[rehab] echolocation

[Tami Kinney]

RJ and Gene,

Wonderful discussion. Based on my limited observations, advancements in
O&M theory and thus training and information can have a lot to do with
individual instructors and organizational attitudes alike. With the
advancements in computer technology and accessibility on the internet
and all these wonderful lists, I've learned a whole lot about the
subject to apply to my own comings and goings as well as cane selection
and even in training my guide and then using her. I also got a wonderful
lesson just in passing a couple of years ago at convention, wandering
through the CCB meet and greet. The O&M instructor there showed a really
great ergonomic cane technique that I use to this day.  Cool!

Working with my pup and progressing through the owner-training process
put a lot of demands on my ability to keep track of my surroundings, so
that really taught me a lot.  One thing I didn't notice for a couple of
years was that I was using the sound of her tags for echolocation, even
around the house.  Then she lost her tags, and I couldn't figure out why
I was so lost for some reason... Until I noticed the loss.  So I keep
bells on her now and notice a difference in which bells I use, how loud
they are, and what the tonal quality is... I'm considering making it a
practice to snap my fingers when I feel a bit lost, but I keep
forgetting to do that.  Still, it's fascinating.

I'm getting into a new computer soon, so I will also have time to read
that article.  Fun stuff!

Good luck, RJ, and let us know what you discover.

On Wed, 2011-06-15 at 12:55 -0400, Gene Bourquin DHA wrote:
> RJ,
> In simple terms, echolocation is the use of sound to know where objects are in the environment, and where you are in relation to those objects.  The term 'reflected sound' is also use.  Daniel Kish, practitioner who is blind, is a specialist on this topic.  You can read about echolocation at this URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_echolocation
> O&M is not static field, although I would judge our progress as slow.  Many of the practices we use are decades old.  That said, new research and finding are made and written about each year.  For example, recent research on cane use and cane equipment (tips) has found significant benefit to using a constant contract technique in detecting drop offs.  Also, streets, intersections, and traffic signals are changing all the time, because of technology.  Your instructor should be able to address the changes and instruct you fully in crossing streets.
> I hope that helps.  I'll look forward to hearing others' input.
> 
> Best.
> Gene 
>  
> Dr. Eugene 
> A Bourquin 
> _____________________________ 
> DHA, COMS, CI & CT, 
> CLVT
>  
> 
> Support deafblind children in Guatemala!
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> 
> 
> > From: joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com
> > To: rehab at nfbnet.org
> > Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:32:11 -0400
> > Subject: [rehab] echolocation
> > 
> > To the ONM specialists on this list, What is echolocation, and what is its purpose? Secondly, people have told me orientation and mobility is a nonchanging discipline, that the Techniques are all the same. I took mobility eleven years ago, and now I'm taking it again. Will I notice any changes? RJ
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