Working in the film industry, I have to travel a lot, and I gotta tell you, as someone who has lived a life legally blind, it can be a bear and very scary. Blind travel can be a test of nerves and guts when you can’t read the signs for gates, buses or trains. Below are some of the biggest hurdles I’ve had to face in my travels flying, and how I’ve gotten around them.
- How do I get to the airport? Cabs can be expensive, and when you’re blind or vision impaired, buses can be an incredibly intimidating way to get from point A to point B.
How I’ve gotten around this is detailed planning for blind travel by going to the RTD website, to get a schedule for each bus route and number. This website will give you a detailed map of where to meet your bus, where it will stop, and the route schedule of each bus.
- Where do I go once I’ve arrived at the airport? My home turf, Denver International Airport, is a large airport and it can be confusing if you can’t read the signs. I’ve been to nearly every major airport in the country, and though I’ve found most are signed well for sighted people, if you can’t see well enough to read the signs, it does no good.
I have found that at most airports, the staff are very friendly and willing to help steer me in the right direction as far as ticket counters, terminals and gates go. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. Blind travel doesn’t have to be scared travel.
- How do I find out which carousel my luggage is at? I can’t read airport monitors to save my life. Some flights will announce which carousel your luggage will arrive at, but not all do.
- I’ve found that if you ask a flight attendant or an airport staff member, they will happily find out where you can pick up your luggage once you’ve arrived at your destination. Blind travel is easier if you reach out to a staff person, or even your seatmate on the flight. Again, never be afraid to ask for help.
