Author by : Maureen Cook

Good preparation is key if you have low vision and want to travel safely by plane, train or bus. Delays caused by adverse weather conditions or security alerts, for example, are factors beyond our control.

Preventable delays, however, caused by lack of knowledge and inadequate preparation, can make all the difference between a relaxing trip and one that is so stressful that you might be deterred from traveling alone in the future.

Knowing what you can do to ensure your trip is safe and pleasurable is essential. Follow the suggestions below, and you can look forward to a smooth, stress-free journey.

The first point to make is: know your rights. Whether you intend to fly, take a train or a bus to your destination, you should be aware that your visual impairment entitles you to equal access.

What exactly does this mean? Equal access means that you cannot be discriminated against on grounds of your disability. As a passenger with low vision traveling in the US, you have the right to travel safely and to receive help which will enable you to enjoy the same services as a normal sighted person. These include:

Assistance in boarding and exiting, as well as with making connections.

Access to the same information given to other passengers, such as gate assignments, flight delays and safety briefings.

The European Rail Network (Eurail) provides specific travel aids for those travelers with visual impairment, including platform edges with raised markings and denotative signs carrying pictographs.

Help either in bringing food to your seat when traveling by train, or in finding the dining car.

Mandatory acceptance by carriers of service animals. If you’re traveling by train or bus you may, subject to scheduling constraints, walk your guide dog at station or bus stops.

Assistance from airport screeners in: placing your items on the x-ray belt; letting you know where the metal detector is located; performing hand inspections of your white cane and other assistive equipment to avoid damage from an x-ray inspection, and also of your guide dog’s belongings (collar, harness, leash etc).

In this way, you’ll not only travel safely, but you’ll also be keeping as much independence as possible. Physical inspection of your white stick will allow you to guide yourself through the walk-through metal detector, as will the requirement that you and your guide dog should not be separated.

These are your rights, and we in the US are fortunate to enjoy such protection. It’s as well to remember, though, that the same protection is not always offered elsewhere in the world.

Recently, a group of partially-sighted travelers in the UK were requested to exit a plane, even though the airline had been contacted before the flight and had agreed to provide assistance where needed. Safety issues were cited as the reason for the airline’s decision.

The real reason had more to do with economics, as low-cost airlines keep their fares low by reducing the time their planes are on the ground. A group of visually-impaired passengers, the airline felt, would delay flight take-off and passengers’ exiting at the destination, adding to the airline’s costs. In the US costs cannot be kept low at the expense of disabled passengers.

Now, let’s look at how you can help yourself to travel safely and with as little stress as possible:

Notify the airline, Amtrak or Greyhound ahead of time that you will require assistance for a disability.

If traveling by train, it is advisable to speak to a reservation agent rather than book your trip on the Amtrak website. This ensures your needs are recorded and passed on to the appropriate personnel.

If traveling by bus, and even if you have made advance requests, make Greyhound staff aware of your needs throughout the course of your ride.

Book direct flights where possible. This will avoid the problem of making connections should your flight be delayed.

Enquire whether the airline publishes information for travelers with a disability, including specific requirements for traveling with a service animal.

For easier identification of your luggage use high-contrast tape on dark bags, and also invest in a bleeper attached to your baggage if you have severe low vision.

Carry a signature guide, and keep your magnifier or other low vision aids close to hand.

Pay particular attention to your money. Use a money belt for paper currency, keys, tickets etc., and a special wallet or pocket for smaller bills which you can use for tips and small purchases.

Carry a cell phone with tactile markings, pre-programmed with important telephone numbers.

Finally, medical matters affecting both yourself and your guide dog. Travel safely and with added peace of mind by carrying a list of your medications, including an emergency contact. Don’t forget, as well, to have your dog’s health certificates, complete with proof of vaccinations, close to hand.

If you find the prospect of organizing everything yourself too demanding, there are specialist travel agencies who will help in travel planning. These offer a wide range of travel programs featuring hands-on learning with sighted guides.

Whether you want to dive in Australia, go on a “service dog” cruise to the Caribbean or try your hand at kayaking, canoeing or rafting on an outdoor adventure travel program, help is available so you can both travel safely and take part safely in your chosen activities.

Bon voyage!

[tags]travel with low vision,low vision,visual impairment,travel aids,service animals,guide dog,partially-[/tags]

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