Explore Sight loss
Staying Mobile
How can I get around?
Many visually impaired people find that getting around is one of the most daunting aspects of losing their sight, both indoors and outdoors. If you are having problems with your mobility, i.e. not able to see kerbs, bumping into obstacles, lack of confidence in crossing roads - then a Rehabilitation Officer from your local Social Services will be able to undertake mobility training with you. Henshaws Society for Blind People is also able to offer support and guidance on mobility issues.
Mobility training can cover how to use a white cane (symbol or long) and also undertaking some route training in order to give you confidence and to enable you to travel to work, the local shops or on trains and buses.
Supermarkets can provide personal shopping assistance to customers with a visual impairment on request. It is advisable to ring customer services to book assistance before you go to ensure that a member of staff can assist you in shopping.
A guide dog may be helpful for some people. Anyone who is visually impaired aged 17 or over who is normally resident in the UK can apply to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. You must be fit enough to use and care for the dog and you will have to successfully complete an intensive training course to learn how to work safely with the dog.
There are a range of aids and equipment available which can be used to help blind and visually impaired people get about safely. These include cards to hold up to attract the attention of bus drivers and taxis and a reflective belt which helps the wearer to be seen clearly when out and about at night and in poor visibility.
For more information contact Henshaws on 0161 872 1234 or-e-mail info@henshaws.org.uk