‘Many Roads to Rome’ by Pasha Alden

Whether globe trotting on a well earned break, or simply attending an important meeting it is safe to say that there are many ways to kill a cat or should the adage be adapted to read ‘Many roads to Rome?

Despite the limitations brought about by blindness there are many myths.  One of these is that blind people always travel on the arm of someone.  This is in some situations certainly the case.  However, through completing a course in mobility, that is the use of a long cane, or a guide-dog, travelling independently can be a most liberating experience for people who are blind.  

What is important is that the traveler is always in full control of their situation, having as much knowledge of the place to be visited, that is land marks, location, address and the like;  the location of documents, including identity documents, telephone numbers and the like.

To illustrate this I shall share a recent experience I had.  This will cast some light on globe trotting among blind people and the joy derived from this liberating experience:

It is 5h45 am on 20 July 2009.  I am sitting in my lounge and with my spouse at my side, and my faithful guide-dog, Suki , harnessed up,  awaiting the shuttle booked by my employers to  transport me to Port Elizabeth International. 

At last the shuttle driver arrives.  He greets, and most importantly introduces himself (if he did not, I would not climb into the shuttle).  Once arrived in Port Elizabeth, I walk with the driver to the airport and find the appropriate departure terminal.  I am met by a friendly ground hostess, charged  with the responsibility to “meet and assist” me, meaning, once all formalities such as checking in and obtaining my boarding pass were out of the way, she was responsible for my well being and escorting me onto the aircraft.

From the onset, it is evident to me that she is not unfamiliar with blind people and their special needs, but especially those travelling with their guide-dogs. After obtaining permission from the captain, Suki is accepted on to the local flight. Finally, we check in and with my boarding pass in hand. I pick up the harness of my guide-dog and walk alongside the ground hostess. 

Prior to checking through security she enquires whether I wish to give my guide-dog, a black Labrador, one last chance to relieve herself.  Subsequently this is done, as the ground hostess spirits her off to a clean lawn to do the necessary and Suki is returned to me and I harness her up. 

With a feeling of liberation, Suki and I, with the ground hostess in attendance, make our way through security gate and await the arrival of the plane.  Once Suki and I are welcomed by the captain on the tarmac we are handed over to the air hostess and make our way down the narrow aisle.  I find a row with only one seat booked ensuring that Suki has adequate room to rest easily on the plane. This is common practice among airlines in South Africa. 

I am given all the safety tips in Braille to read.  The safety exit is pointed out to me by way of a count of the rows behind me.  Take-off.  My moment of anxiety, as Suki has not traveled by plane with me for quite some time. 
Instead of bolting down the aisle she quietly lifts her head and places it on my knees I would imagine if she could speak she would say: “What in heavens name is that noise?!” Despite some hesitation she handles take-off like the truly clever guide-dog she is.

Once passengers are settled in, cabin staff hand me a much needed snack.  I ask what is on the plate and make my choice; I am asked whether I need assistance with the opening of any of the packages, plates and the like.  I do not as I am capable of dealing with these through 39 years of living with blindness and countless flights under my belt.  Of course, this will vary from person to person so it is not an offense to offer assistance to blind people. 

On landing, Suki and I are handed over to ground staff, who assist me to the next shuttle, which was late, due to a misunderstanding regarding the correct address where I should be picked up.  I resort to calling the shuttle and shortly the driver appears. Again my driver identifies himself.  I confirm that he has indeed been given the correct address to take me to the Human Rights Commission in Park Town, which we establish he has.  At that point I arrange a pick up time, and request the driver to wait should my meeting detain me longer than expected. I make sure that the driver will hand the message to whoever is responsible for driving me back to the airport. 

As you can see, when travelling independently it is important that blind people are fully in control of their environment and the various situations they will face. 

At the Human Rights Commissioner’s offices I am ushered into reception and met by the Secretary who offers me the use of the bathrooms for a much needed comfort break.  While inside, she orientates me by way of pointing out the left tap for hot water and the right for cold water (placing both hands on the taps).  She points out the soap and hand towels to me by doing the same.

Once all formalities are completed I am offered tea, to be followed by lunch, as I have travelled far and should, according to her, be famished.  I thank her.  Once seated comfortably, my guide-dog lying calmly at my feet, I am offered lunch.  With no Braille menu available, the Secretary reads the menu to me.  I make my choice and await the luncheon.  

The meal over, I again run through my Braille notes containing important points to raise during the meeting. The meeting is concluded successfully and the day’s work is over.

At the airport my guide-dog acts as an ice-breaker between me and the public as a fellow traveler on my flight then offers me assistance.  We decide to still allow the staff responsible for “meet and assist”, as carrying all my bags and handling the guide-dog may require several hands. 
At last we are ushered into a room where passengers requiring assistance await” meet and assist”.

Finally, it is time for our departure from OR Thambo International.  Again I make my way onto the plane.  Suki, more familiar with the take-off, barely responds to the deafening noise.

We arrive in Port Elizabeth.  Once all passengers have disembarked, Suki and I, along with our newly acquired friend make our way off the plane.  I need some assistance down very steep stairs.  Once safe, Suki and I proceed to the airport buildings.  It is fortunate that Suki managed to draw the attention of my new found friend, as my shuttle was unavailable to pick me up.

My friend kindly assists me to the family vehicle and I manage to contact the relevant persons to rearrange the shuttle.  After an hour and a half, the transport arrives to take me back home.

In conclusion, whether from my country South Africa, or any other place in the world it is safe to point out that sensitization and awareness will go a long way.  With this in mind it is important that readers remember the following when assisting blind people who are travelling:

• Firstly, remember, it is not an offense to offer assistance, however, it is important to allow the blind person to explain how assistance should be given.
• Secondly, should you be required to take a blind person without a guide-dog or white cane to a specific place, follow what is known as “the sighted guide” technique by allowing the blind person to take hold of your arm, just above the elbow.  Remember to allow for the fact that two people sometimes need to walk through narrow spaces, such as aisles, by tucking your arm that is held in behind your back.  This will move the blind person, who was half a step behind you, even further behind you and ensure that you both make your way safely through a narrow space.
• In conclusion, it is fitting to say: “Bon Voyage” and many a fine travelling memory!

Up and Up is a mobile computer literacy training organization that has been formed to supply the blind & visually impaired learners of today with the computer literacy skills they may require. Based in Port Elizabeth, George and Cape Town, Up and Up is growing fast and supplying all provinces in South Africa with computer literacy training.