Question:
At your earliest convenience, please advise if it is permissible for a visually impaired individual that has visual acuity & visual field & depth perception issues that impact normal activities of daily living to have a turned off, separately wrapped cellphone on his person during his 2.75 mile walk to Shul & 2.75 mile walk back from Shul on Shabbat via street, sidewalk & non sidewalk areas in order to have a resource with him in case of an emergency to be able to contact in event of a fall or health impact incident as well as copies of id's & insurance info. The phone is separately wrapped & not turned on. Thanks for your anticipated prompt response & diligence.
Answer:
Hello,
That is quite a walk! You earn great merit for making such an effort to go to shul.
About your question, I’m sorry to say that it is not permitted. There are two issues with carrying the cell phone and cards. First, carrying them in an area without a proper eruv is not allowed. We can break Shabbos if someone’s life is in danger, but carrying the phone and ID here is only as a precaution, not because there is an immediate danger. Second, by going outside, we are creating the risk ourselves, and we cannot create a danger and then use that as a reason to break Shabbos.
Another issue is that the phone, especially when it is turned off, and the ID card are considered muktza and should not be moved on Shabbos.
May Hashem bless you with many good years and good health.
Best wishes
