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Comment by jesterswilde | Hacker News Reader

There are some useful one off things here for sure. Personally, I always feel awkward asking for help from strangers, even if I have my stick out. For me, these sorts of things have never delivered on the hope. Rideshare apps are quite the disaster, and I tend to just not go places instead of using them.

I know this off topic, but what I've found most helpful is good public transit, regular patterns I can grock, and of course friends (I fear getting hit every time I cross a road, unless I'm with someone). I tend to be more free and independent in places like Japan or China than the US (I only speak English, and am American)

(I'm legally blind)

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I've never used Be My Eyes, but I have it installed, just in case I guess. I feel the opposite about ride share apps. I feel like I have some freedom again finally.

I understand, and I am sighted. I don’t like asking strangers for help, either. But I love to give help, and I would be happy to help if you asked. I don’t know how to reconcile the difference.

You’ve hit on a strong point “independence”. Hypothetically if this was done via an app with advanced AI that could see and describe the world around you, would you feel more confortable using it? Knowing that it’s not powered by another human?

For me, definitely. Things that work off my input alone (blind stick, public transit, apps with no other person involved) really help me feel independent and I'm much more likely to use it.

I am glad that this (and ride share) are workin for other blind folk though.

I have not once considered the perspective of a blind person when it comes to rideshare.

With the other commentor saying that he enjoys it, what is it you dislike?

Off the top of my head I would imagine getting them to park or let you out at appropriate places may be one issue.

I've found that behavior varies and almost seems independent of me informing them I'm blind. -They will park far away or across the street and wait for me to come to them. But I have a hard time understanding that they are there or there for me. -They will ask me things like,"Is this the place." to which the only thing I can say is,"I have no idea." or lie and say,"Yes, this is fine." Then get out and try to understand where I am. I've actually ended up further away than I started before somehow. -I've had people be very short with me for my inability to locate them and leave (Or other forms of being upset with me for not being able to function in this relatively simple contract.)

I also feel this kind of shit fairly intensely and it heavily dissuades me. I don't know if the tech will get there, but a self driving car would be a complete game changer.

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