Mobility means??????????

Where am I?

Who is standing next to me?

How do I get to that place?

How can I cross the road?

Is there vehicles crossing?

Where does that bus go?

Is the road narrow or wide?

Is there a railing?

Can anyone help me in crossing the road?

The questions doesn’t end with this alone.

Yes, these are the questions that a blind asks when he comes out of his house in order to travel.  The blind person needs to go to his office or college or public places or where ever it may be. The blind person needs to ask atleast 3 to 4 questions from the above said list.

In most of the western countries accessibility for physically challenged people are given high importance. In a developing country like India, where the government strive hard to give complete access for the disabled people still accessible roads is a big dream in the mobility of blind people.

Think of the roads and transportation that is not accessible for physically challenged people? Each time we have to ask a sighted person,

Sir, could you please help me in crossing the road?

Madam, which place does this bus go?

Mam, Can you please guide me to the taxi stand?

etc,etc….

When there is a situation like heavy traffic, two or more vehicles crossing the roads, crowded area where people are rushing and at times the bus moves faster without waiting for you and you have to reach your office/hospital/any public places on time, In the same situation could you please think of a blind person of what he will do to cross the road?  To get a sighted help? To board in a bus?

Though technology has developed a lot in supporting the blind people, still accessible road and transportation is a big challenge in our country.

Safety is more important for anyone in this world. In case of blind person safety is the utmost priority and this gives a blind person more confidence and positive living. The blind person has complete rights to explore and interact with the outside world, to do adventurous trips, to make a world-wide trip and so on.

BUT

We are not able to do it

WHY?

The answer is inaccessible roads and transportation system.

I have seen most of the blind people in my area, doesn’t like to travel out due to the inaccessible roads. To change this kind of situation, I have instructed my blind students to travel independently by training them in cane and the techniques of outdoor mobility especially asking a sighted help in crossing the roads.

Independent mobility gives real life experience in the life of blind people.

The only thing is we need “ACCESSIBLE ROADS AND TRANSPORTATION”.