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

There is a private, nonprofit blindness services agency in Palo Alto.
It used to be called the Peninsula Society, but now I believe that it
has one of those high sounding names, like New Vistas, or something like
that.  They have O. and M. instructors, but they charge.  They mostly
are paid by 3rd party providers like DOR, but if you can afford it, you
can pay for the service.  Be prepared to pay something like $100 per
hour.  If your other living skills are good, you probably don't need to
go to a residential center.  You could probably arrange to have two or 3
lessons per week, or if you have the time, take two weeks off, and do a
crash course.
 
Andy
 

________________________________

From: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Scott Granados
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 10:13 AM
To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [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 <mailto:Andrew.Baracco@xxxxxx>  
        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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