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I would imagine that when describing colors to the blind it would be necessary to attempt to think as-though one was blind also. Without the benefit of having actually 'seen' certain objects you cannot benefit from them being used descriptively as they would mean nothing to the sightless.

There are feelings which seem to be universally felt which may cross the divide from those with sight and those who are blind, just as they do with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

We know that depression can be experienced as a 'black' void. We also know that black may be described as the absence of other stimuli. I may describe black in this way to a blind person but would be aware at the same time that black need not be associated with that which is negative. I would tell the blind person that black is also simple, sometimes refined and silent.

The color blue has so many different associations for those who have sight, from tranquility to the 'blues'. I would tell a blind person that light blue is uplifting, serene, calming and gentle and that dark blue is more mysterious and can go down in frequency to blend with black.

I would also take them to the sea so that they could hear the waves and smell the salty air. Here they could understand that although blue can be gentle it can also be powerful and moving.

Brown, being the color of the earth may be represented partly by its scent. Holding a handful of dirt and breathing in would give a blind person a sense of the naturalness of brown and of its connection with nature.

I would also tell them that brown is warm, nourishing and calming.

Yellow might be described as an active color pertaining to movement as well as warmth and intellect. I would talk of yellow as being the color of the thinker and of stimulation.

Green is the color of nature and I would take the blind person out into the green fields or gardens to let them breath it in. I would describe green as being the color of growth, freshness and life.

Feeling the smoothness of green leaves, breathing in the fresh scent of cut grass and running their hands over moss may give them a feel of what green is.

To describe the color orange I would take them to a place which was buzzing with activity that included mental energy, as well as physical energy. I may get them to put some space dust, a childhood sweet which crackles, on their tongue so that they can feel the activity in their mouth as well as in the atmosphere about them.

I would describe orange as being warmer

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