Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Tips for guiding visually impaired on a rugged trail? (x-post) (self.Blind)
submitted by robot_ankles
Introducing friends to backpacking on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia is enjoyable. I recently invited a visually impaired friend of mine on a backpacking trip. They're interested in going and we're both starting to discuss logistics. They have not undertaken trips like this before, but I think they want to challenge themselves by breaking away from grid-based environments. I've provided basic elbow guidance in the past, but no off-roading scenarios like this.
The AT terrain in Georgia is pretty rugged for anyone. Do you have any suggested procedures or methods related to guiding the visually impaired on a rugged rocky single-track trail?
Additional tips also welcomed!
Thank you!
The AT terrain in Georgia is pretty rugged for anyone. Do you have any suggested procedures or methods related to guiding the visually impaired on a rugged rocky single-track trail?
Additional tips also welcomed!
Thank you!
angelcake 4 points 6y ago
How visually impaired? My partner and I hike and when there's any terrain that's going to be difficult for him we stay close enough that he can follow my verbal or physical cues. He's low vision but that's a very wide range.
I would suggest that you start off with less demanding hikes so that you can get to know each other cues and responses. I am certainly not an expert on this.
I would suggest that you start off with less demanding hikes so that you can get to know each other cues and responses. I am certainly not an expert on this.
robot_ankles [OP] 1 points 6y ago
> How visually impaired?
Not sure. Never asked. But I think it's pretty close to total blindness, not just a variation of legally blind. Thanks for the suggestion of a less demanding outing to work on cues and responses. That's a good idea.
edit: formatting
Not sure. Never asked. But I think it's pretty close to total blindness, not just a variation of legally blind. Thanks for the suggestion of a less demanding outing to work on cues and responses. That's a good idea.
edit: formatting
YorDnilb 3 points 6y ago
When guided around on our wooded 7 acre property I like to wear a cap, safety glasses & gloves for all the tree branches & when I stumble. I use a strong walking stick instead of my weak white cane, my guide can take an end & pull me along with it. Be patient it can take me longer.
robot_ankles [OP] 1 points 6y ago
Ah yes, I didn't think about the little whippy branches I naturally duck under or push aside. Good tip about the glasses, cap and gloves.
WindupBot 2 points 6y ago
I hike occasionally - based on my experience, here's what I'd recommend.
I'd say go with a hat with a wide brim to warn him of low-hanging branches, so he doesn't hit his head on stuff. He may also want a pair of protective glasses, or sunglasses if bright light makes his vision worse.
Also, he should take a trekking pole he can use for support/probing. It'll be better on the rough terrain than a travel cane and he can use it to quickly put some weight on if he stumbles and needs support. If you're guiding him the whole time he should use one. Otherwise he should get and use two.
Also, he should wear hiking boots with great ankle support, since he could be prone to stepping wrong and getting a sprain if he can't see the terrain that well.
Finally (you should be doing this anyway), bring a basic first aid kit with you. The reality is that falls, scrapes, and cuts are more likely to happen to someone who's visually impaired. You can minimize it a lot, but better to be prepared.
I'd say go with a hat with a wide brim to warn him of low-hanging branches, so he doesn't hit his head on stuff. He may also want a pair of protective glasses, or sunglasses if bright light makes his vision worse.
Also, he should take a trekking pole he can use for support/probing. It'll be better on the rough terrain than a travel cane and he can use it to quickly put some weight on if he stumbles and needs support. If you're guiding him the whole time he should use one. Otherwise he should get and use two.
Also, he should wear hiking boots with great ankle support, since he could be prone to stepping wrong and getting a sprain if he can't see the terrain that well.
Finally (you should be doing this anyway), bring a basic first aid kit with you. The reality is that falls, scrapes, and cuts are more likely to happen to someone who's visually impaired. You can minimize it a lot, but better to be prepared.
EVEYISMS 1 points 6y ago
It depends on the level of visual impairment.
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