[nabs-l] a couple of questions

Sun May 9 03:05:03 UTC 2010

The only solution I can give you is this.

The best way to learn is to screw up.  I have had countless times where I've gotten lost on a route, but that is why you ask random people for assistance.  I have only had a couple of issues with people, but most of the time people have been willing to help me out.

As far as the bar issue is concerned, while it may not be safe to stand outside alone in certain areas, it is a necessary evil.  You can still have the driver call you to let you know they are there, another thing you could possibly do is give instructions to the dispatcher to have the driver look for you, give them descriptions such as "I have a white cane, and I'll be standing just outside the doors." You could also give them your name so they can get your attention that way.
The problem with asking someone from the information desk at the mall to lead you to places is that they often times cannot leave the desk, as they might be the only one there.

This is where you might just have to wander around, and if you hear someone walking tward you, you could get their attention by simply saying "Excuse me.", and if they respond, ask them where something is, you might have to ask multiple people, but that does not mean you are stupid by any means!

I myself have had quite a few times where I've wanted to simply make sure I wasn't being misslead, but generally it is good to ask multiple people anyway on the count of the first and second person you ask might not know where something is.
On May 7, 2010, at 5:22 AM, Kerri Kosten wrote:

> Hi:
> 
> I have a couple of questions I am hoping some people on the list can
> help me with.
> 
> First, my father owned a very very popular bar where I live called
> Crocketts. My father passed away a couple of months ago but the bar is
> still open. I went tonight for the first time since he passed away.
> Tonight was kereoke night and I had more fun than I've ever had just
> hanging out, listening to the different people sing or try to sing
> kereoke and just being around people.
> 
> There is a similar bar called Coaches that has a kereoke thing every
> week just like Crocketts does that is very fun. I have never gone to
> this by myself but have gone with friends and really enjoyed it also
> for the same reasons...music, people, and just fun entertainment away
> from my house.
> 
> At Crocketts, since my father owned the bar I am safe there. I sit at
> the bar (I don't drink) but I sit there anyway. The waitresses and
> bartenders all know me and frequently check on me to make sure
> everything is all right.
> 
> However, at Coaches it is a diffferent story. I am not really known
> there, and when I've gone with friends we are usually seated at a
> table. The waitress comes around to serve drinks and food, but as soon
> as the bill is paid they leave and we are on our own.
> 
> Here is where my question comes in. I would like to begin going to
> Coaches for their kereoke night. Getting there is no problem, but how
> do I manage the getting home part? I carry my Iphone with me, but the
> bar is so loud that it is impossible to hear anything to call a cab.
> Also, how do I know when the cab gets there? Again I usually have the
> driver call me when he arrives but again I wouldn't be able to hear my
> phone.
> 
> At Crocketts since everyone knows me, I have someone guide me to the
> bathroom where it is quiet. I call a cab, and have them call Crocketts
> and tell whoever answers the phone that they are outside to pick me
> up. Of course this is no problem since everyone knows me at Crocketts.
> 
> But, how do I manage this at Coaches? When I am ready to leave do I
> somehow flag the waitress down and have her help me to the bathroom,
> where I call the cab then wait in the bathroom for them to call me
> back?
> Waiting outside for the cab after I call would be kind of unsafe.
> Unfortunately, the friends that went with me before were from out of
> town and I don't have very many friends where i live that I could go
> with.
> 
> Is it appropriate to ask the driver to come inside to let me know they
> are there...this way I don't have to wait outside?
> How do you guys handle this?
> 
> I know it isn't probably the safest thing to go to bars by yourself
> but kereoke is a ton of fun and I know if I could figure out this
> getting home part I'd be fine.
> 
> 
> Also, I have another question. I would like to go to the mall/movies
> Saturday. Again, I'll most likely be by myself. I would like to get
> something to eat first in the food court in the mall, then go to the
> movie theater. Our mall is pretty big and spacious and spread out. It
> is all on one level but i am pretty sure the food court and the
> theater are at separate ends. How do I get from one place to the
> other?
> 
> When I arrive at the mall, I plan to go to the information desk and
> get assistance to the food court. When I have finished eating how do I
> figure out how to get from the seating area to the movie theaters?
> 
> Do I just start wandering around and asking random people for
> directions to the movie theater, then obtain assistance again at the
> movie theater to purchase a ticket, ETC to see the movie?
> 
> Sorry for such a long email and so many dumb questions. Yes, I am the
> same girl who posted a few weeks ago about not having been taught in
> cane travel and wondering whether I should go to national convention.
> However, I am tired of sitting around, and want to go and do
> regardless of my skills and I figure the best way is to ask questions
> on here as needed and just grab my NFB cane and go!
> 
> Kerri
> 
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