Mark - Peter did indeed explain it so well as you say, I grew up with a friend who was blind from birth, I became her eyes - another friend was totally deaf from birth thereby also unable to speak - but a good schooling and she swore perfectly in chalk on the pavement LOL
I am now registered partially sighted but only use my vision cane in anger in Asda - especially the bread aisle (why is that always the worst?)
Of my 4 grandchildren - 2 are on the Autistic spectrum and hard work though they can be , the challenge and rewards are amazing.
Lynne, one of my best friends is registered blind, although does have some limited vision. However, it's just a matter of time. One of the saddest days of his life was when his doctor told him that he should give up his driving licence - he threw his car round the M25 one last time, ripped up his licence and sent it back to Swansea, and put his car up for sale...
Mark - I thank goodness I never learned to drive , for am sure it would have been my hardest thing to stop. When Bill was diagnosed with secondary brain tumours the consultant told me to send his license back to DVLA....