[nabs-l] mobility question

[Darian Smith]

RJ,
  I would say that  it has been documented that  the blind  have
taught  each other how to travel effectivly and independently without
certfication in the past, in fact we still do it now.  However, in
order to be  employed gainfully, one has to be certified in some
manner or another.
 if you want to learn how to  travel to the best of your ability, you
should absolutely keep at it.
  Best,
  Darian

On 4/17/11, bookwormahb at earthlink.net <bookwormahb at earthlink.net> wrote:
> RJ,
> I believe someone teaching you O&M initially needs to be certified.  They
> need to know how to teach and what clues to tell you.
> You will learn how to line up and cross streets and use orientation clues.
> Once you have basics down, then your sister or anyone can orient you.
> But I think the basics of mobility like sweeping the cane, crossing streets
> with your hearing, learning more mental mapping, etc need to be taught by
> someone certified, either a traditional certification or the NFB one, the
> NOMC.
> But no, no I would not just have anyone teach you mobility!  They don't know
> what a blind person needs to "look" for with their cane, or how to cross
> streets like we do.
>
> As to your spatial issues, I can relate because I heard similar stories from
> a few instructors.
> I have trouble telling how A to B relate to each other.
> That intern was wrong; I wouldn't worry about what they said.
> Your counselor is kind of right in saying
> not to worry because an intern evaluated you. That is just one opinion.
> I think you should just go on with a new instructor and be clear on your
> needs without rehashing who said what in the past.
> You will probably have to memorize more with spatial challenges.  Maps have
> helped me because I don't know the relationship in my head.  So you may want
> the instructor to draw you a map.
> If you have no vision, yours will be tactile; when I saw draw, I mean
> produce.
> NFB does not favor route travel, but sometimes it’s the best way to begin or
> to go to a destination so you can ensure you get there and don't get lost.
> For me, I can so easily feel lost with one different turn or deviation from
> a route.
> I'll only go alternate routes in familiar places. What helps me is also
> writing directions down step by step.
> That may help you.  If you are a tactile/kinestetic  learner, you can take a
> map and rehearse the route on the map first.  Follow the tactile lines and
> mentally go through what you plan to do. Then i f your finger feels the
> right landmarks and destination at the end, you've done the route right.
>
> Good luck; I hope that the lighthouse can help you this time and they don't
> say negative things because of your spatial issues.
>
> Ashley
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: RJ Sandefur
> Sent: Sunday, April 17, 2011 9:26 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> Subject: [nabs-l] mobility question
>
> I have a question concerning orientation and mobility instructors. When I
> was at our state rehabilitation center back in 1999, the head mobility
> instructor had an intern working with me, and the intern said I couldn't do
> mobility, because I had spacal issues, and now eleven years later, I've
> asked rehab to give me mobility training again, and so they are referring me
> to the lighthouse. However, My councilor told me, that I shouldn't let the
> fact that an intern evaluated me, and that certification isn't everything.
> to which my sister responded, "RJ, I could teach you mobility." My question
> is, Is certification everything? RJ
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-- 
Darian Smith
Skype: The_Blind_Truth
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"The purpose of life is a life of purpose.

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