This guide provides information regarding traveling with a wheelchair user who has a visual impairment. If a wheelchair user with low vision decides to take a trip somewhere for whatever reason, it is always safer for this person to travel with a caretaker for the most part, to assist them on their travels.
The main task of the caretaker in this case is to guide the user and let them know when there are certain changes in the environment they are in. This would include helping them travel through doorways, hallways, and always letting them know when the landscape changes to their disadvantage.
Communication During Travel
The main factor while taking care of a wheelchair user with low vision is that the caretaker must have effective ways of communicating with the user in a real time setting. This would include verbal and physical signals that the user will recognize right away to warn them of the upcoming change of environment.
Some examples include when a user is outdoors and needs to cross the street, or when a user is trying to enter a building that they are not familiar with. Helping them get up an accessible ramp without creating any hassles for them.
To avoid communication issues during travel, the user and caretaker should practice and perform exercises for verbal and physical communication. You can set up potential situations you might find yourself in while on the road. This includes verbal and non-verbal signals to indicate certain condition changes.
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