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Blind and Visually Impaired Community

Full History - 2017 - 01 - 23 - ID#5prml4
11
I'm going blind, and traveling to see the world while I still can. How do I tastefully document my travels? (self.Blind)
submitted by Gangliest
Hello all!

I am a 25yo Californian with a $1 that will erode my vision completely. I want to capitalize on the sight I have left by taking a few trips around the world in 2017.

I'm hoping to document the travels somehow for my own future reference, and potentially for a blog / book / series of 360-degree VR videos.

Two questions:
1. Are there any suggestions for a pragmatic / unique way to document these experiences, that will still be worthwhile once I become blind?
2. I want to be cautious about exploiting my disability for the sake of international adventure and attention. I'm still new-ish to identifying with a disability and learning how to advocate for others in a similar boat. Any input as to how this can be done tastefully?

Suggestions for destinations / activities are welcome!
fastfinge 8 points 6y ago
> document these experiences, that will still be worthwhile once I become blind?

Get some binaural microphones, so you can record 3d audio. If I lie still and listen to really good stereo recording of, say, a moving train or ship or something, the effect can be so powerful that I even feel the sensation of movement. When you don't have vision constantly telling you what you're hearing isn't real, and you're still and quiet, you can get deeply immersed in a sound environment.
Gangliest [OP] 3 points 6y ago
Thanks! I am looking at binaural microphones as we speak.
angelcake 3 points 6y ago
My partner did this when he found out he was losing his vision in his 30s. He went to Africa, Kenya if memory serves and Egypt. Absolutely loved it. He also went to Peru. He and I went to Iceland and I highly recommend that as a destination, it is absolutely breathtaking and the people are wonderful.

Best of luck.
Corm 2 points 6y ago
As a side note, if you're interested in learning braille I can help. I learned it by buying Mice and Men in braille and using https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Braille as a guide.

I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you run into. I learned it cuz I thought it would be cool to teach people but never got the chance. So definitely hit me up with any questions.
Gangliest [OP] 2 points 6y ago
Thanks for the offer! I don't anticipate that I'll need braille for a couple more years, but I may start learning it before it's necessary to ease the transition.
Corm 2 points 6y ago
Cool, yeah braille is sort of dying anyway because screen readers have gotten so good, and audiobooks are fantastic, so you could get on just fine without braille. But I imagine it's still nice to be able to sit and read when you don't feel like listening to something.

There's also the fact that braille books are incredibly expensive, and only big city libraries carry them. Mice and Men is only $20, but I want Harry Potter and each of those books is ~$70.

Anyway if you do start plugging away at learning braille then consider me a resource. I'll still be around and on reddit, so send me a PM when you run into a question. And don't worry about it either, I'm always happy to answer any number of questions about braille.
Gangliest [OP] 1 points 6y ago
All interesting. All helpful. Thanks!
singalong623 2 points 6y ago
Hello, I hope you have fun on your travels. Record your thoughts on an audio recording device, keep it short and interesting, and if possible, imagine writing a children's book. Good luck!
sbfth 1 points 6y ago
Hey man, I have a decent chance of having RP, and im only 16. When did you learn about your condition, and how did you stay positive? sorry to turn this into an AMA hahaha
Gangliest [OP] 2 points 6y ago
Hiya. RP is genetic, so age doesn't have an influence on how likely you are to have it. I was diagnosed at 15, when my optometrist (at Costco!) noticed some retinal spotting and referred me to a specialist.

Staying positive can be tough. So many elements of a young person's social life unfold in dim places: bars, concerts, restaurants. I miss out on a lot, so my best tip for staying positive is to live near your loved ones, and live where you can WALK everywhere. Otherwise, you may spend many nights stuck in your home. Big cities are better (light pollution and public transportation infrastructure).

Also, keep a pulse on ongoing RP research and potential treatments. There are many reasons to have hope!

Seems like you're using a throwaway, but feel free to friend me and reach out with any questions in the future.
xXcaninegamerXx 1 points 6y ago
My guess will be Germany, Canada, New Zealand, Japan,The U.K or the Netherlands.


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