Blind Hammer Part 3
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