Our Mind's Eye

In reviewing the expansive and ever evolving list of assistive technology Ipad apps that are available to us now I came across an article on CTV News.ca that caused me to pause and reflect. 

 http://goo.gl/SaMfbD

The title, Mozilla Co-founder can't picture anything in his mind's eye describes the story of Blake Ross, a software engineer who helped develop the Mozilla Firefox web browser and former director of product for Facebook, who did not discover until just recently that he had a neurological condition called Aphantasia.  "Aphantasia is where a person is unable to create imagery in their mind's eye. People with Aphantasia are unable to synthesize senses in their mind.  Certain people are unable to create any images, sounds, tastes, smells or touch within their mind. This is known as Total Aphantasia." 

http://goo.gl/rZeQh0

In a lengthy post on Facebook - Aphantasia: How It Feels To Be Blind In Your Mind, Ross describes going through life never having visualized anything explaining that the concept of "picturing" something is incomprehensible to him.  Ross has never had visual dreams or been able to remember his parent's face or his childhood bedroom.  This also affected his ability to "hear" songs in his head, among other things.

Considering that VISUALISATION is one key strategy for comprehension, the notion of not having this ability was intriguing. How would a person go through life without this ability?  How & when would a person realize that they are unable to do this as it is the only normal they know?  What assistive technology options would be appropriate for them or would these students go through life developing their own strategies in dealing?

https://goo.gl/Oq65Z0

Blake Ross has seen much success throughout his life and career as a writer and programmer.  We can infer by this that he has definitely developed strategies of his own in dealing with his un-diagnosed condition.  A testament that if you don't let challenges define you, and have the proper supports in place, you can be successful!