After Vision Loss: 5 Easy Tips for Moving Safely in Your Community

by Nancy Shugart

If you or someone you know has low or no vision, know that you can still get out and enjoy life. There are many ways to adapt your surroundings or the way you move about them to make sure you stay safe.

Tip 1: Audio Traffic Signals
Traffic signals which make a sound to indicate that it is safe to cross the street are a great help to people with low or no vision. You may call your city to request that an audio traffic signal be installed at an intersection that you find difficult to cross.

It is not always possible to rely solely on our sense of hearing to know when it's safe to cross a street. Noises from lawn mowers, construction work, road repair, along with other noises, can drown out the sound of cars. Add to that, the increasing popularity of the quiet hybrid cars, and it's easy to understand why audio traffic signals are being used more frequently to assist people with low vision to cross streets safely.

Tip 2: Ask Your City to Keep Sidewalks Accessible
Sidewalks that have overgrown brush and have low-hanging tree limbs can pose a safety issue to people with low or no vision. A phone call to the city to alert them of the problem can often have the area cleaned up.

Tip 3: Request Sidewalks Be Installed or Repaired
Do you often walk in an area that is lacking sidewalks or the sidewalks are in disrepair? If so, consider informing your city of your need for a safe area in which to walk.

Tip 4: Get Registered to Use the Paratransit System
Most large cities and some smaller towns have a paratransit system for residents who are not able to drive because of age or disability. Call your public transportation system and ask if such a service is available where you live. If so, consider becoming registered to use it.

Tip 5: Use a White Cane or a Service Animal
A white cane or a service animal will increase your level of safety when you are traveling in your community or far from home. They can alert you to objects, steps, curbs, and other barriers that may be in your path and thus preventing many injuries from happening.

Now get out there and enjoy life. You might begin by reading your local newspaper to find events in which you would like to participate.