[NABS-L] Spatial Orientation Experiences

[Amy Albin]

I guess the reason I'm so curious is because I think my spatial issues
are not simply caused by total blindness, not something experienced by
everyone totally blind since birth.

On 7/30/19, Amy Albin <amyralbin at gmail.com> wrote:
> 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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>