A person in a library, wearing a dark jacket, reaches for a book on a shelf while holding a binder in their other arm — illustrating how blind people’s brains rewire to adapt and enhance other senses.

How blind people’s brains rewire to improve other senses

A new study delves into the neurological changes in people with blindness. It demonstrates that losing one’s sight before the age of 3 causes long-term alterations and subsequent enhancements to the other senses.

It has long been theorized that individuals who lose one of their senses, or who have it significantly reduced, “make up” for this deficit with their other senses.

Even back in the 18th century, philosopher Denis Diderot wrote in awe about a blind mathematician who could distinguish real coins from fake ones just by touching them.

Although the brain’s ability to compensate in response to a lack of visual stimulation is considered common knowledge, it was not until the 1990s and the advent of brain imaging that the theory could be confirmed. Today, the precise changes that occur in the brain are still being unpicked.

For instance, a 2009 study conducted at University of California-Los Angeles’ Laboratory of Neuroimaging, uncovered some of the details. Using sensitive brain imaging techniques, they found that, in blind people, visual regions of the brain were small compared with those with normal sight, but nonvisual areas were larger in volume.

Although this marked a step toward understanding this process, the exact changes in the brain are still poorly understood.

Extract from original article: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316493

Our Popular Blogs

A stressed woman sits at a desk, flanked by two men—one holding a clipboard and the other with documents—amid scattered charts, highlighting the need to get Web Accessibility Certification.
When we talk about accessibility, we often think about physical accessibility. However, document accessibility is just as important. An accessible document allows all people, regardless of ability or disability, to access and use the document.
A hand pointing at "Web Design" with branching terms like Usability, Layout, Content, Hosting, and more, against a blue background — illustrating key elements of web design as outlined in the WCAG 2.1 Ultimate Guideline to Better Your Website's Design.
Today, websites serve as windows to businesses, services, and information as our world continues to shift online. Because of this shift, ensuring equal access for everyone is more important than ever.
A laptop displays a dark interface with user experience tools, surrounded by pens, pencils, and a coffee cup on a blue desk, representing case studies of successful AODA compliance projects.
At Accessibility Partners, we are dedicated to helping organizations achieve and maintain compliance with legislation, including the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Our comprehensive accessibility audits and remediation services have enabled various organizations to enhance their digital accessibility. This blog highlights the successful outcomes of these initiatives (without revealing client details), showcasing our commitment to help create inclusive environments.
Illustration of diverse people collaborating on a large screen to explore what tools are available to remediate WCAG issues effectively, showcasing teamwork and accessibility solutions.
Achieving WCAG compliance is key to creating an inclusive user experience and staying on the right side of legal requirements. Thankfully, numerous tools are available to help organizations address accessibility issues efficiently. In this article, we’ll dive into the importance of WCAG, and common accessibility challenges, and Discover what tools are available to remediate WCAG issues and ensure web accessibility compliance with effective solutions for
A climber ascends a rugged rock face, showcasing determination against a backdrop of clouds and mossy stone, symbolizing the spirit of overcoming challenges — much like how AODA WCAG destroy accessibility barriers for new opportunities.
What do you think of when someone mentions Accessibility Barriers? Does it perhaps pertain to buildings or sidewalks with a narrow walkway unsuitable for wheelchairs? How about infographics with no alternative text (alt text)? While society has come a long way in creating more accessible environments, persistent challenges remain as barriers to total inclusivity. Accessibility barriers are challenges or obstacles that limit individuals with disabilities
A person typing on a laptop displaying the word "WEBSITE," surrounded by digital icons, while holding a green book — representing the importance of website accessibility for business.
The ever-evolving digital world has brought about a revolution in the way we communicate, share information, and complete daily tasks. These changes have become an essential part of our lives, both personally and professionally.