By Emily Luz | From BayLines Express, February, 2021
I am a missionary, professional artist/writer and technology expert. I have been an advocate for the blind for the past thirty-four years. I was born with optic nerve gliomas, rendering me legally blind in both eyes with a vision of about 20/800. I was mainstreamed in school and graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts. My professional career has been interesting, always focusing on technology and helping underserved populations. Currently I am living in central Massachusetts.
As a child I always dreamed of traveling the world, but because I was born legally blind with depth perception limitations and a temperature disorder, I wondered if these dreams would always remain just that. As technology evolved and my self-confidence grew, I came to believe that these were simply challenges for me to overcome.
My love of adventure has led me to travel to various places in the United States both on my own and with family. I have also traveled internationally to Canada, Ireland, Scotland, Bermuda, and Brazil, which is where my husband and his family are from.
I use a combination of high and low tech. My high-tech device is my Android smartphone. I primarily use apps such as Google Maps, my preferred airline app, Be My Eyes, WhatsApp, BARD, and Email. For low-tech I have a pair of magnifying glasses, a monocular, and my red and white cane. Throughout my journeys, there are five tips I have learned that help me. I hope they help you too!
1. Plan well in advance: Search the vast libraries of BARD and Bookshare for travel books on your destination. Study a new language to speak with locals and learn how to use Google Translate. Familiarize yourself with Google Maps about where you will be staying, as well as the best ways of getting around town. Research local cuisine and whether you may have any allergies to these foods. Everyone has their own needs when it comes to mobility so do not be afraid to contact a mobility coach who can help you. Pay your bills in advance, send your travel itinerary to at least two people, and try to have some extra savings just in case.
2. Bring a friend or arrange for a guide: Bring someone with you the first time you venture away from your comfort zone. Ask a friend or family member to travel with you, pay for their trip if possible, and be clear about the purpose of the trip, whether it’s sightseeing or for a conference. If you are going it alone, locate travel services where you will be staying and see if you can get an English-speaking tour guide. If neither of these options are available, make use of great apps like Be My Eyes and Aira.
3. Be prepared for emergencies: You can enroll in the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) for free. This will alert you about any border closings or emergencies that require evacuation. Make copies of all your important documents and keep them in a separate bag from the originals. These include your passport, tickets, ID/credit cards, and any other important documents. Keep the address of the nearest U.S. Consulate with you; they can help if you lose your passport. Make sure to bring some local currency along with your credit card (not a debit card for your security). If you need to withdraw cash, most countries have ATM’s with Braille and accessible headphone jacks. Lastly, alert your bank and cell phone carrier about your impending travel to be sure they do not lock your accounts.
4. Stock your carry-on: In case your luggage does not arrive at your destination, have important items in your carry-on. This will save you many headaches. Bring extra socks, undergarments, medications, accessibility and other electronic devices, and chargers in your carry-on. Purchase travel insurance through your airline carrier. If your bags get lost/damaged, they will do their best to bring your items to you or have them replaced. In the meantime, this tip will have you covered.
5. Do not be afraid: Whether it is a pandemic, mosquitos, or threats of violence, there will always be something on the news to make you afraid. While there are some reasonable limitations, both the local governments and the travel industry will keep you informed and as safe as possible. You may have to take health screenings, vaccines, fill out paperwork, or quarantine, but airplanes will continue to fly, and people will continue to travel.
I am truly blessed for the opportunities I have had to travel, for the people I have met, and for the amazing sights I have seen. In our recent trip to Brazil, my husband and I had the opportunity to do some Urban missionary work for those who have lost everything. None of this would have been possible if I did not take a leap of faith, get my passport, and believe in what God has for me. Get your passport and see what adventures you can take!