A trip to the airport can be stressful. Getting through security checks, navigating crowds, finding which terminal to go to are just to name a few stressers. But that can be even harder without all of your senses.

In honor of World Blindness Month, Syracuse Hancock international Airport and a local service group partnered to spread awareness through a unique exercise.

“To step into the shoes of someone who is visually impaired and try to navigate a space like this, even in a controlled environment where you have a guide, it’s very difficult to do,” said Ray Manassa, the chief marketing officer for United Way of CNY.

After participating in the blind immersion experience, he has a new appreciation for the hardships encountered by those living with sight issues.

“You realize how much goes into navigating your life when you are visually impaired, how many things that you might take for granted, whether it’s trying to step on an escalator, or find the right button on the elevator, or find your way to the ticket counter,” said Manassa.

AURORA of CNY is the only area nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting independence and opportunity for people of all ages with vision or hearing loss. The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority has been a partner in helping those individuals when navigating the airport.

“I’ve flown all over the country and this airport does it better than any other airport I’ve ever been in. They really just accommodate you, they meet you at the curb, they bring you right through the process,” said Susan Gray, the outreach specialist for AURORA of CNY.

Gray has lived with visual impairments since she was 19. She said this activity is great for people to experience what life is like for her every day. She also wants people to understand that being blind doesn’t hinder you from doing things like flying on an airplane. 

“I have a BA in public justice. I’m able to work and cook and clean. I’ve had a child, I’m happily married. My life is great and it’s good because somebody else walked in my shoes before me and they’ve given me the ability, the tools and the confidence to this. So I’m very grateful,” said Gray.

Trying to navigate without vision makes you rely heavily on your other four senses. The idea for this experience is to bring awareness and have compassion for visually impaired individuals.

They will be doing another experience like this in Auburn on Oct. 15 for the 60th anniversary of White Cane Awareness Day.