For Christmas I flew to France alone to stay with my son and daughter in law. To fly alone almost blind is not that difficult. Firstly from my flat to Waterloo by Taxi. At Waterloo the "assistance" takes care of me and puts me on the right train . At Southampton airport station I was met by further "assistance" who took care of my luggage and helped me off the train and into the airport. Here a new "assistance" saw me through the check in and customs and onto the plane. There I was given my own personal run through of safety procedures by a charming hostess. On arrival in Rennes I was assisted to the arrivals lounge where my son met me.As at my flat I know the layout of my sons house very well and so can navigate around it without too many mishaps. Talk of navigating when staying with my son I am allowed to drive his sit on mower - but always with assistance and shouts of directions like "straight on" "now left" etc etc - I miss my driving and in the war in Burma I used to drive 3 tonners , 15cwt and a jeep in my role for the Womens Auxilliary Services Burma ( WASBI).
Amongst my essential personal aids for blindness I have -
A computerised magnifying reader in my flat , as well as a portable reader which fits in my handbag.
A talking watch and alarm clock.
A talking microwave oven.
A computer complete with a programme that reads the screen pages to me .
A Parrot voicemate that dials my telephone numbers for me .
A talking thermometer
A talking kitchen timer.
And for the "cool grandmother "my MP3 for audio books and CD's.
And lastly but most importantly my magic white wand - a folding white cane. This can be unfolded instantaneously when required but normally for keeping my balance I use a sturdy stick.
Other blind people have commented to me that one of their major problems is carrying shopping back whilst trying to use 2 sticks - an impossible situation ; I have the answer!! - a small haversack to take your shopping and leave your hands free. My haversack was a free gift that came with the purchase of a pair of trousers - it was at this point that I had this idea.
