[nagdu] using cardinal directions, GPSes and your guide dog

[Larry D. Keeler]

That works! Haven't used one of those things yet! In fact, here in town, I 
often correct other folks GPS systems!
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Vivianna" <irishana at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2014 9:42 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] using cardinal directions, GPSes and your guide dog


> larry, i only use GPS when i am going somewhere that i have not been 
> before.  for example, i recently moved, i used the GPS to familiarize 
> myself with my new neighborhood.  the names of the streets, the 
> businesses, restaurants, etc.  do i use it when i know where i am going? 
> no.
> i am an excellent traveler both with my dog and with my white cane.
> also, GPS rocks when you are on public transportation, you can know where 
> you are at all times.  works for taxi's as well.
> i most certainly do use that tree that is close to the sidewalk, that dip 
> in the pavement and etc etc.
> but, frankly GPS rocks!  i can do way more much faster.
> two days after i moved into my new house, i was already walking around the 
> neighborhood and even knew the names of the streets.  completely 
> independently. me and my dog and my totally awesome IPhone.
> a couple weeks ago i went to the america's guide dog conference.
> i used my GPS to simulate the location from my chair at home so that, when 
> i got there i knew what was around, the names of the streets and all.
>
> Vivianna
>
> On Apr 14, 2014, at 8:28 AM, "Larry D. Keeler" <lkeeler at comcast.net> 
> wrote:
>
>> Me iether. The clock face thing probably has North at the top. But in 
>> reality North has to be figured out with a compass or with environmental 
>> cues. And, figuring out North isn't the only thing you have to do. 
>> Landmarks that GPSes can't pick up are really important as well. That 
>> tree that comes close to the sidewalk, that dip in the sidewalk just 
>> before you get to the house or a certain sound that comes from a pole or 
>> building. These are wonderful environmental cues. Learning how to use 
>> them can be fascinating for some folks. I've always just done it as a 
>> kid. I have a friend who had just learned to use the tip of her can to 
>> find out what is there. She is learning, finally to use environmental 
>> cues and her life is getting more exciting! Professional mobility folks 
>> also come in different varieties. Some seem to do just the minium amount 
>> of work for whatever reason to get us independent. However, I've met some 
>> who have been incredible! Haven't seen many who are experienced with dogs 
>> though. Except of course for those who work with the schools. Finally 
>> I've found that if a person doesn't use the skills they have learned, 
>> they become unsure out there in the gig, bad world! Getting together with 
>> friends especially other blind folks can help improve your skills and 
>> confidence. Those who travel well can inspire those who can't. and those 
>> who don't travel so well sometimes don't feel so alone! Its really fun to 
>> "get lost" with other blind folks!
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rebecca Ilniski" <rilniski at gmail.com>
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Monday, April 14, 2014 9:01 AM
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] using cardinal directions, GPSes and your guide dog
>>
>>
>>> Hi Viviana.  I've seen these apps that have directions with the face of 
>>> the clock.  I have a braille watch that I use but physically how do I 
>>> figure out which way to go using the clock face? I've never thought 
>>> about traveling that way, interesting.
>>>
>>> -- 
>>> Rebecca and Zeb
>>> email: rilniski at gmail.com
>>> twitter: zebs_mom
>>>
>>>
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>>
>>
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>
>
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