Traveling with Blindness or Low Vision

Traveling to new places can be challenging if you’re blind or have low vision. But with the right safety steps and technology, you can travel safely and have fun. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Know Your Resources: Familiarize yourself with available resources before your trip.
• Plan for Safety: Always prioritize safety when planning your travel, whether by car, airplane, or public transit.
• Use Technology: Take advantage of technology that can help you navigate and stay safe.

Travel can be enjoyable and safe with proper planning and the right tools.

Preparation

Long-distance travel needs careful planning. Here are some steps to help you prepare:

• Plan Your Route: Organize your routes and review maps.
• Contact Information: Call or email a contact person.
• Know Your Options: Check transit options and hours of operation for your destination and transportation.
• Make Backup Plans: Always have a backup plan in case your original plans change.
• Stay Aware: Be aware of your environment and look out for safety concerns.

Being prepared helps you stay safe and avoid unsafe situations during your travels.

Preparation Tips

• Check Transit Information. Review public transit schedules, maps, and ticket prices. Pre-buy your passes if possible.
• Research Your Destination. Learn about safety information, hospitals, public safety locations, and other travel options.
• Prepare Transit Materials. Download, save, or print transit information, schedules, and tickets.
• Check the Weather. Review weather forecasts. Pack the right items—these can include sunscreen, a jacket, an umbrella, or gloves.
• Pack Essentials. Carry your important items in a carry-on bag. Include medication, devices, a portable charger, and personal care items.
• Plan for Accessibility. Do you use a white cane? If so, be sure to pack an extra cane and cane tip.

Technology Tips for Safe Travel

• Carry Familiar Devices: Bring technology you know well. This can include your phone, tablet, laptop, braille display, GPS, or other devices.
• Ensure Safety and Accessibility: Use your devices to contact emergency services, hotels, businesses, and other important places.
• Use GPS for Navigation: Mobile devices with GPS help you travel safely and keep track of tickets, maps, and schedules.
• Pack Chargers: Always carry charging devices. Have a plan to charge your technology as needed.
• Consider Safety with Technology: Use bone conduction headphones if you use a screen reader. These headphones let you hear the screen reader while still hearing environmental sounds, like traffic.

Transit Systems

Many people with blindness or low vision find using unfamiliar public transit or traveling long distances intimidating. But with proper preparation and techniques, this doesn't have to be the case. Here's what you can do:

• Research Transit Options: Look up schedules and ticket options for your mode of travel. Check train schedules, bus routes, or subway stops to reach your destination.
• Use Proper Mobility Techniques: Practice using your mobility devices. Follow proper techniques when boarding trains, buses, and other forms of transit.

Transit System Tips

• Buy tickets or passes well ahead of your travel date when possible.
• Use maps or schedules ahead of time, and consider using a transit app on your mobile device.
• If boarding a bus, you may consider speaking to the driver to request that they let you know when you arrive at your desired stop.
• When boarding a train or subway, consider sitting close to a speaker to make sure you hear the stops announced.
• Arrive at stops early.
• When using rideshare apps, ensure you’re entering the right car.
• Consider communicating with the driver once assigned by your app so they’re aware you may not see them.

Consider carrying the items noted previously, such as medications, phone charger, personal items, etc.

Air Travel Tips for People with Vision Loss

Air travel can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can travel confidently. Here are some tips:

• Know Your Rights: Understand your rights regarding using your cane or dog guide when flying.
• Keep Your Cane Handy: Always have your cane with you and ask airport staff for assistance if needed.
• Ask for Help: Airport staff can help you move between gates, go through security, and provide information. Consider using a human guide if needed.
• Arrive Early: Get to the airport early to allow extra time for check-in and security.
• Use Airport Apps: If available, use an app that provides an airport map to find services.
• Learn the Plane's Layout: Understand where the exits and restrooms are on the plane. Flight staff can assist you with this information.
• Preboard: Preboarding helps you locate your seat, stow luggage, and get familiar with the plane.
• Emergency Information: Ask for emergency information in braille if you need it.

With the right preparation, travel can be safe, efficient, and fun. Blind rehabilitation professionals can help you learn these travel skills.

If you have questions or need more information about traveling with blindness or low vision, contact us.