Ciechi

Ciechi is an Italian word that denotes blindness. It is the masculine plural form of cieco and can function as a noun meaning “the blind” (i ciechi) or as an adjective agreeing with a masculine plural noun (uomini ciechi). The feminine forms are cieca (singular) and cieche (plural). The root is Latin caecus, from which English and other languages derive terms related to blindness.

As a term for people with vision loss, ciechi has been common in everyday language and in official usage. In recent years, some disability advocates prefer more specific or person‑first phrasing, such as non vedente (not seeing) or “persone cieche” when referring to a group, to emphasize individual identity beyond the condition.

In Italy, organizations exist to support blind and visually impaired people, such as the Unione Italiana dei Ciechi e degli Ipovedenti (UICI). These groups work on accessibility, rights, education, and cultural participation, aiming to reduce barriers and promote inclusion.

Related topics include blindness and visual impairment, as well as discussions on terminology and respectful language in disability contexts.