Useful Advice - Mobility
Consider getting about safely
Getting about is more difficult if your sight is poor. The KAB has specially trained mobility instructors to help. They give advice and train people to travel independently or simply to find their way in their own home and garden with confidence. It is possible to overcome difficulties by making simple changes or by learning new techniques.
These ideas might make walking and gardening easier:-
Light the porch, steps and pathways. Paint the edges of the steps white or yellow and add a hand-rail. Cut back the greenery when it encroaches over the path. Use brightly coloured gardens tools and furniture.
Carry a white cane or walking stick. This will indicate to friends, pedestrians and drivers that you have poor sight. Use it to check the depth and position of steps and kerbs.
Wear a cap, eyeshade or tinted glasses to reduce glare. Use a distance viewing aid to see bus numbers and street names.
Hold your companion's arm just above the elbow. This will give you control over your walking speed and make you feel safer and more confident. Ask for the leaflet 'How to Guide' which gives further advice.
If your sight is very poor consider applying for a guide dog, training to walk using a long cane, or just talk your concerns over with us. We will help you find solutions. Guide Dogs for the Blind Association have a local office at Nina Frigenti House, 46 Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5LP Telephone 01622 695503.
Remember if you are a driving licence holder:
It is an offence to drive a vehicle on the road if you cannot pass the number plate test. You must also be able to see clearly out of the corner of your eyes. You must not have double vision. You must be able to see clearly at night.
If you notice a change in your eyesight you should consult your Optometrist.
Help with Transport
Kent Karrier operate a weekly Dial-a-Bus service in Canterbury, Deal, Dover, Maidstone, Medway, Swale, Tonbridge and Malling as well as Tunbridge Wells. For a small charge people who are disabled or elderly and unable to use a bus can be collected from home and taken to the town centre. Ring 01622 696924 for details.
People who are registered may be eligible for concessionary travel by bus and train. Volunteer car services operate in most areas. There is a new train, bus and coach timetable information service known as TBC Hotline. This is available from 6am to 9pm every day on 0891 910 910. Enquirers can be given timetable information and make credit card bookings.
For more travel information contact the numbers below:
Rail: 08457 48 49 50
Traveline: 0871 200 22 33 or the website: www.traveline.info
The Blue Badge Scheme allows certain parking concessions. It is available to people who have great difficulty in walking, or who are registered as Blind. Apply to your local Social Services department.