How A Blind Person Travels

Tommy, who’s been blind since birth, talks about how a blind person travels, navigates the airport, takes a train alone, finds their way around a hotel, and how he gets the most out of the destination.
Directed/Edited by Ben Churchill
/ radiotrippictures
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MUSIC
Ocean - “Ocean”
Marco Martini - “The Doubt”
Osker Wyld - “Fortioarpra”
Beatzunami - “Chocolate Muffin”
#travel #blindness #accessibility

[@TommyEdisonXP]

Thanks for watching! Links to related videos are in the description. First 500 comments are entered into a giveaway so be sure to leave a comment!

[@stevehayhurst3572]

The Tommy Edison Experience tommy oh god I love those cheese puns before you get into the video

[@sarundoinoue7692]

The Tommy Edison Experience I love that you are genuine and honest. I really appreciate you. Much love 💗

[@zainonsense]

Umm sure thing chicken wing

[@iStarkillerPT]

The Tommy Edison Experience loved the video

[@red9282]

The Tommy Edison Experience i love you tommy its so lovely and interesting watching your videos

[@jamie9lynn1]

Tommy, the key cards aren't any easier if you could see. They're ridiculous!

[@dianezimmerman4434]

Yes. He turned it around all 4 ways before it worked, I'm usually the same. Between the darkness if the hallways and my being too stubborn to get bifocals, I have to guess which way is right.

[@ghost_vivs]

i went to a hotel where you would just put the key over the sensor. i am not blind or have any other disability, so i don't know about any other accessibility options were (i did notice a lot of elevators for being near a turistic place with lots of stairs), but i thought that was nice.

[@tristan6509]

@@ghost_vivs that's the newer ones with RFID, the older ones uses a metallic strip

[@PockASqueeno]

#truth

[@Dripfirepersonal]

This statement is so accurate! Ha ha the keycards are the worst

[@alffbooks]

"And this is the window, so this is not how to get out apparently"! hahaha

[@xanlyladybug3]

AlffBooks that's the door to leave if ur depressed (depending on the floor you're on)

[@alffbooks]

@@xanlyladybug3 Oof

[@theruralwanderer]

People in their hotel rooms were like, "Who's tapping something along the wall and tapping my door"?

[@camelia9802]

Exactly!! Other hotel guests wouldn't be amused hearing that tapping noise along their wall

[@amelooloo]

well how else is he supposed to find his way to his room... thats how he knows were the wall is

[@OptimusPhillip]

I imagine some of them poke their heads out the doors like "Who's making that infernal racket?" And then they see this blind guy tapping along the wall and be like "Oh, crap, I'm sorry, sir."

[@blitheringrando1410]

Probably the only noisy person I wouldn't yell at in a hotel 😅

[@commentfreely5443]

wonder if he ever fell down stairs.

[@InternationalSongs]

I used to think that if you're blind your life is just horrible and you cannot do pretty much anything. But Tommy has REALLY proved that wrong! Thanks to Tommy for making these awesome videos!

[@itsyagirlindica3505]

InternationalSongs i bet thats what a lot of ppl think at first but hes just like anyone else. I used to think that if you were blind that you were always pissed off that everyone else could see and you cant and therefore you're bitter agained others. I still wonder this sometimes for some blind or disabled people.

[@JonkusBonkus133]

InternationalSongs i would always think itd be such a slow life, but Tommy really shows its not slow, but instead every small moment is so interesting and new and detailed and you can really enjoy taking life easy. Really inspiring.

[@renaudlemieux1]

It is the case actually, life is horrible when youre blind its not because 1 guy out of 100 is happy being blind that it would be the case for everyone. If im going blind I really dont care at all that my neighbor is blind and happy, it wont make my life better. This guy on the video doesnt attach a lot of importance to sight maybe thats why hes happy but so far its not the case for everyone I wont ever be happy if I go blind one day and the fact that some are will never change a damn thing. Not being able to drive see movies playing video games and just be able to simple see without doing anything special have no cost.

[@renaudlemieux1]

@@itsyagirlindica3505 Well its surely the case for many of them its not because this guy is happy blind that its the case for majority. Sight is a very powerful gift that life gave you and without it it must be pain in the ass big time

[@JokinJoe]

I think a lot to do with it is that he never had vision. He grew up thinking it was normal. It’s like a house cat being happy living in a house because they don’t know what the outdoors are like.

[@emmynoether9540]

"I'm sure the view is lovely." :-D

[@mosincat5075]

He would be very mad, if he could read

[@MosesKFrost-qn2sm]

I was about to comment the same thing haha

[@emmynoether9540]

@@mosincat5075 Would he? He did this joke intentionally. He can read in the sense that there's an app that reads out the comments. (Sorry, I don't know whether you are joking. )

[@mosincat5075]

@@emmynoether9540 no I am joking too

[@victoriak.roberts7234]

When he said "I'm sure the view is lovely" my heart broke a little.

[@oliversissonphone6143]

Why? It's his sense of humour! he's loving life

[@skullpearl]

@@oliversissonphone6143i think because op just felt bad that he’s not able to see things that we normally can

[@countryhamster]

He is 60 years old, so he already has gotten used to the fact he can not see what we can.

[@skullpearl]

@@countryhamster i know

[@kioku119]

I think that was meant to be a light jearted joke at the situatuon. More laughing at the uselessness of the windows than truely lamenting not seeing the view.

[@deloreanman14]

Tommy's way ahead of all of us. We go to new cities to see stuff. He goes to new cities to meet people....that's the true heart of a city.

[@devonvederimon1412]

As someone that wishes they could travel to the US from the UK to meet up with my long loved close friend and persue my work internationally, but has been told that the blind don't recieve any assitance in air ports because it's not their responcability, by my own mother. This video may have just changed my entire life from this point onwards. Just watching someone with almost similer struggles as me go through such a difficult and worrying task of dealing with air ports, I feel much more confident and comfortable traveling over sees and exploring more. Thank you so so much for making this video Tommy... You have made a 21 year old blind musician very very happy.

[@mymetaljourney]

I can't imagine visually impaired people (or people with any kind of handicap) not being helped at places like airports or hotels. As far as I can tell, you can always call for assistance and you can usually let the airport and hotel personnel know if you need any kind of assistance even before you get there, so they can prepare to help you. Maybe these things improved over time. Not to talk bad about your mother, but maybe she just wanted you to be safe. Traveling is a bit of a hassle even if you can do everything by yourself.

[@nayaazhashim5539]

I know in UK airports there is definitely definitely loads of assistance for people with any disability. Phone the airport in advance, they'll definitely help you. They have people there who are employed just to help blind, deaf, etc.

[@Al-kb2xl]

How do u watch this or do u just listen?

[@Al-kb2xl]

Sounds like your mum just doesn't want you to go tbh

[@Roxjetlagged]

I'm a flight attendant and just finished an online course on helping persons with reduced mobility and handicaps. It's always been there and we have special procedures for blind and deaf passengers as well as persons with reduced mobility. There are airport staff that assist you with everything, it's their job. So I don't understand why your mother said its not their responsibility. We take care of you!

[@jaapverhoeven873]

And how do you recognise which suitcase is yours at the airport?

[@ryan8885]

dang didnt think about that, i guess one of the helpers will know idk lol

[@jokurandompappa]

Yeah most centrainly they will help. If they can help you to get on taxi why whouldnt they help you to get your suitcase?

[@-.._.-_...-_.._-..__..._.-.-.-]

A good keychain finder would do the trick.

[@stormyascent6982]

Maybe there's braille on his suitcase XD

[@PockASqueeno]

Good question, I never thought about that! I always put orange duct tape on the handle to identify mine, so I imagine he could do something similar but less visual, like something he could feel. Maybe he could attach some sort of trinket with a unique shape to the handle?

[@Rpg39_]

It actually amazes me how well he can get around. If you really think about it the way he gets around is so mentally challenging. He has to remember everything in his head. And if he doesn’t remember everything correctly then he’s lost. He’s forced himself to become an excellent problem solver. Everything he does is almost like a maze he has to traverse. His sense of direction is entirely in his head. Everything is in his head. And everything is so different. We use our eyes to remember things while he uses touch. If I were to close my eyes and touch things I would struggle to determine what they are. And even if I did guess correctly what those objects were I would still rely on my memory of what those objects look like. A object that he has never seen in his life but only touched. All of his knowledge of what things look like are what he’s touched and what he’s told. And even then everything is left up to his own interpretation. A world he can create within his mind. And that is truly amazing.

[@dartyt7245]

Very nice people who help the blind!

[@killerkimm]

I love his voice and beautiful personality. What a treasure.

[@Feramersi0]

I love how enthusiastic you are Tommy! Never stop being happy! You are an inspiration to so many people! :)

[@ssrobs2552]

Is Tommy aware when he travels everything turns black and white? Even for a blind person thats not normal. He should probably get that checked out sometime.

[@mandowarrior123]

Comes with winding back the monochronometer.

[@jlebad2308]

This was a really interesting video. I find it crazy that you have so much trust in people, have you ever been mugged or mislead by a stranger?

[@seabe2345]

James Le Bas who would mug a bling guy?

[@jlebad2308]

seabe2345 there are some scummy people in the world that will take advantage of anyone

[@BlueSparxLPs]

In his video about money, the person at the register tried to scam him out of money; luckily, she regretted it and almost immediately called him back to fix it.

[@jlebad2308]

Blue Sparx haha wow thx

[@BlueSparxLPs]

A reenactment means that it's based on an event that actually happened.

[@EmilieBee]

I find that when I travel, sometimes I get too caught up in the act of taking photos and videos and the stress of "wanting to remember" that it becomes counterintuitive. The best way to make vivid memories is probably to take it all in and live in the moment. I'm sure you have some great memories without the distraction of feeling the need to visually document every little thing!

[@nightsky8012]

Your positivity is contagious. I've been feelings really down this month & watching your videos give me hope & positivity. Thank you!

[@ripdiptatterchip3851]

i’d love to be tommy’s friend, seems like one of the happiest guy you could be with

[@krystofdayne]

I love how you can see in these videos how much people are really willing to help, it just comes natural to us. Like Tommy said, if a blind person at the train station or the like asked me where the taxi stand was, of course I would help them to get there. It's just sad that our governments and companies don't work harder to make things instantly more accessible for disabled people, they often really have to rely on the goodness of other people's hearts.

[@Melissa0774]

Have you ever been to Niagara falls? You should go on the Maid of the Mist boat ride that goes right up next to the falls. It's a really cool experience and I think you'd enjoy it. The water from the falls splashes up continuously and you get soaked. They give you plastic rain coats to help keep dry. When you get up close to the falls, the best way to describe it is that it's like it's raining 24/7/365.

[@rayhage3971]

this is my fave thing in Niagara!

[@ash81818]

i'm glad there's people at the airport to help him and strangers help him

[@Joe-zx2yf]

All us sighted travellers learn not to take too many photos and to just hang out with the locals after years, usually, but this guy’s already got it in the bag!

[@dexter_vane]

I was thinking "Oh yeah it's smart that he gets to know his room well so that he can find the bathroom at night." and then I felt veeeeeery stupid...

[@LeaLikesIcecream]

DexterVane :D

[@MarkusGrimm83]

Hahahaha, this comment really made me lol! xD

[@reddragonlady32]

lol

[@_PsychoFish_]

made my day xD

[@CNder77]

Great comment :) gave me a good laugh

[@chococat2192]

I'm writing a story from the perspective of a blind person, so videos like these about small things in day-to-day life really help. Thanks

[@chloev6108]

Haha, that joke in the beginning killed me. Tommy is so light hearted and funny

[@dani-dd2my]

The way he just reads with his fingers is incredible to me !

[@brianfuller5868]

My cousin is Blind NLP and began her career in 1967 when travelling as a Blind person was definitely quite challenging. Tommy's sense of humour brings it.

[@johnnybadboy3475]

I admire his cheerfulness.

[@assssssssss1000]

I love this guy. He reminds me of the old timers in my italian family. They were all so funny and knew what the good things in life were. Talk about overcoming an obstacle. You gave the obstacle the finger but then felt bad because the obstacle was blind...

[@tacticalchunder1207]

It’s incredible how positive Tommy is and how much he has adapted to life, I was amazed by the way he navigated the hotel room and found everything.

[@kasaigranby]

I love this dude, he jokes about himself and not usually offended by people.

[@Andrewbreeze316]

“I’m sure the view is lovely” 😭😭😭😭😭 I’m not crying, you’re crying!

[@kylestewart6745]

Tommy, I know I'm coming to this video late, and I'm not sure if you'll read this comment, but I used to work at a business that made hotel signs, and my favorite part was always making the braille. I had to learn to read it a bit just to double check that the machine was making it right, and sometimes I would have to read it backwards if I was making a mold, so that it would come out correctly on the finished piece. It makes me happy to see that the braille and raised letters and symbols really help, and it makes me just a little more proud of my old job. I hope they continue to help you find your way, and enjoy your travels!

[@amyfclapham]

I always get a smile on my face when I see you've uploaded. Your videos are always really fun and upbeat.

[@adammullarkey4996]

7:10 "I don't imagine I'd listen to them." I can't remember the last time I looked at my holiday pictures. Didn't stop me from taking them.

[@alie1226]

I had a visually impaired customer come into my work last week. I've been watching Tommy for a while now and I've seen a ton of his videos and I felt very humbled to assist my customer. I helped her around our facility and before helping her I asked if it was OK to help and I asked if I could grab her arm to assist in guiding her. She was a very nice woman. I thank Tommy for his videos and insights. It helped me in my life and has taught me to be a bit for empathetic.

[@flowersmile123]

"When I'm on a trip, it's more about the experiences. It's about the people that I met, the places that I been to, the sounds and smell of a particular place. It's all that kind of stuff that I just remember"

[@jorode6245]

Love you Tommy.. you are a blessing

[@candiceblack86]

I'm not going to sugar coat it. That looks ducking hard. And I mean that with respect. Tommy's blindness has forced him to deal with huge challenges. It's incredible how he does it and his attitude throughout. I struggle to be brace enough to do this trips allow. I'm truly impressed and never really thought about how hard it is.

[@jadamsm]

This videos heartbreaking . Such a gentle soul deserves to see the world in all its beauty. If the world was like Tommy we’d be so much better off.

[@puck342]

Tommy has a truly pleasant way of narrating these videos. Soothing and informative. A pleasure to watch.

[@DavidDelli]

Dude, I find you inspirational. I love your spirit and the way you're always kidding with that huge smiling. You make me think different about life.

[@Sandra-cl8ub]

Hi Tommy and Ben!! I couldnt click any faster when I got notified of your upload! 😁😁 I missed Tommys gentle spirit and humor! And of course it couldn't happen without Ben!

[@brandonfeng3780]

These questions I feel r intended to make Tommy feel bad but Tommy is always smiles

[@34toony77]

Fantastic video as always, I show these videos in disabled university groups as proof that you can do anything no matter the disability, you've inspired a lot of people

[@regardtvanniekerk6399]

I've been binge watching your videos after discovering your channel last week. Really like your channel man.

[@andyh027]

Not enough likes in the world for you Tommy. Best channel on KZbin.

[@4LoveAndJustice]

Love your videos man. Amazing guy.

[@benhawkins9622]

I love your positivity and your smile. You are truly an inspiración.

[@carryeveryday910]

I would love to be this guys friend. He seems so nice.

[@MlokKarel]

You infinite optimism amazes me. It's quite contagious as well. Your videos helped me to get through a depressive period of my life recently and I'm very grateful for that. Thank you. You're awesome.

[@ofmiat4693]

I dated a bling girl for a while, so your experience is both familiar, and interesting. I like your upbeat style, and willingness to share your life in an open manner. Guess the object has been my favorite videos by far. Keep on doing you!

[@Aramis419]

Thank God you posted something today! I've been hooked on the Tested page - you know, the one from the Mythbusters guys? And I've been watching their videos for 24 hours straight. You're a good man, Charlie Brown.

[@OCDTraci]

Tommy, you are absolutely fabulous. Thank you for helping us sighted people to actually see how wonderful the world is :)

[@lcrisci2002]

You're just awesome, Tommy! You and your videos always make me smile. Thanks for sharing your great sense of humor! 😁

[@indianak9214]

This channel is so educational and entertaining at the same time, plus Tommy has the most amazing, genuine smile, and amazing puns/jokes

[@Savy0]

just discovered your channel Tommy, I got to say you're a cool guy and I think the way you go about yourself is very respectable and I am looking forward to your future uploads. You're the man!

[@destinaro.]

Finally an upload from Tommy! 😄

[@reddragonlady32]

Love all your videos. I learn so much....and your personality makes it fun. Thanks.

[@Graeline]

Yay, I missed your videos!

[@jameskesler6477]

These videos are great! I love how you've instead of feeling bad for being blind, you started a youtube channel and have an awesome outlook! The world needs more funny people like you!

[@ballisticbailey9744]

I love hearing about experiences from different perspectives. I love this channel

[@marcp3791]

Tommy! always good to watch your vids, you and Ben are missed back here in CT!

[@LadyBug-xp1ox]

Hey Tommy, thanks for sharing your life with us!

[@MartinBodin]

Travelling to meet people, not for postcards. This is so nice! 😊

[@pezzdispenser]

oo so glad to watch a new video! and I'm glad I got a notification for this!

[@Haritikae]

I'm so happy to see a new video today! Your vids are great and always brighten my day! Thanks

[@sandraruberto8806]

Hi Tommy! I love traveling so it was nice to learn what a blind person experience when traveling!

[@AndricKelton]

This video was so interesting to watch. Seeing how you got you Bearing Strait in the hotel room was so cool

[@Gabishandle]

Thanks for sharing your daily life experiences/ insight!

[@beeony6831]

Tommy & crew, thank you so much for these videos, they're always so interesting and uplifting to listen to, and the quality and style is so unique compared to the average KZbin format. You're amazing, thank you so much!

[@Joy6168]

This is a really fascinating video, thanks for making and posting it.

[@crismeticos1608]

I love your videos, Tommy! Thanks to Ben as well.

[@josephrusso3223]

Your videos are astonishing! Thanks for the insights!

[@narenph]

Absolutely love all your videos!

[@kimcom7582]

so glad the notification seem to be working again I enjoy watching your videos

[@annpanjikkaran195]

Great video Tommy! Thank you for sharing :)

[@IngridRollema]

I didn't get any notifications, but at least you were in my feed this time! :-)

[@zoock5]

Loved the video as always!

[@jnb894]

Damn, I'm in love with this channel and this guy, so inspiring, bringing a new side to life expriences. Keep it on man!

[@caitlinparry6692]

You are so humbling and I love your videos- it's great that you're educating people on your life ✨

[@nattymctatty84]

This was really interesting! Thanks for another great video 👍🏻

[@pikyoshi9343]

This is really cool to learn a new aspect on life. Thanks for the insight!

[@bobloblaw7667]

I love your videos, for what I can learn from them but also for the puns and dad jokes. You're awesome!

[@GinaMariePersonal]

Thanks for making this video, Tommy. I've been wondering about this lately, and now I know. :)

[@dianacarolinasernasalas6393]

Love your channel and you are such a fun guy to watch. I'm your fan from México

[@WideoWatcher19]

Listening to your videos is both informative and incredibly inspiring. You bring up topics that most of us haven`t even wondered about actively and hence, are ignorant. I`m one of those people until I found you through the Fine Brothers. I did some research and found your KZbin channel. The discovery turned out to be one of the better ones I`ve come across on the Internet. Keep up with the great content and with the fun and positive attitude that you have! :)

[@a_b897]

Great video as always, very interesting to see the footage from your trip aswell!!

[@SoCalDork]

Love these kinds of videos! Thanks for sharing what it's like to travel as a blind person.

[@solarflare1206]

wow, my favorite thing as a sighted person is to watch the clouds out the window. I’d hate to miss out on that.

[@MinimiMax]

I had no idea hotel room numbers are also marked with braille. You learn something new every day.

[@tehaoboon923]

Imagining Tommy going around the cabin touching people's head made me chuckle.

[@Little_Lotta]

I love Tommy so much! His channel is so fascinating!

[@Pilotwisco]

Great video Tommy and Ben!

[@tarad4162]

I love watching your videos! Your positive personality brightens my day!

[@danielmayim4537]

Tommy, you’re awesome brother! Keep it up. 😀

[@Anemix5]

I belong to a public speaking group of people with vision problems. There is one guy in our group who would go to Navada every year with his folks and he loved playing the slots. He would record the sounds of the slot machines when he won and when he lost. Then he would come back and present a speech about his adventures and play the sounds for us. It was always interesting. He hasn't done that in a while. Did I mention this guy is completely blind? Great video Tommy! Keep it up! Happy travels.

[@masoudhemayati2945]

Love your sprit, very uplifting 🤗🙏

[@Iragusama]

All your vids are simply amazing. Congrats to you and your team helping back there!!