Have you ever wondered how a blind person travels independently across the country or abroad by plane? The documentary “Planes, Trains and Canes” documents the adventures blind bioengineering professor Mona Minkara experiences as she travels around the world.
In episode 3 titled “I try to find the bus in Peru while blind. Here’s how it went”. You can watch the episode here and subscribe to the Planes Trains and Canes YouTube channel for more videos on how a blind person travels the world.
In this episode Mona Minkara arrives in Lima Peru and sets out to locate a public bus that she can take to the hotel she will be staying at. This is a short episode but here are some thoughts I have about it.
I think her method of locating her luggage from the carousel at baggage claim is interesting. I do not think I would want to feel each luggage that goes by but I do like her choice of a green luggage as it really stands out and is easy to find.
Mona has an assistant with her who does the filming but she does not use her help unless it is a dangerous situation. I think this is important because it gives viewers a real life view of what a blind person has to do to navigate new places independently. I am learning that asking for help will be necessary at many points but it is not a bad thing. I still have trouble asking people I do not know for help but I know this is something I will have to learn to do.
I am thankful that Mona is drawing attention to the public transportation systems in various countries and how they can be improved. Public transportation plays a very important role in increasing opportunities for a society to grow and it is crucial for people with low resources and for people with disabilities to be able to independently take part in society.
If you like this post you can read my reaction to previous episodes here.
What did you think of this episode? Do you have a good public transportation system in your country? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
A Flower in the Field of Life 