Freedom Segway offers to Low-Vision Folks

[Curious]

Hi,
My teenage son is seeking ways to solve a difficult problem. He will never have a driver's license or drive a car due to a low-vision situation. However, he has been fantastically adept at all of life's challenges, and rides a bike for local needs when it is feasible and safe to do so. As he gets older, he is searching for ways that he can broaden his transportation options. We live in a smaller town where there is no public transportation or taxi services. All other available transportation is geared toward servicing the needs of the elderly or folks with other disabilities. He attends a school in a city approximately 1/2 hour away, and therefore, relying on his friends for transportation is not a viable option. He naturally wants to have some control over his freedom, and wants to have ways to get around without involving his parents constantly for each and every thing he would like to do. I am wondering if anyone has any similar experience with Segway being an answer to such a question. I need to research the state regulations for low-vision Segway riders (i.e. permitted only on sidewalks?), and whether any options are out there for purchase of such a device based on medical need. Ideas and experiences are very much appreciated.

[Suzined]

You ask a really important question which I have not seen before. I am unable to give you any answers but I hope this threads sparks a great deal of interest.

I recommend you ask the same question on the DRAFT listserv. DRAFT is the acronym for Disability Rights Advocates For Technology, a 501 (c) (3) Public Charity whose website is www.draft.org. DRAFT is the organization which sponsors the Segs4Vets program. Many of the posters there are also on this listserv.

All the best and welcome aboard.

[SegwayDan]

I think the feasibility of a Segway for your son would depend a lot upon the exact nature of his sight impairment. What exactly are the limitations of his bike riding?

I very much admire people who make the best of circumstances, but I've found that sight amongst all the senses has to be even keener while gliding, as others, especially in cars, are often not as aware as they should be of people on foot (or Segways). They're not used to seeing that many pedestrians around. So we end up doing more than our share of watching out for them.

[Kristina]

I actually bought my Segway from my work- the National Federation of the Blind. We had bought it when they first came out to see if it could be used by the blind. It really came down to recognizing angles- if the user can accurately gauge angles (whether by sight, a cane, or some other method), then the Segway was very usable. An example of "angles" would be going down a ramp. I would very much recommend having your son try out a Segway, as they are terrific mobility tools. I would add that many blind people (some totally blind, some not- in my organization, we don't usually use 'low vision' or 'legally blind'. We just say 'blind', since our motto is "It is respectable to be blind.") in my office used Sir Gway, and everyone had a blast.

I see that you are in Michigan. You might want to try checking out the local NFB chapter nearest you-- there are 50,000 members of our organization, and no matter what the question, there is almost always someone with the answer. They will be a good resource for information about laws & regulations in your area, as well. The NFB of Michigan site is nfbmi.org. The national site is nfb.org.

Good luck to you both! I'm glad you are looking for ways to make him more independent. That is the best gift you can give him.

[sholloway]

I have 2 customers using the Segway for exactly that reason. They love it. Email me your email address or phone number and I can see if either of them would talk to you or your son about their experience so you could see if it is something that might work. Good luck.

[jryan]

Hi,
My teenage son is seeking ways to solve a difficult problem. He will never have a driver's license or drive a car due to a low-vision situation. However, he has been fantastically adept at all of life's challenges, and rides a bike for local needs when it is feasible and safe to do so. As he gets older, he is searching for ways that he can broaden his transportation options. We live in a smaller town where there is no public transportation or taxi services. All other available transportation is geared toward servicing the needs of the elderly or folks with other disabilities. He attends a school in a city approximately 1/2 hour away, and therefore, relying on his friends for transportation is not a viable option. He naturally wants to have some control over his freedom, and wants to have ways to get around without involving his parents constantly for each and every thing he would like to do. I am wondering if anyone has any similar experience with Segway being an answer to such a question. I need to research the state regulations for low-vision Segway riders (i.e. permitted only on sidewalks?), and whether any options are out there for purchase of such a device based on medical need. Ideas and experiences are very much appreciated.

I commend you for trying to find an option for your son and commend him for trying to be independent. In the face of hardships (loss of limb, loss of sight, etc.) it is easy for one to slump into a darkness believing there are no options, thusfore not seeking what is availible. You know people criticize people who live off disability saying that they are feeding off the system when many of them could be working. There is a lot more to it then that, there is a psychology to it and many just feel doomed. I am not in this group I currently recieve no government assistance although I qualify. I do understand it though!

As far as the Segway goes, I am not an expert on the implications of the legally blind and the Segway. I do know that the Segway can revolutionize the lives of people with many types of disability. I am working on getting one myself, but that's a whole nother topic completely (and yes I know nother is not a word). I also know there is at least one person here (I am sure more than one) that is legally blind and uses the Segway frequently for getting to work and getting around. I do hope he chimes in. As has been mentioned, I suggest his best option would be to go to a dealer and try it out! I wish you and your son the best of luck and welcome!


Jeremy Ryan

[bentbiker]

Check out:
http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070219/NEWS/702190313/0/FRONTPAGE
and
http://forums.segwaychat.com/showpost.php?p=165151&postcount=12

[Segwaiian]

Curious,

If you define your location in Michigan more precisely or post it in this thread, I bet if there's a Segway owner nearby they would be willing to let your son demo their Segway.

Lots of luck!

Aloha,
RogeR:D

[nora k]

Hi,
My teenage son is seeking ways to solve a difficult problem. He will never have a driver's license or drive a car due to a low-vision situation. However, he has been fantastically adept at all of life's challenges, and rides a bike for local needs when it is feasible and safe to do so. As he gets older, he is searching for ways that he can broaden his transportation options. We live in a smaller town where there is no public transportation or taxi services. All other available transportation is geared toward servicing the needs of the elderly or folks with other disabilities. He attends a school in a city approximately 1/2 hour away, and therefore, relying on his friends for transportation is not a viable option. He naturally wants to have some control over his freedom, and wants to have ways to get around without involving his parents constantly for each and every thing he would like to do. I am wondering if anyone has any similar experience with Segway being an answer to such a question. I need to research the state regulations for low-vision Segway riders (i.e. permitted only on sidewalks?), and whether any options are out there for purchase of such a device based on medical need. Ideas and experiences are very much appreciated.

depending on where in michigan you are you might get bumped to one of the chicagoland dealers (fathertime (http://www.segwaychicago.com/) is a long time member here), terri in dayton (http://www.segwayofdayton.com) (excellent dealer), or my shop in Indy (http://segwayofindiana.com). I have a customer who posts here who is legally blind and uses his PT to get all over the city he lives in.

i'd first start off with Michigan's EPAMD legislation (http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2001-2002/publicact/htm/2002-PA-0494.htm) to determine where the machine would be and then further expand it to see if there are low-vision regulations on top of that. I'm happy to help you out in any way I can.

nora

[mreisner]

I'm in Novi - where are you?

[nora k]

I'm in Indianapolis. I think the best bet for you might be to go with Segway of Dayton. Terri is a fantastic dealer and will treat you right. I just sent her an email, so hopefully she'll recognize you if you call!

I'm in Novi - where are you?