Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Stairs and depth perception (self.Blind)
submitted by AlwaysLilly
Maybe I’m just overthinking this, I just don’t know anyone IRL that can relate. For context, I’m highly myopic with RoP and Strabismus but my retinas have been as stable as can be expected and I avoid driving in congested areas. In the past couple of years, I’ve noticed stairs are becoming harder to navigate.
In my home, I can sometimes use one set of stairs without holding a railing, but I often misjudge the top step/landing (there’s a color change on the landing idk if that’s relevant) which makes me step too hard and then I am off balance. Recently when I was at a hiking trail with family where there were stone stairs and stones all around it took me 15+ minutes to get down as there were no railings and I kept feeling like I was going to fall even though the steps were set up like a standard staircase.
I plan to mention the issue at my annual exam, but I don’t know if there’s anything I should do in the meantime? I try to just always use railings and let others go before me so I can take my time if I need to.
In my home, I can sometimes use one set of stairs without holding a railing, but I often misjudge the top step/landing (there’s a color change on the landing idk if that’s relevant) which makes me step too hard and then I am off balance. Recently when I was at a hiking trail with family where there were stone stairs and stones all around it took me 15+ minutes to get down as there were no railings and I kept feeling like I was going to fall even though the steps were set up like a standard staircase.
I plan to mention the issue at my annual exam, but I don’t know if there’s anything I should do in the meantime? I try to just always use railings and let others go before me so I can take my time if I need to.
-shacklebolt- 4 points 3y ago
At home, it sounds like perhaps using the railing is good enough?
Out of the house, have you received orientation and mobility services? Do you use a cane?
Out of the house, have you received orientation and mobility services? Do you use a cane?
AlwaysLilly [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Yeah for the most part the railing works well I’ve started using smaller laundry baskets too so I can always see the stairs etc.
I haven’t received any orientation and mobility services. It’s never been offered. Would I talk to my optometrist about it?
I haven’t received any orientation and mobility services. It’s never been offered. Would I talk to my optometrist about it?
-shacklebolt- 3 points 3y ago
Your eye doctor might be able to point you in the right direction.
In the US, usually your state's department of rehabilitation or vocational rehab would take you on as a client and arrange orientation and mobility services for you (along with other services) so if you haven't already, you would want to try to sign on with that.
Some people decide to go to comprehensive training programs like https://cocenter.org/ which provide months of residential training not just on cane skills but various job and life skills.
In the US, usually your state's department of rehabilitation or vocational rehab would take you on as a client and arrange orientation and mobility services for you (along with other services) so if you haven't already, you would want to try to sign on with that.
Some people decide to go to comprehensive training programs like https://cocenter.org/ which provide months of residential training not just on cane skills but various job and life skills.
AlwaysLilly [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Interesting, thank you. I am in the states so I’ll look into that.
Ten086 3 points 3y ago
Hey! I'm sighted and just browsing the subreddit out of curiosity so unfortunately I don't have advice. I just wanted to share a relevant research project that a lab I'm interning at did a while ago about using augmented reality to make visualizations for stair navigation:
$1
I just thought it was really neat and thought you might be interested. If the PDF isn't accessible, let me know and I'll summarize!
I don't want to give unwarranted advice, so I just wanted to say that I really hope you find something that's helpful, good luck!
$1
I just thought it was really neat and thought you might be interested. If the PDF isn't accessible, let me know and I'll summarize!
I don't want to give unwarranted advice, so I just wanted to say that I really hope you find something that's helpful, good luck!
noaimpara 2 points 3y ago
I use a cane but I still use the railing and stare at my feet because I’m fucking awful with stairs. I have no advice to give, I just relate.
AlwaysLilly [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I appreciate the empathy. It’s tough feeling like something so simple can be a struggle.
CAHWY17 2 points 3y ago
I use my cane to help define the stairs, often the color eliminates my ability to see the edge of a stair and even knowing its X inches high and deep is no assurance, so good cane skills are my key.
bjayernaeiy 2 points 3y ago
Using a white cane is the solution
[deleted] 2 points 3y ago
[deleted]
AlwaysLilly [OP] 2 points 3y ago
Thanks for the suggestions. I imagined that O&M would be best to seek out when the pandemic has settled a bit. We have lower numbers in my state (Northeast) but with how the country's going at this point, I'm not expecting things to stay relaxed.
Thankfully, I usually go out with my kids or husband so there's usually an arm to hold for support. :)
Thankfully, I usually go out with my kids or husband so there's usually an arm to hold for support. :)
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 3y ago
I'm kind of in the same boat. I really need some training, but the place I was going to go to for it is holding off until things cool down as well.
In the meantime, my technique for stairs is to feel for the edge of the step with my toe when going up or heel when going down.
Another effect of the current situation is that I've been avoiding handrails, so I go pretty slow.
In the meantime, my technique for stairs is to feel for the edge of the step with my toe when going up or heel when going down.
Another effect of the current situation is that I've been avoiding handrails, so I go pretty slow.
AlwaysLilly [OP] 2 points 3y ago
Good to know! Also, OT but what games do you play/what platform? I’m just on console but gaming is one of my hobbies. I just don’t have much variety these days.
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 3y ago
Like a bunch of other people, I just started The Last of Us Part II. The accessibility features are very nice.
I've also played things like Skyrim and Fallout, FPSs and racing simulators on PC.
I'll play different things depending on how bad my vision is at any given time.
I've also played things like Skyrim and Fallout, FPSs and racing simulators on PC.
I'll play different things depending on how bad my vision is at any given time.
-shacklebolt- 1 points 3y ago
Keep in mind that it might take quite some time to get from signing up for services to actually receiving them.
AlwaysLilly [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Noted, thanks!
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