[IL-Talk] IL-Talk Digest, Vol 210, Issue 6
Gregory D. Rosenberg
gregg at ricis.com
Wed Oct 6 19:53:14 UTC 2021
Good afternoon everyone,
I had a similar problem. So what I did is I took some 4” x 6” cards and put the information I need to communicate with them in English and Braille on one side and Spanish or other languages on a 2nd or 3rd card. This is only useful of course if you go to the same place (doctors, dentist, pharmacy, shopping, …) regularly.
When I was in Belgium I ran into this issue often. Although many spoke English as a second language there were way too many areas that were just French and Dutch.were spoken, I had a folder 8 x 10” paper that had English, French, and Dutch directions and a map showing my apartment in Leuven (35 miles outside of Brussels). I spent 16 weeks in Europe from 1993 through 2004 teaching Internet security to NATO, Interpol, and hundreds of other European law enforcement and military agencies.
I went for a walk around the market and got lost shortly after dark. I found a person on a motorcycle and showed him my address and map and he was kind enough to drive me back to my apparent. I shared the apparent with other instructors.
I also had a card in multiple languages with “I am lost, can you please assist me in getting back home”.
I hope this helps. There of course is a risk factor in using this method, so be especially careful.
NOTE: As a side note. I switched from pepper spray to pepper gel when it came out 8 or so years ago. The key advantage is that it reduces the likelihood of having it blow back in your face, Learning some form of self-defense is also important. A kubiton or heavy metal pen (Zebra) are both good improvised weapons. I train regularly using my white cane as a defensive weapon. I do this outside my house so I don’t accidentally break something. With your cane folded in half you can thrust to the chest, throat, or groin. It can also be used to grab an arm and force your opponent to the ground. All of which requires professional training and lots of practice.
On Oct 6, 2021, at 07:00, il-talk-request at nfbnet.org <mailto:il-talk-request at nfbnet.org> wrote:
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Today's Topics:
1. Suggestions about Using Lyft (dan.tevelde at comcast.net)
2. Re: [EXTERNAL] Suggestions about Using Lyft
(Dale, Yusef (USAILN))
3. Re: Suggestions about Using Lyft (Sharon Howerton)
4. Re: Suggestions about Using Lyft (Leslie Hamric)
5. Re: Suggestions about Using Lyft (dan.tevelde at comcast.net)
6. Re: Suggestions about Using Lyft (Patti S Chang)
7. Re: Suggestions about Using Lyft (Sharon Howerton)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2021 09:13:31 -0500
From: <dan.tevelde at comcast.net>
To: "'NFB of Illinois Mailing List'" <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Message-ID: <015001d7b9f3$2de73e80$89b5bb80$@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset="us-ascii"
Hi All,
I am running into a few issues with drivers. When they pick me up I can't
find the car and they don't seem to understand my text messages. Many of the
drivers don't speak English so it is hard to tell if they are taking me to
the correct address. I use Aira to schedule Lyft but sometimes the
connection drops or they can't find the driver either. Someone mentioned
using a shortcut in the Lyft app to send a message to the driver notifying
them I am blind and that they will need to identify themselves by speaking
or honking their horn. Traveling has become a real challenge. I don't
usually have a sighted person who can take me on errands and I hate
bothering people.
Thanks,
Dan
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2021 14:35:57 +0000
From: "Dale, Yusef (USAILN)" <Yusef.Dale at usdoj.gov>
To: NFB of Illinois Mailing List <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [IL-Talk] [EXTERNAL] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Message-ID:
<DM3P110MB0411A4FCF24C9C5E2D1392ACF7AF9 at DM3P110MB0411.NAMP110.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I have the same issue with Lyft, in particular. There's no magic solution. I make it a habit to send them a message through the app, telling them to look for me at the curb with the white cane, etc., hoping/believing that it's translated into his/her native language on his/her end. I made sure to include my picture when I set up my profile. I have had the same problem with giving them direction to get precisely to the right place, though I suppose sending a message through the app could work there, too. Most times, I simply have exited the vehicle frustrated and figured it out myself from there.
-----Original Message-----
From: IL-Talk <il-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Dan TeVelde via IL-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 9:14 AM
To: 'NFB of Illinois Mailing List' <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: dan.tevelde at comcast.net
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Hi All,
I am running into a few issues with drivers. When they pick me up I can't find the car and they don't seem to understand my text messages. Many of the drivers don't speak English so it is hard to tell if they are taking me to the correct address. I use Aira to schedule Lyft but sometimes the connection drops or they can't find the driver either. Someone mentioned using a shortcut in the Lyft app to send a message to the driver notifying them I am blind and that they will need to identify themselves by speaking or honking their horn. Traveling has become a real challenge. I don't usually have a sighted person who can take me on errands and I hate bothering people.
Thanks,
Dan
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------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2021 09:39:17 -0500
From: "Sharon Howerton" <shrnhow at gmail.com>
To: "'NFB of Illinois Mailing List'" <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Message-ID: <01a401d7b9f6$c6d992c0$548cb840$@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset="us-ascii"
Dan, I use Lyft to visit my sons in the suburbs and always send my own
message to the driver explaining that I am blind and, if she is with me,
that I have my guide dog Cameo. They tell me that they appreciate the text
messages and I have not had too many problems. I used to try to call so
could hear the voice but that doesn't always work. I always go out a few
minutes early and wait to hear a vehicle stop nearby, then approach it and
ask if they are with Lyft. The last time Cameo and I came back from my son
Kevin's in Westchester, and Kevin could see the vehicle, he went up and
tried to get us into the wrong car as it was the same model as the one we
were expecting. He was truly embarrassed! I didn't hear what the driver said
but don't think the person was frightened or angry-at least I hope not!
Sharon
-----Original Message-----
From: IL-Talk <il-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Dan TeVelde via
IL-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 9:14 AM
To: 'NFB of Illinois Mailing List' <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: dan.tevelde at comcast.net
Subject: [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Hi All,
I am running into a few issues with drivers. When they pick me up I can't
find the car and they don't seem to understand my text messages. Many of the
drivers don't speak English so it is hard to tell if they are taking me to
the correct address. I use Aira to schedule Lyft but sometimes the
connection drops or they can't find the driver either. Someone mentioned
using a shortcut in the Lyft app to send a message to the driver notifying
them I am blind and that they will need to identify themselves by speaking
or honking their horn. Traveling has become a real challenge. I don't
usually have a sighted person who can take me on errands and I hate
bothering people.
Thanks,
Dan
_______________________________________________
IL-Talk mailing list
IL-Talk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/il-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
IL-Talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/il-talk_nfbnet.org/shrnhow%40gmail.com
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2021 09:58:47 -0500
From: Leslie Hamric <lhamric930 at comcast.net>
To: NFB of Illinois Mailing List <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Message-ID: <6FBCBBC4-3A30-4DD0-ADF1-0446071FCB8E at comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hi Dan. Here are a few things that I've helped me out with Lyft/Uber. First, I have a shortcut in my phone called ITB which means I'm totally blind. In that shortcut I put the following text: I am totally blind. Eyes no work. Please speak my name when you pull up. I have used Aira before and have not had problems with the connection dropping so it could depend on the area where you're at. Third, about two minutes or so before the driver is to pull up, I called them, tell them what I'm wearing and that I have my cane orguide dog, and let's stay on the phone until you see me. You can always call Ira after you've scheduled the ride and let them know the color of the car that you're looking for and then they'll tell you when it pulls up. I have my notifications turned on so Lyft or Uber can notify me when the driver has pulled up. If I hear the car pulling up, I will go over to it and ask what their name is and where they're from. If the name matches what I have on the app, but I know that they're from Uber or Lyft and they're safe. I know what you mean about travel being a challenge, especially since the fares have gone out of style. For example, he used to cost me 30 bucks each way to get from my house to Elmhurst Symphony and now it's 50 bucks each way. And that's because I'm going in rush-hour. But if I were going in the morning, it would only cost me 30. And I am not paying 50 bucks each way to get to rehearsal. So Andy is driving me. But not everybody has a sighted person around so what do you do in that case? I hope these suggestions are helpful and hang in there. Hope hopefully others on the list will chime in on the discussion as well and have more suggestions.
Leslie
Leslie Hamric
Cello and Braille Music Teacher
Board member of National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division
On Oct 5, 2021, at 9:15 AM, Dan TeVelde via IL-Talk <il-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
?Hi All,
I am running into a few issues with drivers. When they pick me up I can't
find the car and they don't seem to understand my text messages. Many of the
drivers don't speak English so it is hard to tell if they are taking me to
the correct address. I use Aira to schedule Lyft but sometimes the
connection drops or they can't find the driver either. Someone mentioned
using a shortcut in the Lyft app to send a message to the driver notifying
them I am blind and that they will need to identify themselves by speaking
or honking their horn. Traveling has become a real challenge. I don't
usually have a sighted person who can take me on errands and I hate
bothering people.
Thanks,
Dan
_______________________________________________
IL-Talk mailing list
IL-Talk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/il-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for IL-Talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/il-talk_nfbnet.org/lhamric930%40comcast.net
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2021 10:06:42 -0500
From: <dan.tevelde at comcast.net>
To: "'Leslie Hamric'" <lhamric930 at comcast.net>, "'NFB of Illinois
Mailing List'" <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Message-ID: <02ff01d7b9fa$9b71ad80$d2550880$@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset="utf-8"
Hi Leslie,
These are great suggestions. At least I don't need to worry about a dog discrimination issue. I don't know when or if I will get another dog but that's another story. Have a great day.
Dan
-----Original Message-----
From: Leslie Hamric <lhamric930 at comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 9:59 AM
To: NFB of Illinois Mailing List <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: dan.tevelde at comcast.net
Subject: Re: [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Hi Dan. Here are a few things that I've helped me out with Lyft/Uber. First, I have a shortcut in my phone called ITB which means I'm totally blind. In that shortcut I put the following text: I am totally blind. Eyes no work. Please speak my name when you pull up. I have used Aira before and have not had problems with the connection dropping so it could depend on the area where you're at. Third, about two minutes or so before the driver is to pull up, I called them, tell them what I'm wearing and that I have my cane orguide dog, and let's stay on the phone until you see me. You can always call Ira after you've scheduled the ride and let them know the color of the car that you're looking for and then they'll tell you when it pulls up. I have my notifications turned on so Lyft or Uber can notify me when the driver has pulled up. If I hear the car pulling up, I will go over to it and ask what their name is and where they're from. If the name matches what I have on the app, but I know that they're from Uber or Lyft and they're safe. I know what you mean about travel being a challenge, especially since the fares have gone out of style. For example, he used to cost me 30 bucks each way to get from my house to Elmhurst Symphony and now it's 50 bucks each way. And that's because I'm going in rush-hour. But if I were going in the morning, it would only cost me 30. And I am not paying 50 bucks each way to get to rehearsal. So Andy is driving me. But not everybody has a sighted person around so what do you do in that case? I hope these suggestions are helpful and hang in there. Hope hopefully others on the list will chime in on the discussion as well and have more suggestions.
Leslie
Leslie Hamric
Cello and Braille Music Teacher
Board member of National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division
On Oct 5, 2021, at 9:15 AM, Dan TeVelde via IL-Talk <il-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
?Hi All,
I am running into a few issues with drivers. When they pick me up I
can't find the car and they don't seem to understand my text messages.
Many of the drivers don't speak English so it is hard to tell if they
are taking me to the correct address. I use Aira to schedule Lyft but
sometimes the connection drops or they can't find the driver either.
Someone mentioned using a shortcut in the Lyft app to send a message
to the driver notifying them I am blind and that they will need to
identify themselves by speaking or honking their horn. Traveling has
become a real challenge. I don't usually have a sighted person who can
take me on errands and I hate bothering people.
Thanks,
Dan
_______________________________________________
IL-Talk mailing list
IL-Talk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/il-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for IL-Talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/il-talk_nfbnet.org/lhamric930%40comc
ast.net
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2021 10:12:55 -0500
From: "Patti S Chang" <pattischang at gmail.com>
To: "'NFB of Illinois Mailing List'" <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Message-ID: <001701d7b9fb$7a48a4f0$6ed9eed0$@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset="us-ascii"
I always ask who they are looking for so I force them to come up with my
name.
Patti Chang
2nd Vice President
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
https://www.nfbofillinois.org
Pronouns: she, her, hers
-----Original Message-----
From: IL-Talk <il-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sharon Howerton via
IL-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 9:39 AM
To: 'NFB of Illinois Mailing List' <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Sharon Howerton <shrnhow at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Dan, I use Lyft to visit my sons in the suburbs and always send my own
message to the driver explaining that I am blind and, if she is with me,
that I have my guide dog Cameo. They tell me that they appreciate the text
messages and I have not had too many problems. I used to try to call so
could hear the voice but that doesn't always work. I always go out a few
minutes early and wait to hear a vehicle stop nearby, then approach it and
ask if they are with Lyft. The last time Cameo and I came back from my son
Kevin's in Westchester, and Kevin could see the vehicle, he went up and
tried to get us into the wrong car as it was the same model as the one we
were expecting. He was truly embarrassed! I didn't hear what the driver said
but don't think the person was frightened or angry-at least I hope not!
Sharon
-----Original Message-----
From: IL-Talk <il-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Dan TeVelde via
IL-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 9:14 AM
To: 'NFB of Illinois Mailing List' <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: dan.tevelde at comcast.net
Subject: [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Hi All,
I am running into a few issues with drivers. When they pick me up I can't
find the car and they don't seem to understand my text messages. Many of the
drivers don't speak English so it is hard to tell if they are taking me to
the correct address. I use Aira to schedule Lyft but sometimes the
connection drops or they can't find the driver either. Someone mentioned
using a shortcut in the Lyft app to send a message to the driver notifying
them I am blind and that they will need to identify themselves by speaking
or honking their horn. Traveling has become a real challenge. I don't
usually have a sighted person who can take me on errands and I hate
bothering people.
Thanks,
Dan
_______________________________________________
IL-Talk mailing list
IL-Talk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/il-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
IL-Talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/il-talk_nfbnet.org/shrnhow%40gmail.com
_______________________________________________
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http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/il-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
IL-Talk:
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------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2021 10:28:57 -0500
From: "Sharon Howerton" <shrnhow at gmail.com>
To: "'NFB of Illinois Mailing List'" <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Message-ID: <01d201d7b9fd$b6df4930$249ddb90$@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset="utf-8"
I also follow the trip with an app called Swarm; You can check in at different places and get "coins", competing with other people you know, but it also tells me a lot about where we are and what is around me. Otherwise I check in on Maps or even Blind Square but if I comment about where we are, I always explain to the driver that I'm following the trip on my phone. I even do this when riding with my own sons or daughters-in-law not because I don't trust them but because I want to know. A few weeks ago my older son's wife drove me home, I thought I had an idea of where she was based on Swarm but then she started making turns and I finally said, "Where in the world are you anyway?" She explained what she was doing and we laughed about it, she was going somewhere with two other women who were with us after she dropped me off and we laughed about it as she knows I am careful about keeping track of my surroundings.
-----Original Message-----
From: IL-Talk <il-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Dan TeVelde via IL-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 10:07 AM
To: 'Leslie Hamric' <lhamric930 at comcast.net>; 'NFB of Illinois Mailing List' <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: dan.tevelde at comcast.net
Subject: Re: [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Hi Leslie,
These are great suggestions. At least I don't need to worry about a dog discrimination issue. I don't know when or if I will get another dog but that's another story. Have a great day.
Dan
-----Original Message-----
From: Leslie Hamric <lhamric930 at comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 9:59 AM
To: NFB of Illinois Mailing List <il-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: dan.tevelde at comcast.net
Subject: Re: [IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft
Hi Dan. Here are a few things that I've helped me out with Lyft/Uber. First, I have a shortcut in my phone called ITB which means I'm totally blind. In that shortcut I put the following text: I am totally blind. Eyes no work. Please speak my name when you pull up. I have used Aira before and have not had problems with the connection dropping so it could depend on the area where you're at. Third, about two minutes or so before the driver is to pull up, I called them, tell them what I'm wearing and that I have my cane orguide dog, and let's stay on the phone until you see me. You can always call Ira after you've scheduled the ride and let them know the color of the car that you're looking for and then they'll tell you when it pulls up. I have my notifications turned on so Lyft or Uber can notify me when the driver has pulled up. If I hear the car pulling up, I will go over to it and ask what their name is and where they're from. If the name matches what I have on the app, but I know that they're from Uber or Lyft and they're safe. I know what you mean about travel being a challenge, especially since the fares have gone out of style. For example, he used to cost me 30 bucks each way to get from my house to Elmhurst Symphony and now it's 50 bucks each way. And that's because I'm going in rush-hour. But if I were going in the morning, it would only cost me 30. And I am not paying 50 bucks each way to get to rehearsal. So Andy is driving me. But not everybody has a sighted person around so what do you do in that case? I hope these suggestions are helpful and hang in there. Hope hopefully others on the list will chime in on the discussion as well and have more suggestions.
Leslie
Leslie Hamric
Cello and Braille Music Teacher
Board member of National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division
On Oct 5, 2021, at 9:15 AM, Dan TeVelde via IL-Talk <il-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
?Hi All,
I am running into a few issues with drivers. When they pick me up I
can't find the car and they don't seem to understand my text messages.
Many of the drivers don't speak English so it is hard to tell if they
are taking me to the correct address. I use Aira to schedule Lyft but
sometimes the connection drops or they can't find the driver either.
Someone mentioned using a shortcut in the Lyft app to send a message
to the driver notifying them I am blind and that they will need to
identify themselves by speaking or honking their horn. Traveling has
become a real challenge. I don't usually have a sighted person who can
take me on errands and I hate bothering people.
Thanks,
Dan
_______________________________________________
IL-Talk mailing list
IL-Talk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/il-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for IL-Talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/il-talk_nfbnet.org/lhamric930%40comc
ast.net
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To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for IL-Talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/il-talk_nfbnet.org/shrnhow%40att.net
------------------------------
Subject: Digest Footer
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------------------------------
End of IL-Talk Digest, Vol 210, Issue 6
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