When the word "accessibility" is mentioned, the first image that often comes to mind is that of a wheelchair ramp installed at the entrance to a building. This feature is essential for many people, especially those who use wheelchairs. But reducing accessibility to this single physical aspect means ignoring a multitude of practical needs. For people who are visually impaired or blind, accessing a building does not necessarily mean being able to find their way around, move around or enjoy it to the full. A ramp may allow them to enter, but it does not provide any information about the layout of the premises, the different areas, the services available, the facilities or the exits. Accessibility is not limited to walking through a door: it encompasses the ability to understand one's environment, make choices and act independently.

Renewing an identity card, reporting a change in circumstances, opening a bank account, signing an insurance contract... These procedures are part of everyday life for every citizen. However, for visually impaired and blind people, they are too often accompanied by uncertainty, stress and dependence. The problem is not that they do not have to carry out these procedures, but that the locations are not designed for them. The real obstacle is not the usefulness of these places, but the lack of accessibility that prevents part of the population from moving around independently, understanding the layout of the spaces and interacting with staff or advisers on the same terms as everyone else. Many visually impaired and blind people are even reluctant to go there, not knowing whether these places will be accessible to them. As a result, they give up or are forced to delegate tasks that they should be able to do themselves. In some cases, this means sharing personal information that they would prefer to keep confidential, simply to be able to move forward with their procedures. This situation undermines both their independence and their equality as citizens.

Whether you are holidaying with family, friends or on your own, holiday villages promise relaxation, conviviality and unforgettable memories. Brochures highlight the warm welcome, authentic experiences and smooth customer journey. But why assume that a visually impaired or blind person would not be welcome in these leisure facilities? This belief overlooks one essential thing: the holiday experience is not limited to what you see. It is built up through every moment of your stay, from your first steps in the village to discovering the communal areas, including the ability to move independently to the restaurant, swimming pool or entertainment venues. What holidaymakers are looking for is a reassuring and memorable experience. And that's where it all comes into play: accessibility not only benefits visually impaired people, it enriches everyone's experience and enhances the appeal of holiday villages.

What if, in 2025, there were still citizens who avoided seeking medical treatment, not out of negligence, but because healthcare facilities were inaccessible to them? This new preconception highlights an often invisible reality: that of visually impaired and blind people who give up going to a hospital or clinic because they cannot find their way around, orient themselves or simply move around. Not because they never get sick, but because these spaces are not designed for them. In an already anxiety-inducing medical environment, their lack of autonomy becomes an additional obstacle that is too often ignored. Providing care is not just about treating a symptom or prescribing medication. It is also about creating the conditions for a dignified, reassuring and truly inclusive welcome. This means designing the healthcare environment so that it is understandable, accessible and reassuring for everyone, regardless of how they perceive or move around. It starts at the entrance, from the very first few metres travelled, whether independently or not. Because confidence in the care pathway also stems from the ability to find one's bearings, to orientate oneself and to feel considered from the moment one crosses the threshold.

It is time to move beyond the misconception that visually impaired people over the age of 50 no longer need help finding their way around, on the pretext that they already know their environment perfectly well. This belief ignores the effects of ageing on memory, the mental strain of constant adaptation, and the silent pressure to preserve one's independence at all costs.

“Don’t touch!” How many times have we heard this phrase? In museums, businesses, public places... This prohibition seems harmless. And yet, it excludes. It prevents understanding. For visually impaired and blind people, touch is the primary language of the world. It is through touch that spaces become coherent, volumes take on meaning, and knowledge materialises. Touching is not an act of carelessness, but an act of learning. It is through touch that visually impaired people understand a place, find their way around it and remember it. Preventing touch is preventing understanding. There is no accessibility without the right to understand.

This preconceived notion is tenacious. It circulates in companies, government departments, on public transport, in public places... and sometimes even among professionals in the reception or medical-social sector who are unfamiliar with guidance. However, guide dog associations have been pointing out for years that a guide dog is not a living GPS: it is a partner in a team effort in which the visually impaired person remains in charge of the journey. Understanding the exact role of a guide dog not only makes it possible to provide better support for blind or partially-sighted people, but also to deconstruct a quasi-magical, technological vision that obscures the real skills and needs of these people.

Really? Because without sight, it would be impossible to feel the thrill of a rollercoaster, laugh at an aquatic attraction or experience the excitement of a fairytale world? This preconceived notion illustrates a reality that is all too often ignored: the way in which play environments are designed still excludes a section of the population, not by choice, but by lack of foresight.

For many people, pursuing higher education is a crucial step towards personal and professional fulfilment. Yet there is a persistent misconception that visually impaired and blind people do not have the intellectual capacity to do so. This belief, which is as false as it is unfair, is more a reflection of a lack of awareness of the real obstacles they face, such as the inaccessibility of courses and infrastructures, than of any disability. In reality, only 2% of visually impaired and blind people are able to access higher education today, not because of an alleged intellectual deficit, but because of the poor accessibility of places and teaching materials. With appropriate adaptations and an inclusive environment, they can succeed brilliantly in their studies and contribute fully to society.

Sport, whether practised or watched from the stands, is a universal passion that brings people together. However, it is still common to hear that visually impaired and blind people are "too limited" to take part in this experience, either as athletes or as spectators. This misconception reflects a lack of knowledge and adaptation rather than reality. With the right facilities, visually impaired and blind people are perfectly capable of experiencing the intensity of a match or playing their favourite sport. With the right adaptations, everyone can have access to sport, which is a wonderful way to experience emotions and challenge oneself.

Faced with a shortage of talent, have you considered the untapped potential of visually impaired professionals? Many people have preconceived ideas about what jobs are accessible to visually impaired or blind people. But did you know that the professional world is evolving in this area? New careers are opening up, breaking down barriers and stereotypes.

Access to culture is a fundamental right for everyone, whatever their level of vision. Yet for visually impaired and blind people, visiting a museum can be a real obstacle course. Finding one's way around vast spaces, understanding descriptions of works of art or simply wandering around freely are all challenges to be overcome. Museums must be designed to include all visitors, because everyone has the right to feel emotions when confronted with works of art and to experience moments of discovery. Making museums accessible means enabling everyone to immerse themselves in culture and strengthen their sense of belonging to society.

Just like other travelers, visually impaired and blind people enjoy discovering new places, relaxing and staying in hotels in search of an inclusive, enjoyable and, above all, autonomous experience. They travel for leisure, whether alone, with family or friends, or for professional reasons.