288: Erik Weihenmayer | A Blind Man Sees No Barriers

BrainPort Device

Erik Weihenmayer discusses the innovative BrainPort device, which allows him to 'see' through his tongue. Developed by Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita, the technology uses a camera to capture images and translates them into vibrations felt on the tongue, which the brain then interprets as visual information 1. Erik shares a powerful moment when he first used the device to see his son Arjun's face, describing the joy and complexity of rediscovering facial expressions 2.

Seeing faces, they're harder to interpret for sure. But like my son, Arjun was maybe like 10 at the time when I brought home, a version of the BrainPort. He was telling me a joke and I sat there with the camera trained on his face as his mouth moved and he told this joke and then he burst into this huge laugh and his head tilted back and his eyes squinted and his whole face turned into like this giant smile.

--- Erik Weihenmayer

This technology has not only allowed him to navigate his environment but also to reconnect with the world in a deeply personal way.

   

Learning to See

Using the BrainPort device is an exhausting yet rewarding experience for Erik. He likens it to learning a new language, as his brain must reinterpret tactile information into visual images 3. Despite the challenges, he finds joy in activities like climbing, where the device allows him to regain hand-eye coordination and navigate more efficiently.

It's like you're learning this really complex new language and trying to interpret everything. It's hard to interpret stuff. An example might be like I was walking along and I just saw this thing flicking away in front of my face and I could feel it on my tongue. Then I reached out to touch it and my daughter said, "Dad, don't." And it was a flame of a candle.

--- Erik Weihenmayer

The BrainPort has opened up new possibilities for him, making everyday tasks and adventures more accessible.

   

Echolocation Skills

Erik also employs echolocation, a technique popularized by Daniel Kish, known as the 'Batman' of echolocation. This method involves creating sound clicks that bounce off objects, helping Erik navigate his surroundings 4. He uses this skill in climbing, where it aids in detecting obstacles and understanding the environment through sound vibrations 5.

Most blind people these days use something called echolocation, which is using the vibration of sound, bouncing off of objects and coming back at you. It helps you get information like you can hear open space, you can hear drop-offs, you can hear rocks and boulders and trees and pretty much anything if you train for it.

--- Erik Weihenmayer

This adaptive technique has become an integral part of his toolkit for overcoming barriers.