Traveling is a very enjoyable activity. Most people in Indonesia, and even abroad, love this activity. Traveling allows one to visit places never before seen and to learn about local cultures. Did you know? Visually impaired individuals also enjoy traveling. Despite their limitations, their desire to explore new places remains undiminished.
Based on interviews with visually impaired friends at UNINUS BANDUNG campus, most of them always travel during holidays. They admit wanting to experience a new atmosphere in the cities they visit. It's not uncommon for them to travel alone. Armed only with sufficient supplies, money, and a white cane, they journey solo to their destinations. They claim never to fear getting lost during their travels because they prepare their routes and transportation options beforehand. Typically, before a trip, they ask friends who have previously visited the intended destination.
The things they typically ask about include:
- Confirming the mode of transportation to be used
- The price of tickets/fares to get there
- Interesting places in that city
- Accommodation locations
These are the things they always keep in mind to avoid getting lost during long journeys. “I will arrive early, board the ship, and walk around the ship so I can familiarize myself with the mobility inside,“ Anton asserted. He often does this when traveling by sea and spending days on the ship. His goal is not just to sit idly waiting to reach the destination, but also to be able to move around the ship and enjoy the journey.
However, despite preparing everything for their travels, visually impaired individuals admit to frequently encountering obstacles. Uncertain departure schedules and unclear ticket purchasing locations are common hurdles. Furthermore, public facilities often lack accessibility for people with disabilities.
Hopefully, in the future, the government will make improvements in terms of systems, facilities, and infrastructure in public places for people with disabilities. This way, people with disabilities can enjoy traveling comfortably with accessible facilities.(Danu)
Editor: Risma