Travel & Independent Living Articles

Blind and visually impaired people navigate London every day and independence looks different depending on the person, the journey, and the support available. This collection covers what actually helps: from public transport access and everyday tech, to honest conversations about living with sight loss. No assumptions, no pity just what we've learned from the VIP community itself.

How to Talk to a Blind or Visually Impaired Person: A Practical Guide for First-Time Volunteers

Learn how to communicate confidently and respectfully with blind and visually impaired people. Practical tips for first-time volunteers, including how to offer help, start conversations, and avoid common mistakes.

How Blind and Visually Impaired People Use iPhones: Accessibility Features That Make Everyday Life Easier

How do blind and visually impaired people use iPhones? Explore VoiceOver, Magnifier, AI accessibility tools, and the future of independent travel.

How to Help a Blind or Visually Impaired Person in Public (Do’s & Don’ts)

Learn how to help a blind or visually impaired person in public with simple do’s and don’ts. A practical guide for everyday situations and volunteering in London.

What Do Blind and Visually Impaired People Actually See?

Discover what blind and visually impaired people actually see. Learn about tunnel vision, blurry vision, macular degeneration, and other types of vision loss.

Is London Public Transport Accessible for Blind People? An Honest Guide

A detailed guide to London public transport accessibility for blind and visually impaired people. Includes step-free access, Turn Up and Go assistance, satisfaction data, and real-world challenges.

Can Blind and Visually Impaired People Travel Independently in London?

Can blind and visually impaired people travel independently in London? This in-depth 2026 guide explains what helps, what still makes travel difficult, and how confidence, free travel, and human support shape real independence.

VIP Assistant: Travel Hands test cases on remote assistance

This case study documents how Travel Hands tested virtual guiding with visually impaired people, supporting real outdoor journeys, identifying barriers, and strengthening independent travel through human-led remote support.

How Much Support Does a Blind Person Get in London?

How much support do blind people get in London? A clear 2026 guide to disability benefits, free travel, and real support for visually impaired people.

The Future of Braille: Technology, Apps, and Digital Accessibility

Discover how digital Braille, AI, and apps are transforming accessibility for visually impaired people this World Braille Day 2025. Learn more with Travel Hands.

Glaucoma: Symptoms, Treatment, and Living Well with Sight Loss

Learn about glaucoma symptoms, causes, and treatment in the UK. Find NHS resources, daily support tips, and community services like Travel Hands.

What Does This Unprecedented Time Mean for the Visually Impaired Community?

Read about the challenges and opportunities faced by the visually impaired community during unprecedented times.

What Can a Person Suffering from Cerebral Palsy Do on Their Own?

Firstly, the understanding of a disorder by name may be misleading. In this case, many people think that people who have struggled with CP can not do anything. Nevertheless, the truth is that a lot of people who suffer from this disorder have partially functional limbs and so they can work, learn and do many daily activities to live more independently.

Should VIPs Be on the Priority List for the COVID-19 Vaccination?

Whilst there are arguments both for and against the COVID-19 vaccination. Discussion has arisen on whether VIP should be on the government's priority list for receiving the vaccine.

Gender and Visual Impairment: Transgender Awareness Week

Being visually impaired is difficult and being outside of the societal ‘norms’ for gender is difficult, and when these two intersect, they multiply against each other. One issue makes the other even harder.

Eating Disorder Awareness in the VIP Community

Explore the importance of eating disorder awareness and its impact within the visually impaired community.

Are You Ever Seen as More or Less Disabled Than You Actually Are

Discover personal insights into misconceptions about disability and how assumptions can affect everyday experiences.

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