Ways for Visually Impaired People to Get Around

There are many ways for visually impaired people to get around. Services offered by government and non-profit organizations help with transporting the visually impaired to places they need to go.

Guide Dog

• Guide dogs, or seeing-eye dogs, are often used by those with extremely poor vision. The dog is a highly trained animal that helps the visually impaired person navigate their world. The dog knows when to stop at intersections and can be trained to learn routes, like going to the supermarket or work. Guide dogs can be purchased or may be donated by charitable organizations. It takes lots of training, for both the owner and the dog, but their bond is both helpful and loving.

Transportation Services

• Many non-profit organizations offer ride-share transportation programs for the visually impaired. These programs are offered free of charge or for a nominal fee. The programs usually require the rider to schedule a pickup time in advance. The service, likely a van taxi, then picks the person up and transports them to where they need to go. The availability of such services varies from city to city as these types of charities are not everywhere. The Lions Club is one such organization that offers this service.

Public Transit

• By law, public transit has to be accessible for the visually impaired. The drivers must assist visually impaired persons in getting to their destination. Paratransit services may also be offered by the city. Paratransit services are curb-to-curb transportation. Much like a taxi, a smaller van or bus is used as a shuttle to transport the visually impaired to their destination.

Plan Routes

• The visually impaired may want to plan and memorize the routes they most commonly take. This is done by counting paces, or recognizing clear landmarks. The visually impaired person will ask a volunteer or friend to accompany them as they learn the route. Once the route has been committed to memory, the visually impaired person can get around much more easily. Many intersections now have alternate beeping tones to indicate when it is safe to cross. In addition, the commonly used "white cane" can help visually impaired people to detect and avoid obstacles.