[nabs-l] Independent Travel At Crowded MajorCollegeSportingEvents

[Ashley Bramlett]

Kerry,
Try and make your messages more concise; you said the same thing several 
times.  Going to a crowded bar is not the same as a game.  You may have been 
helped so much because you typically need help.  If I don't need help I just 
tell the person and sometimes they still follow me and I state again I got 
directions and I'm fine.  If its real important for them not to follow, 
sometimes I stop and do something like pretend to check my messages on my 
cell phone.  This tends to get them away; they don't want to wait around for 
me to finish what ever I'm doing.

For the game you are way over thinking it.  If you arrive early as has been 
suggested and have a fully charged cell phone those are steps that will 
help.  You have plenty of time to explore; its not as crowded then and the 
drunks are in the parking lot.
Again I think its fine to ask where a seat is because sighted people get 
lost and get assistance.  Ushers will be there and its their job to direct 
people.

As to the bar, I'd have a hard time navigating too.  Loud music and people 
makes me disoriented.  That environment is not conducive to exploring! 
You'll have to feel for landmarks with your cane.  Their will  not be 
auditory cues.  Sometimes you'll hear the bathroom door open and/or running 
water inside but if its a crowded bar chances are its not audible due to the 
noise!  Sometimes I get help to a bathroom; sometimes on my own in 
restaurants; I have not done it at a bar though!
I don't know whether these cues will work in a bar due to the congestion and 
every place is different but here are some landmarks and cues I use.

Again most these auditory cues probably will not work in a bar unless you're 
really near the restroom and can hear them.

I listen for doors opening.  People walking to the restroom as well.
Often restrooms are in alcoves down a small hallway or a nook.  So I feel 
for the opening.  Changes in surface also help.  Near a restroom often its 
tile or a carpet there.
If you've been there before, remember the smell.  As the restroom opens it 
will have a certain smell to it.

Finally before entering a restroom I ensure to read the sign.  I think 
you're totally blind so if its not in braille ask someone.  You don't want 
to enter the wrong restroom.


Ashley