[NABS-L] Spatial Orientation Experiences

[Vejas Vasiliauskas]

Hi Amy,
Yes, I had trouble with all of that.
Some things are still rather challenging, but I've learned to live with it.
Sometimes I just have to "play around" with something to get it to work. For example, I find plugging things into outlets can be hard. I just try different outlets of various angles until I get it.
Hope this helps,
Vejas
> On 29 Jul 2019, at 18:19, Amy Albin via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Thanks, Vejas.
> 
> Also, out of curiosity, did you have trouble as a kid with things like
> buttoning, tying shoes, etc?
> 
>> On 7/29/19, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Hi Amy,
>> I'm also totally blind and had always had issues with spatial orientation.
>> I find it difficult to create mental maps. Tactile maps aren't helpful for
>> me because I can't translate the page into my mental map, although if they
>> work for you that's great.
>> What helps me is to write a route down. For example, this week I have an
>> intensive program on a campus I have been to, but that is in a building I
>> haven't. My mom and I went to the campus ahead of time and did it a couple
>> times. I took intensive notes on what to do and where to turn. This way,
>> even though I can't necessarily remember the whole route yet, I still have
>> the notes that I can rely on.
>> Of course, if you get lost you can always feel free to ask for help if you
>> can't find it, but this can really maxime your independence and boost your
>> confidence.
>> Hope this helps,
>> Vejas
>>> On 29 Jul 2019, at 15:19, Amy Albin via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi All,
>>> 
>>> I know that spatial orientation has been discussed on here before, but
>>> I was just curious if anyone’s experiences are similar to mine. I’ve
>>> been totally blind since birth.
>>> 
>>> So the way I am, I can't make a mental map. I think in words rather
>>> than pictures. So for instance, if you told me to imagine I'm facing
>>> my desk, then asked where is my bedroom door. I don't actually imagine
>>> the desk and how I turn to get to the door, even though I've lived
>>> here long enough I do it automatically. Instead I think, hmm. I know
>>> the desk is on the west wall, and the door is on the north wall. North
>>> is to the right of west, so therefore the door is to my right.
>>> 
>>> It's like instead of just picturing my bedroom, I have to solve a
>>> logic puzzle in my head, and I do it completely verbally. So if that
>>> is for my tiny bedroom, you can imagine how it is for a big hotel or a
>>> college campus. And then, well, the campus zig zags. So you can't just
>>> walk north, or make sensible 90 degree turns at actual defined
>>> corners. It's north, west, back north, now a little northwest... So
>>> then I just follow landmarks. But when I do left and right, I don't
>>> get the full idea because left and right change relative to the
>>> person, so I'd much rather use cardinal directions.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I compensate by learning routes and taking notes I can study like a
>>> cookbook recipe. Like:
>>> 
>>> 1. Leave the student center at the back exit.
>>> 2. With the door behind me, walk forward and to the left, diagnol about 10
>>> feet.
>>> 3. Follow the benches on the left. It's one bench, a garbage can, then
>>> another bench... And so on.
>>> 
>>> But when I'm writing that description of a college campus, I'm not
>>> really picturing myself walking out the door and doing that, or if I
>>> am, the image is extremely dim. It's all the words that I wrote that
>>> are the way I think about it.
>>> 
>>> I am working with a wonderful teacher to help me learn spatial
>>> concepts. However, if anyone has similar experiences and/or
>>> suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated!
>>> 
>>> Thanks in advance!
>>> 
>>> Best,
>>> 
>>> Amy Albin
>>> 
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