Mental Barriers Ongoing Obstacle for Disabled Travelers

Posted by Andrew Leibs Nov 14, 2008

I was flying home, obsessing over the bus; the one I had to catch at the airport to take me the rest of the way, the one leaving within minutes of my arrival. My friend had said, “Just, when you get your bag, go out through the doors to where people are standing …there’s signs; it’s right there…”

For those with 20/20 vision, such directions are more than enough. But for me, being told, “you can’t miss it” only underscores my sight impairment.

I knew the general herding towards baggage claim would get me within yards of where I had to be. But finding the right sign or bench to stand by, my lone task, ratcheted my anxiety for the entire flight.

Outside the terminal, I hurried up and down the sidewalk: no signs. Shuttles, cars, and taxis stopped in front of me and across streets on succeeding sidewalks. I considering crossing, when I saw first the colors, then the letters of my bus slowed behind a cab. I ran up and hit the door. The driver stopped and let me on.

I felt relieved, even victorious till the bus, after a short distance, pulled into its designated stop marked with signage even I could decipher.

Accessible travel has many solutions. I had enough vision to get around, though not enough to escape being bewildered, clumsy, and embarrassed, all in the same minute on a small stretch of sidewalk.

Later on, I called the airport’s public service office and learned of its “meet and greet” program; any disabled traveler requesting help is met and given assistance.

I mention my visual impairment now when I fly. Once a flight attendant knelt beside me and asked, “Are you going to need anything when we land?” I said, “My goodness, where should I start?” I didn’t need any help that day, but just knowing services exist, imagining airport people watching attentively for me as I might for a bus makes traveling more enjoyable.