[Blind-Rollers] Vibration system for wheelchairs

[Becky Frankeberger]

Determination and Technology on Wheels:
What Are Those Things on Your Chair?
by Sarah Edick


 

Have you ever cried tears of joy? I did that yesterday. I received a new
power wheelchair two months ago. I've spent the past two months adjusting to
this chair. Let me say that with the new attachments, it's a big deal to
adjust to. However, this adjustment won't just benefit me, which is one of
the reasons that I figuratively jumped on board.

 

On this new power wheelchair is technology specifically geared for those
with legal or total blindness. It's called the Braze Sensor System, and is
not something found at your average store that sells devices for those who
are blind.

 

The fact that I found it was an ironic surprise, and to me, a miracle.

 

I tried the technology, said yes, and now . It's in my hot little hands, or
should I say, on my hot little wheels!

 

First, I tried traveling inside. It was not bad. I know where you are before
I'm even close to you. Wonderful!

 

And then, the Orientation and Mobility lessons started. Now I'm not feeling
in my comfort zone. This was hard! I learned my way to my management
building so I can take part in some activities at my complex. Then, the
instructor said something that made every nerve inside of me, and outside
too, do more than twinge.

 

"Your homework," (Homework)? ". is to do this route on your own, at least
once or twice per day."

 

Ouch! On my own? Come on, Sarah. You can do this, and you know it.

 

So, I ate lunch. All of that concentration gave me an appetite. Then, I took
the plunge.

 

Out the door, using my iPhone compass, orienting myself, and I'm off! You
know what happened? I made it to my destination, and got lost coming home.
But I did end up making it back home. So I got lost. Big deal.

 

Yesterday was even more of an adventure. I came home from my last day of
therapy and got some rest. Off I went again. This time, I dropped my watch,
got disoriented, and then. I got out of it, found the right turn, and made
it both to my destination and back.

 

Now, I've got an errand to run, and then, I'm back at it.

 

You see, this new system is helping a whole lot. I still use that white
cane, and I also use the system. People besides me use that walkway. That's
alright. I never get near them. If I feel, through vibrations or the beeps,
that someone's nearby, I stop and wait.

 

This new technology is a game-changer for those who need to use a motorized
wheelchair to get around. I think the scariest part of all of this is I'm
the first totally blind person to have access to this equipment in
Washington state that I know of. You think that's something to be excited
about, right? Maybe it is, however, there's much more to it. I'm the first
person to detect problems that others who are blind will face with this
system. I'm the first to stress over the question: "Is there a solution to
this complication, or that one?"

 

It's not as easy as I hoped it would be.

 

This system will be my new reality. Do I like it? I'm pretty sure I do. I'm
just adjusting to getting outside my comfort zone for the first time in a
long time. A lot of my old determination from my younger days is coming back
to me.

 

Two things happened that made this a success story. First, I felt some of
the courage come back, and I didn't give up. And second, since I didn't give
up, I Made It.

 

I've got an instructor who has confidence in me. That encouragement is
helping me to have confidence in myself.

 

Being the first to try something isn't nearly as easy as it sounds. However,
I'm taking on the challenge. Why, you wonder? Independence is important to
me. Maybe soon, someone else will have this new sensor system. Then, they'll
understand how well it works. It's a great feeling to be more independent
again.

 

I know I have to do things a little differently, but that's alright. With
every challenge, comes success. That's how I see it. That's how I roll.

 

In Memory of Matt Driscoll: Matt, I'm sorry that you never got to see this.

 

Editor's Note: For more information on this incredibly promising technology,
see the following page.

Braze Mobility, Blind Spot Sensors for Wheelchairs

 <https://brazemobility.com> https://brazemobility.com