INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
Vision loss does not mean that you can no longer travel alone. You will be able to rely on peripheral or remaining vision, hearing, or the white cane to provide guidance.
As with any activity, confidence and skill come with time. Please go the section on Low Vision Devices on this website to find out more about devices such as telescopes that can be used to identify street signs and addresses. Some people who are blind or visually impaired will be more open to the idea of independent travel than others. You may find that after a period of adjustment, you may have come to terms with vision loss and may feel that you can ask your caregiver to let you run errands without their help.
Here are some ways for to manage potentially frustrating situations outside the home.
Independent Travel Checklist:
- Use large-print cheques and writing guides to make signing easier.
- Identify coins by touch and fold paper money or separate it in the wallet by denomination.
- Take a moment to let the eyes adjust when switching from a bright environment to a dimly lit one.
- Carry a magnifier and/or penlight to read labels, price tags, elevator buttons, or directions.
- Use a mini tape recorder to make a shopping list, instead of struggling with a handwritten list.
- Tell the bus driver in advance which stop you require, and sit at the front of the bus.
