3 tips for blind and visually impaired people on the go
Tip van Lowie: maak jezelf zichtbaar
Not everyone will be able to see or know that you are visually impaired. It is therefore important to make this clear. Especially when you are on the road and, for example, blending in with traffic. Therefore, make sure that you are recognisable, for example by using a recognition stick or tactile stick. Wearing an “I am visually impaired” button also ensures better visibility and recognition. This way, fellow road users know that you have a visual impairment and they can take this into account. It is mandatory to stop for someone using a white cane.
Tip from Johan: Choose the right public transport travel product
You will often have to rely on public transport when you want to get out and about, especially if it involves longer distances. Many carriers offer travel products to make it easier for blind and visually impaired people to travel by public transport. For example, the NS Business Card has now been made available for people with a visual impairment. This allows you to travel on account and therefore you only have to pay afterwards. This prevents amounts from being debited if you accidentally check in or out incorrectly. The OV-chip Plus also allows you to travel on account without having to check in or out. You book your journey by phone and can also go here for extra help, such as having your bill read out to you.
can use the OV Begeleiderskaart. You can then bring a companion who travels with you free of charge. The card is in your name, allowing several companions to travel with you. For more information on these travel products, contact the carrier or the eye association.
Tip from Joost: Use small banknotes and pin contactless
Banknotes can be recognised by their size. The higher the amount, the bigger the note. But, if you only have one note in your hands, you cannot compare the size with other notes and it is difficult to estimate how much money you have in your hand. Therefore, when collecting money from the bank or ATM, always choose equal notes, and preferably of a low amount. This way, you will know better how much money you have on you and you will be less likely to make a mistake. For smaller amounts, you can now also pay contactless in more and more shops. You hold your debit card against the payment terminal and the amount is debited from your account without having to enter your PIN code. This makes paying a little faster and easier. For amounts above € 25, you often have to enter your PIN. For more information on contactless payments, please contact your bank.