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

[The Pawpower Pack]

Viviana, 
What GPS app were you using to look around before you got to the conference?  I'm looking for one which has this feature.  
Like you, I do not use GPS for walking most routes.  I use an app called iMove when on pubtrans as it shows the street you are on and the addresses you are passing.  I am Deafblind, so do not hear the driver call out stops, and this app keeps me informed.  I use Google maps when I want to do route planning.  It is not as fancy as the Seeing Eye one— it won't give you the type of intersection you are crossing etc, but the price is right— it's free.  I use my iPhone via braille display and honestly I usually do the route then look at the directions and just remember them, because traveling with a dog and a braille display is kind of awkward.  Also, one of these days I will fall on my face and break my $7,000 display.  
I am currently teaching a class for our area O&M's about GPS and the first thing I say is that GPS is not a cure-all, and that it is a tool in the toolbox, and that the most important thing is good solid travel skills whether it's with a long white cane or guide dog.  


 Rox and the kitchen Bitches: 
Mill'E, Laveau, Soleil
Pawpower4me at gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 14, 2014, at 8:42 AM, Vivianna <irishana at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 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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