Transportation can be a big barrier to employment for people who are blind or have low vision (B/LV). Finding transportation to and from work is an important piece of the employment puzzle. If you are a B/LV person, here are some research-based recommendations:
Get orientation and mobility (O&M) training. In O&M training, you will learn travel and transportation skills. Participating in O&M training is linked to lower stress while using public transportation for B/LV people. Ask your vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselor if you would benefit from O&M training. Learn more in our article summary: Stress Associated with Transportation.
Practice using public transportation. Using public transportation each month can help lower your transportation stress. Practice travel skills by using public transportation regularly. Learn more about using public transportation.
As you look for a job, think about how you will get to and from work. The job search process can be busy, and you may forget to think about transportation. Turning down a job because you can’t figure out a transportation arrangement is bad for everyone. Talk to your VR counselor and other trusted advisors about your transportation options and problem-solve any obstacles ahead of time. Learn more in our article summary: Findings from a National Transportation Survey of Individuals who are Blind and Visually Impaired.
Talk to your VR counselor or B/LV friends if transportation (or the lack of it) is negatively impacting your life. Transportation barriers often impact activities that aren’t on a regular schedule or that happen in the evenings and weekends, like entertainment or shopping. Try making a schedule and brainstorm how to find transportation for each activity. Learn more about the impacts of lack of transportation.
Do you live near public transportation? Moving may not be easy, but there are benefits to living near public transportation. If you are looking for a job, you may want to relocate to a city to increase your transportation options. Learn more about the benefits of living near public transportation.
Consider using bioptics. This technology allows some people with low vision to drive. Learn more about driving with bioptics and ask your eye doctor if this option is right for you.
NRTC Transportation Briefs
- Navigating Your Neighborhood
- Public Transportation
- ADA Requirements for Fixed-Route Transit and Paratransit Services
- Comparison of Public Transit Modes
- When Might They be Breaking the Law- Potential ADA Violations vs. a Bad Day on Transit
- Ride Hailing Services- A Few Things You May Not Know
A Transportation Guide for Persons who are Blind or Have Low Vision
This comprehensive guide, designed for persons who are blind or have low vision and those who serve them, contains updated information about finding and using transportation options.
- A Transportation Guide for Persons who are Blind or Have Low Vision - Word
- A Transportation Guide for Persons who are Blind or Have Low Vision - PDF
Customized Transportation Plan
This plan is meant to generate conversation between you and your vocational rehabilitation counselor about your transportation situation. The questions guide you to consider various transportation routes, your transportation history, and your transportation options.
