[nabs-l] Need Some Encouragement/Some Travel Questions...

Wed Nov 27 07:19:24 UTC 2013

That was Andrew who is our resident Canadian, not me.  It's good though; I'
sure he saw the message.  

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Carly Mihalakis
Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2013 12:30 AM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list; National
Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Need Some Encouragement/Some Travel Questions...

Hi, Justin,

         To frame your frustration, in terms of your life in Canada is not
inclusive of the whole picture, and I imagine you know this.
After all, there are rural areas of the US in which blinks tend to languish,
in the same way there are probably big cities in Canada which, if relocated
too, can offer the opportunity for independence you crave.Do some research.
Find yourself a training program situated in a Canadian province in which
you wish to live. then, look at training centers as a way to establish
residency and, if you find nothing that tickles your fancy, then see about
coming to a training center Stateside. There is no reason if you have access
to GOOGLE, you need to be languishing in the country with no access to means
of exercising free will, if you want it.
for today, Car
408-209-3239-08-209-3230 a
>Hi I myself  can identify with you a bit. I live in the country with no 
>transit or busses or anything like that I  live out in the middle of 
>nowhere.  I actually have to count on my family to take me places or 
>somebody to drive me places to take me into town and things. I find 
>that very frusterating as it keeps me from doing all I really would 
>want to do it is not like I can go down a street to a coffee shop.  I 
>don't have streets here it is just long gravel roads.
>
>  I  can't really be independent while living in the country.  You 
>people in the states are very  lucky to have the big training centers 
>Canada does not have that at all.  I been considering moving into a big 
>city for these reasons brought out by people on this list.  and so I 
>can have a life of my own and things.
>
>On 11/26/13, Ashley Bramlett <bookwormahb at earthlink.net> wrote:
> > justin,
> > I like to do the same thing. It combines route travel with
> exploration. Once
> > I know the environment, I'll go a little off course to see what is
there.
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: justin williams
> > Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 8:03 PM
> > To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
> > Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Need Some Encouragement/Some Travel Questions...
> >
> > Once I know an area, I do like to wander around and look at the side 
> > trails just in case I get entangled or a little off the path so that 
> > I know what happened and how to correct myself if this occurs.
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
> Ashley Bramlett
> > Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 7:47 PM
> > To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> > Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Need Some Encouragement/Some Travel Questions...
> >
> > Kerri,
> > I think Cindy had some excellent points.
> > I wanted to add a little more and respond to these questions.
> >
> > Is anybody else on this list also a route traveler or who has to 
> > stick primarily to someone showing them where something is first?
> > Does anyone on here have to use a local mobility instructor to show 
> > them where things are? If so, what was your experience?
> >
> >
> > My response:
> > I have not been to a nfb center and don't plan to but I might try an 
> > out of state center.
> > However, as I have spatial challenges, I anticipate always needing 
> > guidance in mapping out routes I'll do over and over, no matter how 
> > much training I have. To some extent, I think I will be a route 
> > traveler for sake of my sanity and time. Discovering new ways takes 
> > more time and I feel that going unfamiliar places outdoors is scary. 
> > I mean, you have the whole world out there. Sure I'd go out and 
> > stroll around if I had the time and
> knew it was a
> > fairly safe area. But if I need to get to say, a doctor's office, 
> > I'm not going around to figure out what is around it. I'd probably 
> > follow a route that someone showed me or gave me directions to. For 
> > me, I believe route travel would be the fastest and less nerve racking
thing.
> >
> > Sighted people use routes too. They often take the same route to go 
> > to work or the same store all the time.
> > So, learning a route to work or a grocery store is fine, nothing 
> > wrong with that.
> > I would use a reliable friend or family member, or if that doesn't 
> > work I'd ask a mobility instructor.
> > Many instructors  will let you discover more and problem solve. If 
> > you intend to do a route over and over, having a mobility instructor 
> > assist in orientation is helpful. Do you know how you learn best? If 
> > writing down directions helps you remember it, then either you or 
> > the instructor can do that. If you learn well with maps, your O&M 
> > instructor can make a
> map of the
> > area.
> >
> > I have used the O&M service from our vr agency, dept for the blind 
> > and vision impaired or DBVI.
> > All instructors but one were fine.
> > I mentioned my O&M growing up last email; my instruction growing
> up was real
> > route based and I was not encouraged to problem solve and did not 
> > analyze intersections.
> > However, as an adult, I have had more success. The worst part of
> O&M was the
> > frequency. I received it a few times per month in my community; they 
> > have too many to serve to teach you more consistently.
> > Instruction was more helpful. I feel that instructors were more open 
> > to teaching me what I needed and how I learned best. The downside 
> > was one of them told me to rely too much on my vision.
> > I was shown techniques to ride our WMATA subway system called the
> metro. The
> > instructor explained the layouts of different types of stations and 
> > gave me a braille guide of stations which shows which line stations are
on.
> > She told me to listen for our stop and if I could not hear it, I'd 
> > ask someone which stop we were at. She told me that most times color 
> > lines alternated, but to be sure of the color, I'd have to ask someone.
> > She had me interact with the public and fellow riders just as I 
> > would do alone. I had to take responsibility for finding the right 
> > train and getting off it and out of the station. I also learned more 
> > about crossing streets including pressing buttons to activate those 
> > pedestrian walk
> signs. She also
> > oriented me to college. There is more, but those are highlights. I 
> > was also shown how to use the metro to go to a few internships.
> > If you want more info on this, I can explain.
> >
> > So to answer your questions, yes and yes. I have done mostly routes, 
> > and I have used agency O&M instruction.
> > I don't think all problems disappear after training. If O&M is a 
> > hard skill for you, it will always be that way. But you can still 
> > travel,
> just may need
> > you use other ways.
> >
> > I also wanted to add something about sighted people. You said
> sighted people
> > don't have to be shown anything. I believe that is inaccurate. 
> > Sighted people use guidance too. Some have better spatial memories 
> > than others just as blind people do.
> > Its just not obvious because sighted people see maps which represent 
> > miles of space on paper. They also see signs.
> > Sighted people might have a friend show them where building y or x is.
> > They might go out and find it  if they know the general area and 
> > then read numbers to locate a specific address.
> > My mom has gone out to find places before she has appointments so 
> > she knows where it is in order to find it quickly with time pressure.
> > Sighted people also ask for directions a lot in new environments.
> > So while they may not have as much hands on guidance as us, they 
> > certainly use some guidance.
> > Its via maps or verbal directions or computer directions. Also 
> > sighted and blind people can use GPS which is almost like someone 
> > showing you where building y is because GPS gives you turn by turn
directions.
> > Its not like all sighted people know where everything is and just 
> > take off and go. No, not at the beginning at least. They have to use 
> > tools to help them out too.
> >
> > How is the public transit in your area? II f its bad, I hope you can 
> > move soon to be more independent.
> > Meanwhile remember other ways to travel and don't be so hard on
yourself.
> > You could use paratransit if that exists. You could use taxis. You 
> > might be able to get a driver from a community club to drop you off 
> > somewhere like a strip mall while you shop. Check with the lions 
> > clubs; then take
> your driver
> > out to lunch or something as payment.
> >
> > Could you take a taxi to that dollar store you mentioned? I know 
> > cabs are expensive, but once in a while you might be able to afford it.
> > It sounds like you feel trapped and I know how that can e. When I 
> > was at college, I used the campus shuttle to get to the metro 
> > station and from there I went to the mall or nearby restaurants. 
> > When I came home, I missed the freedom I had; I cannot walk to a bus 
> > stop as it's a
> dangerous busy road
> > with no sidewalks. I can use paratransit and taxis though.
> > I think you'll be fine. Just try and get out as much as possible so 
> > you can practice your skills.
> > HTH,
> > Ashley
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Kerri Kosten
> > Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 3:26 PM
> > To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> > Subject: [nabs-l] Need Some Encouragement/Some Travel Questions...
> >
> > Hi Everyone:
> >
> > I hope it's okay for me to post this. I have debated for a long
> time whether
> > to post about this but I feel like everyone else is allowed to post 
> > on topics such as family issues and other things so I figured I'd 
> > post my frustrations.
> > I really just want some encouragement, and to know whether I am
> the only one
> > going through this.
> > I am totally blind, and in addition to my blindness I have severe 
> > hearing loss. I can hear sounds and can communicate with people and 
> > such, but I can't tell which direction sounds are coming from.
> > Basically, my hearing really affects my travel.
> > Last year, I graduated from the Louisiana Center for The Blind. I 
> > really enjoyed it, and I really enjoyed cane travel class. I enjoy 
> > using my cane and traveling.
> > Anyway, because of my hearing loss, and the fact I am not that great 
> > at mental mapping, I did a lot of routes in training. My instructor 
> > told me when I returned home if someone (anyone) showed me where to 
> > go around my area I'd be okay.
> > To make a long story short, I returned home and things didn't
> happen as they
> > were supposed to.
> > I guess I just feel frustrated because I don't feel like I get to 
> > use my cane that much. Sure, I can go to the mall, or a game or 
> > somewhere indoors and to get directions from people but where I am 
> > not getting much practice is outdoors like walking from city block to
block and crossing streets.
> > Another thing that frustrates me is when I do finally get someone
> to show me
> > something I love it because I get to really use my cane and then I 
> > have to wait a week or more to be able to go out there again.
> > For example, there is a Dollar General store located across the 
> > street from me. The problem is first though that this particular 
> > street is extremely busy. I am unable to cross busy streets or 
> > lighted intersections without assistance because of my hearing loss. 
> > I arranged for someone to help me cross the street. However, I 
> > forgot one thing. This dollar general has a huge parking lot that is 
> > open and has no landmarks and I can't hear the echos from the building.
> > I had a friend on Saturday walk with me to the dollar General
> just to try to
> > map it out and see how big the parking lot was. With this friend,
> I was able
> > to use my braille compass, and work on mental mapping and such just 
> > like I was taught in training. Well, my friend can't help me again 
> > for
> another week
> > or so.
> > I just wish I got to work on the things such as using my braille 
> > compass, and mental mapping, and really using my cane like I was in 
> > training more often. It really brings me down when I get to do this 
> > type of thing for a day, and then I can't do it for another week or
more.
> > I guess I just wondered am I the only one in this situation?
> > I know on this list nobody else likely has hearing loss but is there 
> > anyone else who doesn't get to go out and travel much?
> > Have any of you been to training and then afterwords not really
> been able to
> > do as much afterwords?
> > Is anybody else on this list also a route traveler or who has to 
> > stick primarily to someone showing them where something is first?
> > Does anyone on here have to use a local mobility instructor to show 
> > them where things are? If so, what was your experience?
> > As I said, I hope it's okay for me to post this. I usually try not 
> > to post rants, or negative threads, but I just feel
> frustrated/discouraged sometimes
> > because I feel like I am the only one. It seems like everyone else 
> > who graduates from NFB centers are able to get right out there and 
> > travel completely independently without having to depend on anyone 
> > to show them anything. Everyone around here is sighted, and so 
> > drives, and I guess sometimes I just feel like I am the only one who 
> > struggles with travel. I feel like with sighted people they don't 
> > have to be shown anything, or are limited in where they can drive. 
> > It seems like everyone else who graduates from NFB centers are able 
> > to just use their hearing to travel everywhere. I guess sometimes I 
> > just feel frustrated/discouraged because I feel like I am the only 
> > one and so wondered if others were also in a similar situation where 
> > you struggle with travel or don't get to get out there and use your cane
that much.
> > Thanks, and this is the only negative post from me I promise!, Kerri
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nabs-l mailing list
> > nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> > for
> > nabs-l:
> > 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/bookwormahb%40eart
> hlink.net
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nabs-l mailing list
> > nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> > for
> > nabs-l:
> > 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/justin.williams2%4
> 0gmail.com
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nabs-l mailing list
> > nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> > for
> > nabs-l:
> > 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/bookwormahb%40eart
> hlink.net
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nabs-l mailing list
> > nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> > for
> > nabs-l:
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/andrewjedg%40gma
> > il.com
> >
>
>_______________________________________________
>nabs-l mailing list
>nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
nabs-l:
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/carlymih%40comcast.
>net

_______________________________________________
nabs-l mailing list
nabs-l at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
nabs-l:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/justin.williams2%40gmail
.com