[NABS-L] Travel around campus

[Roanna Bacchus]

Ask for mobility training ahead of time. Your local rehab agency should provide you with mobility instruction on campus. Have a family member or friend that you trust go to the campus with you to review your routes. This is what worked for me.

Roanna Bacchus 

On Feb 21, 2024 12:54 PM, Terri Stimmel via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> Hello everyone, 
>
>
> So, I am struggling to get around on my college campus. Please 
> understand, this is not a big campus at all. But, it is pretty spread 
> out. I think there are maybe six buildings in all. This is just a guess 
> though, really. And, some of them I will never need to visit. A couple 
> of the buildings, one of which is pretty important, is up a big hill, 
> and also across a busier road. 
>
>
> The disability services office has actually looked into putting a light 
> there, and having one of those accessible walk alerts installed. I don't 
> know though if they will be able to do this, or not. And, I haven't 
> heard anything about it in a while. 
>
>
> I am totally blind, and am a cane user. I have pretty decent mobility 
> skills. I have had some mobility training. A gentleman from the office 
> from where my rehab counselor is from, has met with me twice, at the 
> campus, to try and help me. And, I do believe that I am able to get one 
> more visit with him. I will need to make sure of this, though. 
>
>
> I do think that I am not remembering routes as well as I once was. Maybe 
> this is due to my age? I am not really sure what is going on there. 
>
> But every time I go to classes, I just can't really seem to remember 
> where I am going. 
>
>
> There aren't a lot of landmarks outside. But in the buildings, some of 
> the hallways are just layed out oddly. Even sighted friends, and staff 
> have told me that they still get confused. There are benches in some 
> areas, that I am able to use as reference points. But getting around 
> outside is really difficult for me. 
>
>
> The hallways seem to have little turns in them, and seem to be somewhat 
> curved, at times. It's really difficult to explain. And, every building 
> seems to have multiple entrances. 
>
>
> Right now, I have friends that help me navigate, when they can. This has 
> been a huge help for me. I use my cane, and they just give me verbal 
> directions, when I need them. 
>
>
> However, the disability services, office, feels that I need to do more 
> on my own, and not rely on others as much. I am not at all against this. 
> It is just a struggle though. And, I don't know how to make this 
> situation any better. Or, much different. 
>
>
> Has anyone else dealt with a similar situation? 
>
> If so, what were some things that worked for you? 
>
>
> Any thoughts, and suggestions would be very much appreciated. 
>
>
> Thank you, 
>
>
> Terri 
>
>
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