Getting Out and About from The Chicago Lighthouse

Tech Tools for Living: Getting Out and About

Narrator: From our partners at the Chicago Lighthouse, introducing My Tools for Living, an overview of everyday tools for low vision. Walking in your neighborhood or heading out for some shopping and appointments. Getting around with vision loss can feel overwhelming. Many people worry about getting lost or crossing streets safely or feel uncomfortable about depending on others for transportation. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, but here's the good news. You don't need perfect vision to get where you want to go with confidence. You just need the right support, some helpful tools and a little planning. When it comes to getting out and about, a smartphone can be your best friend. It's like having a personal guide in your pocket. There are GPS and mapping apps that offer walking mode with spoken turn by turn directions so you don't have to look at a map or try to follow directions on a screen,

VoiceOver: 500 feet away, turn left on Lake Avenue.

Narrator: You can set your own destinations, the grocery store, the local park, your favorite restaurant, and the app will guide you. Some apps announce upcoming intersections or street names,

VoiceOver: 300 feet ahead, 24th Street,

Narrator: Many GPS apps pair easily with headphones so you can hear the instructions clearly as you move. Open ear audio, bone conduction headphones or wearable smart glasses can allow you to hear the directions without covering your ears, letting you put that phone away and walk hands free.

And ride hailing apps have accessibility settings to let drivers know you are low vision or blind, as well as are accessible to use with screen readers. With your phone screen reading technology, you can get audio feedback that tells you when your driver is arriving,

VoiceOver: Your driver has arrived.

Narrator: They can share your trip with a friend or family member to help you feel extra safe, and you can add your own accessibility preferences to your profile. Your local transit service can be a great option too. Paratransit offers accessible transportation with flexible routes and timing, and they often have voucher programs to help make getting a ride more affordable.

Pat: When I lost my vision, it was just a matter of no longer relying on the car. So I'm very familiar with the bus system, but I'm much more reliant now on the app on my phone. That way I can look in advance and know that there's a bus in 25 minutes or in 10 minutes. And then once I get to the bus hut, there is something on the bus hut that I never knew until I was visually impaired. There is a little button off to the side that emits a continuous beep so that people are blind or visually impaired and know where that button is and if it is working properly, you push that button and it will announce the upcoming buses, and that is extremely helpful to me.

Narrator: One simple tool that helps many people with vision loss travel more easily is the white cane and beyond the standard white cane, there are smart mobility tools that give you real time feedback about your surroundings. Some smart canes use sensors to detect obstacles or changes in the walking path. Some of them can identify crosswalks, doorways, or familiar landmarks, and they can pair with GPS for increased accuracy. These devices are designed to support your safety and independence while utilizing groundbreaking technology and they're becoming more and more mainstream with new innovations every year. You can find the solutions that feel most comfortable for you.

Monty: I'm taught how to use just a regular white cane and you know how to orient yourself and to navigate in spaces. I've learned to appreciate the low tech.

Narrator: Adding a little technology to your travel makes it easier to plan too, and that helps make your trips feel safer and run more smoothly. Before heading out, you can review your route and note the important landmarks or resting spots along the way. Apps that announce your current location or signal when it's time to turn, can help keep you pointed in the right direction.

Talkback: Coffee shop is 520 feet away.

Narrator: The common thread in all these tools is audio feedback, including spoken directions, alerts from ride services, vibration cues from wearables, and notifications about changes in your location. These features help you keep track of where you are so you can make decisions with confidence.

Talkback: Turn left at 32nd Street.

Narrator: Of course, basic safety is important too. It's always best to use safe crossing signals or talking crosswalk indicators whenever possible. And always make sure your phone or device is updated with your emergency contact information just in case. A little planning and preparation can go a long way in maintaining your independence. Traveling safely is an important part of daily life, but your independence doesn't stop there. In our next episode, we'll look at handling your finances with confidence too. Just like the right travel tools can help you move through the world, technology can also support you in managing your money. We'll explore accessible banking, budgeting, and other tools that help you stay on top of bills and payments with less stress and more control. And remember, the Chicago Lighthouse is here for help and guidance. To learn more, visit www MyToolsforLiving.com or call the Chicago Lighthouse's Tools for Living Store at 1-800-919-3375.