The “I Can’t Read That Screen” Script

Polite Phrases That Actually Work When You’re Traveling With Low Vision or Blindness

There’s a moment in travel that never shows up in glossy brochures or airline commercials.

It’s the moment when someone gestures vaguely and says, “Just go over there,”
or slides a touchscreen toward you and waits,
or speaks to the person next to you like you’re an invisible coat rack.

Nothing is technically wrong.
But nothing is actually working.

Over time, after enough airports, hotels, kiosks, and well-meaning but confused staff interactions, you start to notice a pattern. The problem isn’t always accessibility itself. Often, it’s communication. Or more accurately, the lack of a shared script.

So this article isn’t about clever comebacks.
It’s not about confrontation.
And it’s definitely not about “winning” interactions.

This is about building a system that works, one that lowers stress, keeps things moving, and lets you travel with confidence instead of bracing yourself for the next awkward pause.

These are phrases I’ve used hundreds of times. They’re adaptable, calm, and surprisingly effective, especially when delivered early and with intention.

The Philosophy Behind the Phrases

Before we get into what to say, let’s talk about how and why this works.

First, asking early matters.
Not because you need help, but because early clarity prevents late chaos. A simple sentence at the beginning of an interaction can save you from missed flights, unsafe navigation, or unnecessary frustration twenty minutes later.

Second, tone beats wording.
You can say almost anything if your delivery is steady, friendly, and confident. Staff are far more responsive when they sense cooperation instead of tension.

Third, this is not about dependency.
It’s about precision. You’re communicating exactly what you need so everyone can do their job efficiently.

Fourth, language barriers are real.
Many travel interactions are already happening across accents, cultures, and stress levels. Clear, simple phrasing helps everyone, especially when English is not someone’s first language.

And finally, calm is contagious.
Anger rarely improves service. People remember the one angry blind traveler. They also remember the calm one who communicated clearly and kept things moving. We represent ourselves, but we also represent the community whether we want to or not.

That doesn’t mean letting people walk all over you.
It means choosing the most effective tool first.

The System, Phrases by Situation

These phrases are grouped by situation, not location, so you can adapt them anywhere.

Each one includes when to use it, how to deliver it, and why it works.

1. When You’re Handed a Touchscreen or Kiosk

What to say:
“I’m blind, so I can’t see the screen. Could you walk me through this step by step, or complete it with me?”

How to deliver it:
Calm, neutral tone. Say it immediately, before fingers hover awkwardly over glass.

Why it works:
You’re stating a fact, not apologizing, and offering two clear options.

If that doesn’t land:
“I’m happy to verify information verbally if that’s easier.”

2. When Someone Says “Just Follow Me”

What to say:
“I can follow you if you give verbal directions as we walk.”

How to deliver it:
Friendly, lightly upbeat, said while already oriented toward them.

Why it works:
It reframes the task without rejecting help.

Fallback:
“Could you describe turns and obstacles as we go?”

3. When Staff Speak to Your Companion Instead of You

What to say:
“You can talk directly to me, I’ll let you know if I need help from them.”

How to deliver it:
Warm but firm. No edge. No embarrassment.

Why it works:
It resets the interaction without assigning blame.

Important note:
This situation is tricky and can escalate quickly. If it’s not improving service, it’s okay to let it go and conserve energy.

4. When Instructions Are Vague

What to say:
“Could you be a little more specific? Directions help me a lot.”

How to deliver it:
Curious tone, not corrective.

Why it works:
You’re asking for clarity, not pointing out a mistake.

5. When a Policy Is Referenced Without Explanation

What to say:
“Can you explain how that policy works in my situation?”

How to deliver it:
Measured, professional tone.

Why it works:
It invites collaboration instead of confrontation.

6. When You’re Rushed Through a Process

What to say:
“I may need a little extra verbal guidance so I can keep up.”

How to deliver it:
Early, before frustration sets in.

Why it works:
It reframes speed as a shared goal.

7. When You Miss an Announcement

What to say:
“I didn’t hear that announcement. Could you tell me what changed?”

How to deliver it:
Matter-of-fact, no apology.

Why it works:
Announcements are often inaccessible. This normalizes the ask.

8. When Staff Aren’t Sure How to Help

What to say:
“I can explain what works best for me if that helps.”

How to deliver it:
Supportive, reassuring.

Why it works:
It removes pressure from the other person.

9. When Technology Fails Mid-Interaction

What to say:
“This part usually needs a visual step. What are my options?”

How to deliver it:
Problem-solving tone.

Why it works:
You’re moving the conversation forward.

10. When You Need to Slow Things Down

What to say:
“Let’s take this one step at a time so I don’t miss anything.”

How to deliver it:
Calm, confident, steady.

Why it works:
It sets pace without conflict.

11. When You’re Given Physical Paperwork

What to say:
“Could you summarize the key points verbally before I sign?”

How to deliver it:
Professional, neutral.

Why it works:
It protects you without creating friction.

12. When Assistance Isn’t Working

What to say:
“Thank you. I think I’ll try a different approach.”

How to deliver it:
Gracious, final.

Why it works:
Walking away is sometimes the best de-escalation tool.

What Not to Say (Even When You’re Right)

It’s tempting to correct, educate, or vent in the moment. But some phrases, while understandable, tend to escalate things fast.

Avoid leading with:

• Sarcasm

• Policy lectures

• Frustration framed as accusation

• “You should know this”

Save your advocacy energy for when it matters most.

When Politeness Stops Working

Sometimes cooperation fails. That doesn’t mean you failed.

If someone refuses help, insists on unsafe methods, or escalates emotionally, it is completely valid to extract yourself. Walk away. Call later. Email. Ask for another staff member.

Dealing with it at another time is not giving up. It’s choosing effectiveness over exhaustion.

Redirecting Conversations That Go Sideways

Being spoken over or around is one of the hardest moments to navigate calmly. If it’s impacting safety or service, a gentle redirection can help. If it’s just irritating, it’s okay to prioritize getting through the interaction.

You don’t owe anyone a lesson mid-check-in.

Confidence Is a System You Can Practice

None of this is about perfect wording.
It’s about preparation, tone, and timing.

The more you use these phrases, the less emotional weight they carry. They become tools instead of defenses. And that’s where confidence quietly lives.

Printable Travel Phrase Summary

(Save, print, or screenshot for your next trip)

Quick Travel Communication Guide for Blind and Low Vision Travelers

• “I’m blind, so I can’t see the screen. Could you walk me through this step by step?”

• “I can follow you if you give verbal directions as we walk.”

• “You can talk directly to me, I’ll let you know if I need help.”

• “Could you be a little more specific? Directions help me.”

• “Can you explain how that policy works in my situation?”

• “I may need a little extra verbal guidance so I can keep up.”

• “I didn’t hear the announcement. What changed?”

• “I can explain what works best for me.”

• “This step usually needs a visual cue. What are my options?”

• “Let’s take this one step at a time.”

• “Could you summarize the key points verbally before I sign?”

• “Thank you, I’m going to handle this another way.”

Reminders:

• Ask early

• Stay calm

• Clear beats clever

• Walking away is allowed

• You’re not being difficult, you’re being precise