[Nfbmt] Mobility and more

[Rebecca Stewart]

Hi Dar.  I have a Trekker but I haven't used it much.  I've found it to be
not very accurate and so I haven't put myself in any situations where I've
actually used it for orientation, I think it would get me very lost.
Granted, the streets here are quite a maze for sighted people to use, llet
alone a blind woman with a gps but I thought that since it relies on gps,
that it would have better information.  I travel a lot but haven't tried it
in strange cities because the opportunity hasn't come up.  I'm very
frustrated with it.  I should take it with me to D. C. later this month and
try it but I don't have D. C. loaded into it and I don't know how to swap
one map out of it for another yet.  Like I've said, I need better computer
skills. I really hate trying to walk around outside here with the wind and
the ice also, very frustrating.  We're actually looking to move to Arizona
for the winters so I can get out of this horrible weather.  I'm sure I will
be able  to get out more there and do more of these things. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbmt [mailto:nfbmt-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of d m gina
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 8:21 AM
To: nfbmt at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbmt] Mobility and more

When I started taking mobility in the seventies, I would have never thought
of a gps device for the blind.
I often wonder now how on earth did I stay on track when the wind was
blowing as hard then as it is now?
I must say now that I am learning how to use a gps system life is a bit
better.
We are told in training, one must not panic.
Well gee, that is saying to me panic.
It happens and I just don't say sorry any more.
Working with a gps program getting lost doesn't seem as though I am lost any
more.
the other morning, Jim was taking the trash out.
With the ice trying to get around it, and the wind trying to blow you off
your feet, Jim called me asking to talk a minute.
I was outside giving the cheerleader yell, where he didn't hear me at all.
On our I phones we have the gps program called blind square.
Now this silly program decided that the dumpster needed an address.
Once Jim turned the gps on, he got the dumpster address loll.
Then he realized that he was near the neighbors garage.
He had become disoriniated with the wind, and ice.
He got back out on the sidewalk where I could hear his cane.
I was inside the gate, trying to hang on to it with the wind blowing hard.
I am wondering, when teaching mobility now, Are the different programs
shared with persons in training on the gps?
Or shall I say about the gps?
Blind square also can do what the Trekker breeze does, where you can put in
land marks.
We went over to alnbertsons near our home, added this to the addresses we
have.
When I go back again, I can track my way to the store, and track it home
again.
What other programs are you folks using when out and about?
Or do you have the problem getting turned around with the wind?
Just some thoughts, and wanted to share.
Happy Traveling

--
--Dar
skype: dmgina23
  FB: dmgina
www.twitter.com/dmgina
every saint has a past
every sinner has a future

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