Podcast Summary: Hadley Presents – "Finding Transportation Options After Vision Loss"
Episode Details:
- Title: Finding Transportation Options After Vision Loss
- Host: Ricky Enger
- Guests: Dia Kraft and Tara Perry
- Release Date: June 19, 2025
- Contact: (847) 558-1317 | podcast@HadleyHelps.org
1. Introduction to the Topic
In this enlightening episode of "Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts," host Ricky Enger delves into the challenging journey of finding transportation options following vision loss. Recognizing that transportation is a critical aspect of independence, Ricky brings on Dia Kraft and Tara Perry to share their personal experiences, insights, and strategies for navigating this significant life change.
2. Guest Introductions and Vision Loss Journeys
Tara Perry begins by sharing her diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a condition that led to rapid vision deterioration. She recounts how she transitioned from being a driver to being legally blind within a year:
"I drove a car to graduate school in August of '90, parked it in December, and was determined legally blind by July of '91."
— Tara Perry [01:33]
Dia Kraft introduces herself as someone who experienced an optic nerve stroke, resulting in approximately 30% total vision loss with no peripheral vision. Her condition is classified as legal blindness:
"I have some vision, which I'm very fortunate of. I have no peripheral vision. I also am classified as legally blind."
— Dia Craft [03:57]
Both guests highlight the sudden and emotional transition from driving to relying on alternative transportation methods, setting the stage for a deep discussion on the topic.
3. The Emotional and Practical Process of Giving Up Driving
Ricky opens the conversation by addressing the profound emotional impact of relinquishing car keys, equating it to losing a sense of freedom and independence.
Tara shares her moment of decision:
"The doctor said if someone steps off a curb, you may not see them... I was determined legally blind by July of '91. What I knew I could not get through would be hurting someone else. So I parked the car in December."
— Tara Perry [05:09]
Dia recounts a traumatic incident that solidified her decision to stop driving:
"I missed a young mother with a baby in a stroller by approximately an inch... I sat there for probably a very long time and just cried. And I knew in my heart there was no time."
— Dia Craft [07:51]
These personal stories underscore the gravity of the decision and the emotional resilience required to prioritize safety over independence.
4. Navigating Transportation Options
The conversation shifts to practical solutions and the continuous nature of adjusting to transportation needs.
Tara discusses her experience in a small town with limited public transportation:
"I connected with a recreation professional... I was able to take advantage of a group from the Methodist church that offered rides to senior citizens. Even though I was 29 and not Methodist, they accommodated me."
— Tara Perry [11:31]
Dia highlights the benefits of living in a larger city like Illinois, where more resources are available:
"I found several agencies that were able to help me. They offered assistance with getting to the store, driving me to doctor's appointments... I get a big discount on Uber."
— Dia Craft [17:22]
These narratives illustrate the varying experiences based on geographic location and the importance of leveraging available resources.
5. Safety Measures for Using Ride-Sharing Services
Ensuring personal safety while using ride-sharing services is paramount. Both guests offer valuable tips:
Dia emphasizes precautionary steps:
"I show the driver's license plate number on my phone and make sure that I get into the right car... I ask the driver who I am and confirm before getting in."
— Dia Craft [19:57]
Ricky shares his method of staying aware during rides:
"I bring up Apple Maps or Google Maps and say, give me directions to wherever. I know when we're turning and can press the Uber safety button if needed."
— Ricky Enger [21:01]
Tara adds her approach, especially when traveling with a service animal:
"We don't have to go far typically. I ask questions like, 'What road are we on?' to stay informed during the ride."
— Tara Perry [22:19]
These strategies highlight the proactive measures individuals can take to enhance their safety and comfort during transit.
6. Building Connections and Advocacy
A recurring theme is the necessity of self-advocacy and building a support network:
Dia stresses the importance of advocacy:
"Be your own advocate... I should have started sooner. I should have been more proactive."
— Dia Craft [26:51]
Tara discusses leveraging community connections:
"Look for county organizations, like the Council on Aging, or volunteer groups... Think outside the box and open yourself up to asking for help."
— Tara Perry [28:50]
Through these insights, listeners are encouraged to actively seek and cultivate relationships that can provide transportation support.
7. Financial Considerations
Managing the costs associated with alternative transportation methods is another critical aspect:
Tara speaks about budgeting for ride-sharing expenses:
"Uber can cost an extra $50 to go to a doctor's appointment, before the tip. I had to teach myself to allow a budget and give myself permission to spend for necessities and occasional wants."
— Tara Perry [32:00]
This financial planning ensures that transportation costs do not become a barrier to essential activities and personal freedom.
8. Advice for Listeners
Both guests offer heartfelt advice to those embarking on their own transportation journeys after vision loss:
Dia advises proactive advocacy and resource exploration:
"Be your own advocate, figure out what agencies are available in your town... It took me one year to get comfortable with Uber."
— Dia Craft [26:51]
Tara encourages creative thinking and community engagement:
"Think outside the box, use platforms like Facebook to find rides, and connect with local organizations. Don't assume services are unavailable without researching."
— Tara Perry [28:50]
These recommendations serve as a roadmap for listeners seeking to enhance their transportation options and maintain independence.
9. Conclusion and Community Engagement
As the episode wraps up, Ricky emphasizes the ongoing nature of adjusting to transportation changes and the importance of community support:
"Advocate for yourself and be creative in finding transportation opportunities."
— Ricky Enger [32:20]
He invites listeners to share their own tips and experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual support:
"Share your ideas with us and include them in future episodes. Building community and making connections are incredibly important."
— Ricky Enger [34:50]
Tara and Dia express their gratitude and hope that their stories inspire others to seek solutions and support.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-Advocacy: Proactively seek out and utilize available resources.
- Community Connections: Leverage local organizations, volunteer groups, and social platforms to find transportation solutions.
- Safety First: Implement safety measures when using ride-sharing services.
- Financial Planning: Budget for transportation costs to ensure accessibility.
- Continuous Adjustment: Transportation needs may evolve, requiring ongoing adaptation and support.
Final Thoughts: This episode of "Hadley Presents" offers a compassionate and comprehensive exploration of the transportation challenges faced by individuals with vision loss. Through the shared experiences of Dia Kraft and Tara Perry, listeners gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to navigate their own journeys toward independence and mobility.