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Thread: here are my tips for social distancing as a blind person. Please drop in with your own tips or any questions that you have.
When going somewhere like the supermarket, I will try and call in advance to find out their opening hours and what kind of queueing system they have in place. I can also let them know I'll need someone to assist me with shopping.
It gives them the chance to ask questions, rather than turn me away at the door because they think I can't maintain distance. When shopping, I will either get the person assisting me to pull the trolley while I hold the other end, or I will pull it with directions.
If you still feel like that distance isn't enough, you can get them to pull the trolley, following it and making contact with your cane. Putting an extra cane lengths distance between you.
This is also how I'd approach a guiding situation. Rather than taking human guide, you can ask for directions, or if someone is walking with you you can follow them or walk in front and receive directions.
Could you ever encounter a situation where someone is stood quietly and you get in their space. It's possible, which is why I'd encourage lots of hand washing and wearing a mask. But with a decent length cane and appropriate technique, this has happened very rarely.
I've actually found it harder when I'm with people, because I'm listening to their directions or carrying on a conversation, so not paying as much attention to my surroundings. I'm a much stronger solo traveler and haven't found myself in a situation where I'm too close.
Being clear about what you need is so important. When I get on a bus I will ask the driver to tell me where there are free seats, and be really clear that I need verbal directions. Normally I'd use my cane to look for one, but I want to know I've found a socially distanced spot.
