As increasing numbers of people develop sight impairments worldwide, an
important body of research has examined emotional transitions experienced with the onset
and progression of sight impairment. Many studies convey feelings of loss and social
isolation, but there are growing concerns that the scripts of disability in this regard ...
As increasing numbers of people develop sight impairments worldwide, an
important body of research has examined emotional transitions experienced with the onset
and progression of sight impairment. Many studies convey feelings of loss and social
isolation, but there are growing concerns that the scripts of disability in this regard have
become somewhat limited. This paper draws on the nature experiences of 31 people with
sight impairment in England to explore the value of nonhuman socialities, moving the ‘social’
beyond the typical realms of human-to-human interaction to foreground the importance of
everyday birdlife encounters. For participants in this in-depth qualitative study – including
people with congenital and acquired sight impairments – socialities nurtured through
charismatic qualities of sound (termed ‘sonic charisma’), scent and touch contributed to
experiences of situated connectivity, characterised by playful moments of curiosity,
companionship and awe. Reflecting on implications for nature engagement and conservation
practices, the paper explores how such relationships could usefully be fostered within efforts
to mainstream more inclusive nature experiences in the context of people’s day-to-day lives
and routines.
