Newly Blind or Visually Impaired? Read These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding Transportation to Work

Picture of older woman using white cane, getting on bus

You have come to the conclusion, though difficult to swallow, you’re a non-driver due to your blindness or significant visual impairment. One of many questions likely conjured up include, “How can I get to and from work reliably?” I’m assuming you’re here in search of answers.

Answers:

First, there’s walking to work if you live close enough. If you haven’t started already, you should work with an Orientation and Mobility Specialist who is trained to teach you how to safely move about your environment. You’ll learn to use a white cane as a tool to detect obstacles in your path; you’ll learn to pay attention to landmarks you contact; and you’ll learn to cross streets by listening to the pattern of traffic. You’ll learn to put all of the information together and use your new tools to travel your route.

Second, there are individual drivers. You can hire an occasional taxi, you can employ a personal driver, or you can accompany another to work while providing compensation.

Third, there’s public transportation. Your Orientation and Mobility Specialist can teach you how to access the local bus system, subway, or tram. If public transportation is not accessible to you because there are no sidewalks or you have an additional disability, you can utilize paratransit services which provide door-to-door service where you would otherwise use public transportation. Obviously, you cannot take advantage of public transportation if it doesn’t exist in your town; for this reason I recommend moving to a covered area if accessing the community is important to you.

Read the following questions you may have regarding transportation to work. Each question is a link to its answer.

What will I learn on Orientation and Mobility lessons?

Where can I find a transportation guide for persons who are blind or have low vision?

How can I find and hire a driver?

Can I access the GPS on my iPhone?

Why is access to mass transit important for people who are blind or visually impaired?

What do I need to access and use mass transit?

What kinds of transit information will present barriers to me?

What is being done to improve transit accessibility for people who are blind or visually impaired?

What does innovation and technology hold in store for transit accessibility?

As always, ask a specific question in the comments section, on the message board, or in a Facebook message.