[NABS-L] Spatial Orientation Experiences

[Amy Albin]

Thanks for your answers, Vejas. It does seem like we have similar challenges.

I just am really curious if people think the same way I do. So, Vejas,
is what I described the same way you think? I'm just curious. Like I
really can't do any mental imagery at all.

Thanks for the answers.

And outlets have been hard for me too.

On 7/29/19, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 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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