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

Andy, thanks for the pointer!  I remember you had given me one a year or so ago 
but what with job changes and all couldn't find it.  

Thank you!



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Baracco, Andrew W 
  To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 10:50 AM
  Subject: [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 
    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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