Being visually impaired doesn't have to be a barrier to travel!

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Being visually impaired does not have to limit your travel options significantly. There is absolutely no reason why any visually impaired person can't travel as much as any sighted person and enjoy the thrill of experiencing new and wonderful things around the world.

Some people might be of the opinion that a visually impaired person is unable to travel independently internationally. they hold this view for a number of reasons which may stem from their lack of knowledge regarding the procedures and services that are available to people with a vision impairment who wish to travel.

The most important tool for a VIP, in my opinion, is to be able to have confidence in their ability to deal with new and at times challenging situations. This confidence allows the visually impaired traveller to be comfortable in asking questions of strangers and seeking help when required. Most times people are only to happy to assist a visually impaired person when asked. It is important however, not to fall into the trap of tagging along after sighted people portraying a sense of helplessness. This generally leads to loss of confidence and can make the person helping the VIP uncomfortable.

I have found through personal experience that the best approach is to demonstrate your independence to people while also taking advantage of some help from people as required. It is important to make the person helping you to feel comfortable and to be certain about exactly what you need. talk to people, let them know your needs and be comfortable in expressing yourself as an individual. People will generally be amazed at the independence of VIP's and will go away from the experience of helping a VIP with a positive attitude and some food for thought.

I have found the best way of letting someone know when you don't require anymore assistance is to thank them. This may sound rather strange at first, but that gesture of thanks and the finality of the gesture lets the helper know that you appreciate what they have done and that you don't require any further assistance.

Finding out about your options

It is important when booking the flight to advise the airline of the fact that you are visually impaired and to outline exactly what assistance you will require. Some airlines ask that when confirming your flight that you re-state the assistance you require to ensure that all staff are aware of your needs on the aircraft.

What actually happens when I arrive at the airport?

After boarding the aircraft the flight attendants will introduce themselves to you and it is then a good time to ask about the configuration of the aircraft (the seating layout), the nearest available exit (either behind or in front), the nearest toilet facilities and for a copy of the in-flight safety card in braille or large print (most airlines provide this). Don't forget to ask for the location of the call button and the in-flight entertainment channel and volume controls, you may need them later on. In some cases if it is the first time you have travelled on a aircraft it is advisable to ask the flight attendants to give a hands on demonstration of the safety procedures on the aircraft (the life jackets, oxygen masks and other distress equipment).

After lift-off, when meals are served, flight attendants can be asked to read the menu and can assist in the location of dishes, cuttlery, etc on the food tray.
Some time during the flight, if it is an international flight you will be required to complete an arrival card for the country you are about to enter. These are usually quite small and would be very difficult or impossible for a visually impaired person to read and they are not provided in braille for those who can not see at all. Just ask the flight attendants to assist in the completion of this form preceeding arrival at your destination.

When you arrive at your destination, you may be either taken off the aircraft before or after the other passengers disembark. The flight attendants may take you to an airline representative at the airport who will assist you to collect luggage and to proceed through customs and immigration. Most airlines will assist VIP's to other terminals in the airport, but it is advisable to check before commencing travel.
After all immigration and customs check-points have been passed successfully, the airline representative will take you to the arrivals lounge to meet who ever it is you will be meeting.
If you are in transet between flights, you may be seated in a lounge until the time of boarding for your next flight.

Note: It is strongly advisable to have an established contact name of the person who will meet you at your destination so that if for any reason the person does not arrive to collect you, you can inform the airline staff who will page them over the airport P.A system.

I have had very positive experiences when travelling both domestically and internationally and would recommend the travel experience to any VIP who wishes to experience the world and what it has to offer.

Travel experiences

Please send any comments or suggestions to me at: chrisba@tpgi.com.au I would especially welcome any comments from VIP's who have traveled previously or who wish to travel in the future.

URL: http://www4.tpg.com.au/users/chrisba/travhints.htm