Inclusive and accessible travel for blind people
I attended a conference in Las Vegas which was one of the most typical experiences from the accessibility point of view. Most of the challenges were familiar, and usually I wouldn’t even think about them. However, this time I took note on everything that maybe a challenge, and I will take you through it. I …
Continue reading “An average business trip to Las Vegas from a blind employees perspective”
Before a recent flight I received an email that I could preorder my snacks for the flight. Apparently I am late in the game, this service has been available for certain flights for a while, but probably not on the ones I was flying on.
Hi, my name is Baldwin. My human, Tom, asked me to talk a bit about the work of a guide dog. I’m glad he did, because what does he know about being a dog anyway? A little bit about me, I was born in New York state, at Guiding Eyes for the Blind. That’s where …
These days with electronic check-in and electronic keys in theory one just has to walk upstairs and go to bed, which is great once I know my room, but there are a few things to do for the first time.
It is always full of excitement and anticipation, ready to do something new when I arrive somewhere. Here I will explain the airport experience, but the procedure is relatively similar to a train station or a bus terminal.
On October 6, 1964 President Johnson signed the white cane safety day proclamation. In 2011, President Obama named it as blind Americans equality day. Since 1964, this day is celebrated each year on October 15th. Over the years, several countries also adopted this celebration.
Even though travel can be more challenging and complicated for people without vision, I would argue that it is even more necessary than for those who can see. In many instances blind people have no choice but to physically be present to have similar experience to sighted people. This presence can only be achieved when …
Continue reading “Why is accessible travel necessary for blind people?”
Air travel has much more accessibility considerations, especially compared to ground transportation. There are certain things which may require help from other people, though there are some workarounds. Originally I thought I would go through the facts, but maybe it would make sense to explain it through some personal stories, of which I have many.
Traveling by car is definitely much less complicated than buses and trains, but it does have the cost factor to consider. However, in some countries, like the United States, public transportation sometimes may not be available or it is so scarce that paying for a car ride maybe the only option.
Depending on the location, there are many features and tools that make transportation more usable for blind people. While in most countries, there is legislation to make all aspects of transportation accessible, the reality is different. However, it has to be noted that over the years transportation is becoming more usable. Just like in several …