[nagdu] getting around in places you don't know

[Larry D Keeler]

Well, I just go out and explore first. Then, if I can't use GPS which I do 
not have, I ask a lot of questions ahnd also use landmarks that I do know. 
For example, I use busy streets that I know as landmarks. I also ask a lot 
of questions and leave time to get sort of lost. I also walk near bus routes 
in case I get totally goofed up. Then, I can find a bus stop and get on.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Vivianna via nagdu" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 5:23 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] getting around in places you don't know


> Hi Steph,
> are you able to use something like BlindSquare on your Iphone?
> this is a great worldwide navigation app.
> you could start by learning various different routes and places to go 
> around your home and, then, expand from there.
> the neat thing about BlindSquare, is that, you can use earbuds or a 
> bluetooth headset to listen to it as you walk along.  and, you can put it 
> to sleep with the tap of a button, waking it back up when you need to hear 
> it again.
> you can also use it with a braille display, although, i do think this 
> would hinder fluid fast pace walking.  but, hey, you could also review 
> things with a braille display before you head out if need be.
> good for you that you are wanting to get out more.
>
> Vivianna
>
> On Nov 19, 2014, at 3:46 PM, Stephanie via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>> Hope you are all well. I have decided to write about some challenges I am 
>> having, even though I am feeling rather embarrassed to do so. But I am 
>> feeling a little restricted and want to know if any one has some ideas 
>> for my situation. As background to the following, I am hearing impaired 
>> as well as totally blind.
>> I'd like to know how to navigate places I don't know. I never did this 
>> much with my cane, but Gypsy has changed that for me and I'm finding I 
>> want to get out more. I want to do things like go to concerts at the 
>> melbourne recital centre and St pauls in Melbourne. Problem is,  I don't 
>> know   how, and getting a taxi from the station to  those places is not 
>> possible due to the short distance. I could  ask the public but that's 
>> taking a risk.
>> I contacted my guide dog school and they sent an instructor out. But we 
>> just didn't jell. He couldn't seem to understand that I cant hear the 
>> audio lights, unless I'm touching it which is not possible when a lot of 
>> people are around. They also gave me such a huge amount of info like the 
>> whole route in one hit and I couldn't follow the directions due to 
>> struggling to process his info in a noisy train station. And to top it 
>> off, Gypsy seemed to pick up on all this, stopped and wouldn't move with 
>> out a lot of coaxing, and the instructor told me I wasn't supporting my 
>> dog. Gypsy has never reacted like this before or since.
>> I'm thinking of contacting the alternative school just for o and m 
>> purposes, or finding another solution on my own that will actually work 
>> for me.
>> Even catching trains can be a challenge although I have my systems in 
>> place. I always ask for assistance from the station as I cant hear the 
>> anouncements.
>> Thanks for taking the time to read my rather lengthy email.
>> Steph
>>
>>
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>
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