Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Neighborhood considerations for legally blind child (self.Blind)
submitted by Tmacd1
Hi, r/blind. I am the father of an awesome 6 year old girl that is legally blind. Her navigational vision is pretty good, but she is also training to use a cane, and it seems like it helps her feel more confident.
The reason for my post, is that we have outgrown our home, and my wife and I would like to move in the next year or so. We are currently in a small older community, not far from a moderate sized midwestern city’s downtown. I just realized most of the neighborhoods I have been looking at, do not have sidewalks, and It made me wonder about what neighborhood features would be good or bad for someone with a visual impairment. Forgive me if I sound ignorant, but if we move, I want to make sure we will not stifle her independence.
I would guess things like sidewalks, and access to public transportation would be beneficial in the future, but I would really love to hear what would make an ideal neighborhood to raise my little girl. Also, if I am being ridiculous and it makes no difference at all, please let me know that too.
Thanks!
The reason for my post, is that we have outgrown our home, and my wife and I would like to move in the next year or so. We are currently in a small older community, not far from a moderate sized midwestern city’s downtown. I just realized most of the neighborhoods I have been looking at, do not have sidewalks, and It made me wonder about what neighborhood features would be good or bad for someone with a visual impairment. Forgive me if I sound ignorant, but if we move, I want to make sure we will not stifle her independence.
I would guess things like sidewalks, and access to public transportation would be beneficial in the future, but I would really love to hear what would make an ideal neighborhood to raise my little girl. Also, if I am being ridiculous and it makes no difference at all, please let me know that too.
Thanks!
[deleted] 14 points 4y ago
[deleted]
Tmacd1 [OP] 6 points 4y ago
This is exactly what I was hoping to hear. We are fortunate that she has received a lot of support from her TVI. She is usually pretty comfortable without her cane, but we feel that learning how to use it early is very important.
I will definitely be looking for walkable neighborhoods with access to public transportation. Even if the public transportation is mostly riding as a family, I feel it will be important to get her feel comfortable with it.
Ride sharing will definitely be great for her in the future as well.
So cool your dad works in assistive technology, I am really grateful for what is already available, and excited about what will come.
Thank you.
I will definitely be looking for walkable neighborhoods with access to public transportation. Even if the public transportation is mostly riding as a family, I feel it will be important to get her feel comfortable with it.
Ride sharing will definitely be great for her in the future as well.
So cool your dad works in assistive technology, I am really grateful for what is already available, and excited about what will come.
Thank you.
[deleted] 5 points 4y ago
[deleted]
jrs12 13 points 4y ago
In my opinion, access to public transportation is the most important piece. Sidewalks are good too.
Tmacd1 [OP] 5 points 4y ago
Thank you for your reply. I will definitely make sure to look for a walkable neighborhood with sidewalks, and access to public transportation.
Might even be a bigger house in our current neighborhood, as I feel like we have it pretty good in those areas.
Might even be a bigger house in our current neighborhood, as I feel like we have it pretty good in those areas.
TK_Sleepytime 8 points 4y ago
I am legally blind and have been since I was an infant. I grew up in the middle of nowhere in western IL. No sidewalks, lots of gravel roads, no public transportation.
I loved it.
But when it became clear that I would be dependent on others if I stayed there, I went to college and have been a city girl ever since. It took me a long time to figure out transportation. So, even if you decide to live in the middle of nowhere, take trips into the city and use public transportation often. Airport practice is also helpful. My first flight was to a foreign country at age 20 haha! Had no clue about terminals and people movers and gates.
I loved it.
But when it became clear that I would be dependent on others if I stayed there, I went to college and have been a city girl ever since. It took me a long time to figure out transportation. So, even if you decide to live in the middle of nowhere, take trips into the city and use public transportation often. Airport practice is also helpful. My first flight was to a foreign country at age 20 haha! Had no clue about terminals and people movers and gates.
Tmacd1 [OP] 6 points 4y ago
This is great. I had my ideas about what would be the right environment, but also thought there is really no right answer that works for everyone. I’m comforted by the idea that people are very adaptable, and I know my girl would thrive about anywhere. We are sort of near the city, and I’m feeling like we are pretty happy in this area. Maybe we look for a slightly bigger house in the neighborhood. We can never decide this stuff. Lol
Thanks
Thanks
jofish22 6 points 4y ago
It sounds like walkability scores might be your friend, as they incorporate sidewalks, public transit, etc. They’re not perfect and above or below certain scores it doesn’t really matter — an 86 and a 92 may well be interchangeable for practical purposes, as are a 13 and a 22 — but it’s a useful first approximation.
Tmacd1 [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Hadn’t heard about walkability scores. I’ll have to look into this when we are planning a move.
Thank you
Thank you
JackEsq 5 points 4y ago
Nothing to add to this specifically, but just wanted to reach out. My daughter is 4 and legally blind. I wish you the best and if you need someone to chat with hit me up.
Tmacd1 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Thank you, and please feel free to reach out to me as well.
tasareinspace 5 points 4y ago
Accessible Pedestrian Signals! (The beepy crosswalks. My daughter has some vision but still struggles finding and focusing on the visual signal)
Tmacd1 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Good to know. Thank you
BlueRock956 1 points 4y ago
Yeah, sidewalks are a plus when looking at hoods to move into. Consider having a bus station near by, and the schools too.
My biggest suggestion as an independent blind traveler would be to let her use her cane. It’s certainly quicker and easier to do sighted guide, but you’ll regret it in the long run. If she uses her cane, she could follow your footsteps, or you can give her directions as you go, or before you start walking, and she’ll be developing awesome skills
Look into the National Organization for Parents of Blind Children, and read literacy by the National Federation of the Blind. I’m a member, and the organization has given me a positive outlook in life-blindness.
My biggest suggestion as an independent blind traveler would be to let her use her cane. It’s certainly quicker and easier to do sighted guide, but you’ll regret it in the long run. If she uses her cane, she could follow your footsteps, or you can give her directions as you go, or before you start walking, and she’ll be developing awesome skills
Look into the National Organization for Parents of Blind Children, and read literacy by the National Federation of the Blind. I’m a member, and the organization has given me a positive outlook in life-blindness.
Tmacd1 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
That’s great to know. Not yet familiar with the NOPBC, but I’ll look into it. We definitely encourage her to use or not use her cane as she feels comfortable. She’s pretty independent and adventurous, so we want to make sure she has the skills and tools she needs to feel confident.
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