I am visually impaired and am not allowed to drive. I don't live in a big city. Advice?

Question

Should I just move a big city? Or are there services I can sign up for for transportation? Thanks!

Answer 1

That's hard to answer without knowing exactly where you are. But usually if your talking about the US, then your probably screwed. In alot of other first world countries like in Western Europe, they have a decent enough public transportation system that even people in smaller villages have ample alternatives to driving.

So you really have two options, either move to a big city or move to Western Europe and live wherever you want there.

Answer 2

I lived at a place called Cherry Creek Tennis and Sailing Club in Glendale, Colorado. It was a large complex. There were many visually impaired people living there.

There is a school nearby where they all attended. They would walk with their canes to the bus stop every day.

The school they went to (I don't know the name) helped push the students to their limits. It seems like they were always going skydiving and doing other activities.

One time skiing at Breckenridge there were two guys wearing orange vests with a leash between them. One was blind and the other was a guide. The blind skier was better than many skiers with 20/20.

Denver is fairly flat with plenty of sidewalks. There is bus transportation everywhere. Only about 1 mile worth I would consider cityish. The remainder is endless streets and avenues of neighborhoods.

Climate-wise, Denver is comfortable. It's got a dry heat and a dry cold. Also, it seems like almost everyday has nice blue sky.

Good luck.

Answer 3

If your town has a public transportation and you don't live on a bus rout, tehy are required to provide some kind of "paratransit" service. This may prove difficult, however. Many towns don't do this, despite the law--or make it very restrictive.

To be blunt, yes--you are much better off in a municipal area with a decent public transportation system. In the US, though, be aware that most cities are way behind in this regard. Mass transit in the US is relatively crude and with very limited availability except for a few cities. The thing you need to look for are close-in (ususally revitalizing) neighborhoods. Avoid the suburbs at all costs (meaning just that--you will find yourself in worse shape than in living in a small town).

Older, restored neighborhoods close to a train or bus line are best. The neighbord will be accessible on foot, including shops, restaurants,etc--and public transportation for longer trips wil be handy. It need not cost more--I live in such an area and pay less rent than the average suburban apartment costs. And this is alow-crime area, although located in an intown area.

Some good cities (note--more cities are starting to take public transport and revitalization seriously--so this list isn't cmplete and is/will get longer):

Neew York/Philadelphia
WashingtonDC
Atlanta (intown)
New Orleans S(some areas)
Phoenix (when they finish their light rail--trolly--system)
San Francisco
Chicago

Also--look at older "port cities" Like Savannah, Charleston, etc. The "old town" areas in such towns are frequently ideal for getting around on foot and have excellant residential areas.

Answer 4

heyy me too!!
i cant drive either...but im not living on my own yet. but next yr i'll b in college so, i mite have the same problem.

anyway, i dont think you have to necessarily move. i kno where i live, there's this program called paratransit. they'll pick you up from work, home ect. and take you to like doctor's offices, grocery stores, and basically wherever you need to. however, you will need to like set up a date and time in advanced. there's also a similar thing in New Jersey called Access Link. they do the same thing.

you could also try public transit. im learning about all of that rite now. luckily, i live near a bus stop and train station..i still need a ride but thats wut brothers are for ;). but i know when im older, i'd like the independence of gettling places on my own sometimes too.

so anyway, try finding out if there's any sort of program like the ones above near you or just try public trans. if none of these work out...then maybe a big city would be ideal...but i suggest trying these first.

good luck :)

Answer 5

Big cities are more likely to have public transportation, but not all do. Some smaller cities have better more user friendly systems. Don't move until you know for sure - and try it out for a few days. Every public transportation system for people with disabities has a way for you to use their system while you are visiting.

Answer 6

I am visually impaired too... I am faced with the same problem. I am not sure if moving to a different city would help you. It may as far as that particular state law goes.

Good Luck!

Feel free to e-mail me for questions or just support.

[e-mail]

Answer 7

If your town is small enough maybe you can walk were you need to go. My grandma didn't drive but lived alone in a tiny town until she was 96 walking everywhere, but broke her leg so had to go to assisted living.
If you work maybe a car pool would work for you or hire a local housewife or high school student to drive you places.

Answer 8

unfortunately there is no way for anybody to give you an answer to your question because you haven't said where you live. Since you can use a computer you can look up on your computer what services your town has available look up how to get the services that you need. Good luck.

Answer 9

Many eye doctors have resourses for you. If you are visually impaired you may qualify for different services. Many areas fo the country have blind centers that can guide you to get the transportation you need.

Answer 10

Your Local Department of Human Services may be able to help. You Might want to try United Way 211 is their 3 digit phone number. Try also the local church.