Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts
Episode Summary: Transportation Ideas from the Hadley Community
Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host: Ricky Enger
Guest: Steve Kelly
In the "Transportation Ideas from the Hadley Community" episode of Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts, host Ricky Enger and guest Steve Kelly delve into practical and innovative transportation solutions shared by members of the Hadley community living with vision loss. This episode serves as a valuable resource for individuals navigating the complexities of transportation without vision, offering a blend of personal experiences, expert advice, and actionable tips.
Opening the Mailbag: Practical Transportation Strategies
The episode kicks off with Ricky Enger introducing Steve Kelly and setting the stage for an engaging discussion based on community-submitted mail. The first insight comes from Marion in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Marion's Approach to Budgeting and Personal Assistance (00:20 - 04:00):
Marion emphasizes the importance of budgeting for transportation, a lesson inspired by her father's frugality. She states, “My transportation advice is something that I have really benefited from for the past 19 years” (02:30). Living in a small town with limited public transit, Marion hired young adults to assist with errands and shopping. This strategy allowed her to maintain independence without relying on friends or family, thereby avoiding the “unavoidable guilt of being a burden” (03:50). Marion also highlights the evolving role of technology, noting improvements in screen reading and AI, which have enhanced her ability to manage tasks independently.
Steve Kelly's Insights on Professional Services (05:07 - 08:19):
Building on Marion's points, Steve discusses his own experiences in a small town where he utilized both private drivers and a paid ride service. He underscores the value of financial planning by illustrating the cost savings of not maintaining a personal vehicle. Steve advises listeners to consider the total cost of car ownership—“gas, insurance, maintenance” (05:40)—and reallocate those funds into a transportation budget, making the transition less daunting.
Navigating Urban Transit: Tips for Big Cities
Meredith’s Tips from Philadelphia (06:03 - 09:05):
Meredith shares her experience living with macular degeneration in Philadelphia, emphasizing the resources available through the regional public transportation authority, SEPTA. She recommends seeking out training programs that teach safe navigation of buses and trains with a cane, applying for reduced fare cards, and exercising patience with oneself during the adjustment period. Meredith poignantly advises, “If blindness comes quickly, we are learning how to do literally everything over again” (06:50), highlighting the emotional and practical challenges faced by those newly experiencing vision loss.
Steve echoes the importance of professional support, mentioning, “there are professionals called orientation and mobility specialists” (07:50), who provide essential skills for independent travel.
Embracing Technology and Local Services
Marion on Leveraging Ride-Sharing Services (09:11 - 11:14):
Marion discusses the integration of Lyft with her paratransit service, explaining how this partnership not only reduces costs but also optimizes van space for those with wheelchairs. This collaborative approach benefits both users and service providers by enhancing efficiency and accessibility.
Steve Kelly on ADA Vouchers and Local Transit Solutions (10:51 - 11:14):
Ricky elaborates on the concept of ADA vouchers, which allow individuals to use services like Uber or Lyft billed at paratransit rates. Steve highlights the importance of contacting local transit authorities to explore available options, remarking, “It's amazing, even in rural areas, there are different groups... you do have to look sometimes” (21:48).
Developing Resilience and Confidence
Morag’s Comprehensive Tips from Ontario, Canada (11:14 - 14:28):
Morag offers a robust set of strategies for building transportation independence. She advises:
- Orientation and Mobility Training: “Reach out to local vision loss rehabilitation services for orientation and mobility training” (11:30).
- Utilizing Public Libraries: “Public libraries are an excellent resource for information on support and services” (12:00).
- Goal Setting: “Start with a list of goals that have small targets to achieve” (12:20).
- Multiple Routes: “Learn more than one route to your destination” (12:45).
- Technology Use: “Use of GPS-based apps for transit and navigation are helpful” (12:50).
- Practice and Patience: “Practice makes perfect” (13:10).
Morag’s structured approach aids individuals in gradually building their confidence and skills, emphasizing that “the more experience you gain, the more confident transit user you will become” (12:55).
Innovative Solutions for Daily Routines
Jeff’s Planning and Use of Ride Services (14:36 - 17:28):
Jeff shares his strategy of living within walking distance of essential services, ensuring that most of his needs are accessible within a five-minute walk. This deliberate planning supports his independence and minimizes reliance on others. Additionally, Jeff highlights the utility of voiceover-enabled smartphones and direct phone lines for ride services like Uber, stating, “location is the key to being able to walk to almost all my needs” (15:00).
John’s Clever Naming Strategy for Ride Safety (17:59 - 20:09):
John offers a creative tip to enhance safety and ease in ride-sharing: he changed his name in Uber to “John Blind, white cane” so drivers are immediately aware of his needs. “Ever since then, I have never had a problem hooking up with a car” (18:10). This simple yet effective method enhances his interaction with drivers by providing clear indicators of his visual impairment.
Steve adds to this by suggesting alternative identification methods for drivers, such as wearing distinctive clothing or accessories, further ensuring safe and reliable pickups.
Final Thoughts and Resources
As the episode concludes, Ricky and Steve emphasize the importance of advocacy and proactive research. Steve encourages listeners to connect with local organizations like the Area Agency on Aging to discover tailored transportation solutions. Ricky reminds the audience that Hadley is available to assist in finding local resources, providing the contact number 800-323-4238.
Notable Quotes:
- Marion on avoiding guilt by hiring help: “The advantage of paying someone rather than asking friends or even my family for assistance is that I don't feel that unavoidable guilt of being a burden or an inconvenience.” (03:40)
- Meredith on self-patience: “If blindness comes quickly, we are learning how to do literally everything over again.” (06:55)
- Steve Kelly on budgeting for transportation: “All you have to do is contact your local transportation authority to see what they have available.” (05:55)
- John on his naming strategy: “Be safe. Thanks so much, Andy.” (18:05)
Conclusion
This episode of Hadley Presents offers a comprehensive look at diverse transportation solutions for individuals with vision loss, blending personal anecdotes with practical advice. From budgeting and hiring personal assistants to leveraging technology and community resources, the shared tips empower listeners to navigate transportation challenges with confidence and independence. The collaborative insights from Hadley’s community underscore the value of shared experiences and the importance of seeking out and utilizing available resources.
For those seeking further assistance or personalized transportation solutions, Ricky Enger and Steve Kelly encourage reaching out to Hadley at 800-323-4238 for support and information tailored to individual needs.
Contact Information:
Have an idea for a show? Contact Hadley at podcast@HadleyHelps.org or call 847-784-2870.