Sunday, December 21, 2008

Travelling may sometime prove to be a challenge

Not being able to see road signs and street names or bus numbers makes travelling extra hard. I'm one who loves to travel, but often fearful of being on my own, especially in a foreign place.

Mobility around my city and few other cities that I regularly visit is not so much of an issue. But there are things that are difficult sometimes. For example, waiving for a taxi or seeing what the meter says on when looking to pay the driver. Even when taking public transportation I am stubborn and would rather get on teh wrong direction train and switch then to just ask someone on teh platform. Perhaps its pride, or simply the fear of rejection. But these are rather minor compared to some of the problems we encounter when travelling in a foreign land.

When travelling, everything is "new" to you so nothing can be recalled from memory. We need to explore and "see" where we need to be heading. Airports aren't usually that bad because luckily I speak English and in most airports you can find someone to help you when speaking English.

Things you must have when travelling (especially if your'e by urself)
- magnifier (regular or video)
This will allow you to read maps, fill out forms, or conuct any reading while outside

- monocular
help to read signs, find roads, search for objects. Will enable you to read the panels that indicate where your flight is, find which counter to check in, or anything else you may be looking for.

-compass
Since we cna't see, it is often best if we can determine which direction we need to head in. It just helps to verify if you're heading in the right direction.

-laptop, PDA, GPS (optional but ideal)
Having a computer means easier access to information since it can be enlarged on your screen. You can store maps, use public wifi to search internet. If you have a GPS you may be able to make youre life sipler by having it direct you to your destination.

Stayed tuned to see waht else you'll encounter whe ntravelling!

1 comment:

  1. I can relate cause I had Stargardt since I was 10 years old. Wasn't diagnosed with until after I graduated high school. I am in my early 30s now and everyday has been a struggle for me. I haven't had help nor any special equipments to help me through my childhood, teenage, and young adult years until 4 years ago.

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