Visually Impaired Face a Grueling Daily Life Struggling to Find Shade Amid Scorching Heat

Even in sweltering heat with a 'feels like' temperature surpassing 35°C, the visually impaired are forced into 'dangerous walking,' having to tread under the blazing sun while following tactile paving. Because they must hold a cane in one hand and rely on the sense of touch with the other, they cannot use an umbrella, making it difficult to seek out shade while walking.

Familiar street facilities also turn into threats during the heatwave. The temperature of metal handrails installed on wheelchair ramps can reach up to 60 degrees, making them painful to touch with bare hands. Mr. Song reported that metal fixtures are often too hot to touch, and he had to wrap his hand with a handkerchief before he could grip the handrail to ascend the slope.

Even after arriving at their destination with great difficulty, the unmanned civil service issuing machine was broken. Since the device lacked voice guidance features, the visually impaired user could not read the error message displayed on the screen, making it impossible to even know the machine was out of order. Frustrating situations like this, where they must turn back without accomplishing anything after struggling to reach a location, continue to occur.

It is difficult to even buy a simple drink to quench their thirst on the way back. This is because visually impaired people cannot place orders using kiosks that lack voice guidance features.

As of last year, the population of the visually impaired nationwide stands at approximately 245,000. The daily reality of the visually impaired, who must walk under the scorching sun along tactile blocks for safety even when shade is nearby, highlights the blind spots in safety during extreme heatwaves.