[gps-talkusers] GPS and Mobility in general was Re: Re: Traveling in Manhattan

Along these same lines I have a question.
    I've recently (as in with in the last few weeks) become a GPS user myself.  
While it's an absolutely amazing break through for me it's helped me realize 
just how much my mobility skills suck.;)  I grew up in an area fairly far 
outside any large cities so some of the more complex travel tasks I haven't 
been exposed to other than on a few one off instances.  That and I tend to buy 
my way out of mobility challenges  (there I said it!).  So, can someone (on or 
off list to stay on topic) provide me some good pointers for Mobility training, 
specifically in the south bay of the SF bay area?  (I'm a cane user)  I'm 
especially interested in any services like this that exist that help focus on 
technology so I can not only work on my fundimentals but also work with someone 
who's more up to speed on the current best practices and options available.  
(Use of GPS and other technology areas)
    In parallel with this, is someone in my position better working in my home 
environment for a few / maybe many hours per week or should I consider a full 
emersion program that focuses on independent travel and lasts for several weeks 
to a month or more but might require travel outside the area and require time 
off.  Any pointers would be appreciated.
    For what it's worth, using a GPS tool now has definitely helped me push the 
skills I have and definitely gives me confidence to travel.  I've always been 
frightened on a very deep level about becoming completely lost and the GPS 
definitely helps provide a safety net.

  Thank you!

Scott



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Baracco, Andrew W 
  To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 9:53 AM
  Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: Traveling in Manhattan


  As far as developing proficiency with the GPS system, well, it's like 
learning any other skill.  Practice, practice, practice.  As for crossing 
streets, if you hear the traffic going in the direction in which you want to 
go, it's probably safe to go.  In a place like Manhattan, there are a lot of 
people walking around, so you will probably get a lot of offers of help, and if 
not, there are a lot of people around to ask.  The GPS may function irratically 
because of signals bouncing off of tall buildings.

  Andy




------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  From: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
[mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Eric Brinkman
  Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 5:29 PM
  To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  Subject: [gps-talkusers] Traveling in Manhattan


  Hi,

  I have had Sense Nav for about six months now, but I haven't been able to 
spend as much time with it as I would've liked.  In less than a week, I will be 
traveling to Manhattan, and I would like to use Sense Nav to help get around 
the area.  I brought my Voice Sense with me to NYC once before, but didn't get 
much out of the GPS, probably because I hadn't had enough experience with it.


  I have only walked outside with the GPS a couple of times.  The other day I 
walked around town but, as I said in a previous post, the direction of POIs was 
often announced incorrectly.  What would you suggest I do to become more 
proficient with the system before my trip?

  Another concern I have which isn't related to GPS is crossing streets.  I 
know I mentioned this once before but didn't get many responses.  I had 
mobility training for many years, and I'm ok with crossing streets at home in 
Connecticut and here in Poughkeepsie.  However the huge amount of traffic in 
New York City makes me afraid of being run over when crossing streets alone.  
What is the best way to know when it is safe to cross?  Is there another list 
or forum to discuss issues like this?

  Thanks in advance,

  Eric

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