My name is Ross Minor and I was shot by my father when I was 8, causing me to go completely blind. I'm here to answer all aspects of my life. AMA!

Since you were alive for eight years prior to going blind, can you picture colored things in your mind? And do you dream in color?

Yes and yes.

How do you play video games if you can't see?

I use stereo headphones. If a game is designed well enough, I'm able to memorize the sounds to know where I'm going. I have several videos on my Youtube channel where I break down specific games: Mortal Kombat, Pokemon, Call of Duty, etc.

Could u Post a link to your channel. Sounds pretty interesting

Of course! I have it in the main description of the AMA, as well as all my social media.

https://www.youtube.com/rossminor

[deleted]

Yes

How do you deal with depression? Has it ever been an issue for you?

Yes, I have depression. I just take antidepressants that work for me.

Wow, do you mind me asking what kind? I’m on anti depressants {pretty much like everyone else actually} myself and they are not that effective.

Lexaproo. I got lucky because they were the first I tried.

Seeing as you are blind, how do you use reddit? Ex. This post?

I get asked this a lot haha. Here's a video I made explaining it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsglR8Y26jU&t=8s

That is verry interesting and amazing how that works. Thak you for the post.

Thanks!

What Color is blindness? I need this confirmed

It's different or each person. For someone who was born blind, they simply wouldn't be able to understand color. Since I use to be able to see, I typically see my mind's eye. Similar to if you closed your eyes and pictured something in your mind.

Who’s your favorite superhero? Is it reasonable to assume it’s Daredevil?

Haha, I am a little bias. I also really like the Punisher.

What made you want to swim?

I use to play soccer before I went blind, and I missed the physical activity. I began swimming in middle school, thanks to my mom convincing me. I didn't begin to get serious in swimming until 2018.

What are your events? We are a swim family!

50 free and 400 free. I also am apart of a relay team.

How was life through school after the event, did your friends stay with you?

And has the event changed your views on the gun community?

It was tough. It was difficult learning how to socialize with sighted people, and sighted people socializing with a blind person. Not to mention I was dealing a lot with everything that had happened to me.

What are the things that you daydream the most about? Also, what is your favorite color before you went blind

Good question. I usually daydream about what I plan to get done for the day, long term goals, short term goals, etc. My favorite color was blue.

What helped you and your mother get through this?

The support from friends, family, etc.

One question: did you get my discord ping?

When did you send it? Was hanging out with friends last night.

Are you in a band and if so what is the band name? Also what do you play?

Nope. I play the piano, drums, guitar, and a little singing.

Do you have a favorite genre to play

I mostly like to improvise. When I was younger, I use to love learning songs of bands I liked, but I don't do much of that anymore.

What are your opinions about society?

Haha, good question. I often like to think I know a lot about the world/society, but I really don't. Overall, I feel the biggest issue in society is that people don't take responsibility for their actions.

How was your experience swimming in the Pan American games in Peru?

Did you end up renting an apartment?

What is exciting or worrisome to you in terms of anticipated changes and development in technology as a blind user?

What tv, movies books or music have you liked recently?

FYI you should fix your twitch link

1. It was amazing. It was the biggest meet I've been to. The pool was great, the facilities were nice, as well as pretty much everything else there.

2. Sort of. Not able to talk about it until probably October.

3. Honestly, not much. typically, it's a good thing when technology advances, because most advancements in technology help blind people in some way.

4. I'm currently reading the Stormlight Archive. My friend as also convinced me to watch Adventure Time, so I've been chipping away at that as well.

5. Thanks! Fixed.

Congrats on the medals you won. Did you get to travel around the city or Peru at all while you were there?

You were in an episode of ID: Unbreakable a few months ago. In retrospect, how was that for you?

What is coming up next for you?

1. We got to see a little, but not a ton. We had to shuttle to the pool every day, so we got to look outt he window. However, We got to visit a park before opening ceremonies, which was really nice.

My friend as also convinced me to watch Adventure Time, so I've been chipping away at that as well.

I can sort of understand playing videogames, but... how does a blind person watch TV?

I just listen; it's really not that different from watching. There are some visual things that go over my head, but TV is still enjoyable.

How do you play video games? What kind of games? I'm just really confused since all video games require sight to know where to shoot, or build, or anything really..

I have several videos on my channel: how I play mortal combat, pokemon, magic the gathering, etc.

how do you perceive new objects as ? for example if a new tech gadgets has recently came in , which you have never seen before, how do you picturize it as ?

I essentially just fill in what I think it would look like. Then I would know when I actually bought said device.

I'm fascinated by playing magic the gathering, how do you do it? Do you have someone who helps you read your cards? Have you designed sleeves with braille on them? Have you ever tried playing in a competitive event? What are your thoughts on arena?

I've tried many different methods to read cards. The best method I've found is by brailling information. I actually have a YouTube video on this:

https://youtu.be/ePbBDbRpmvE

As far as arena, I wish I could play it. I sold out of standard because of how expensive it was, not because I didn't like the format.

can u atleast see something? or its nothing no even darkness?

Can't see anything

Did you feel an enhancement in the rest of your senses?

Yes

Have you ever used the “ Be My Eyes” app? If so, does it actually help you to have strangers direct you ?

Are there any tips for how to be more effective for someone that interacts with the blind via this program? For example, I usually use clock references to state locations rather than saying left or right. I’ll say “ You’re standing right in front of it, and if you put your hand in the 3 ‘o’clock position, you’ll have your hand right on it.”

Any information on how to communicate better, in a way helpful to the blind would be most appreciated.

I haven't, but I know people who do. Honestly, you already sound well informed on interacting with blind people, especially with the clock.

Do u still have any communication with your dad?

He committed suicide...

Do you like music? What's your favourite band?

Yes. Favorite band is currently Cavetown.

Is your mother still in your life? What was her reaction to this?

Yes she is. She was devastated. She struggled a lot with her mental health. She's happily married now.

Do you still respect your father??

Not at all.