[gps-talkusers] Re: teaching gps technology and travel

I totally agree, but I think that, from my discussions, that training and 
understanding of the many ways to recommend through assessment and train.  

I also think that there is still some discussion on how O&Ms and AT guys should 
work together.

There is still a long way to go with respect to standardization of approach.  


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Brett 
  To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 9:17 PM
  Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: teaching gps technology and travel


  Hi Amy,

  I don't know of such a list, but I think that GPS can benefit all travellers 
with all levels of mobility. 

  Even for those who don't have very good mobility skills and only travel a 
couple of regular routs, GPS can provide them with confidence, as they can 
always determine where they are. It can increase independence as GPS can be 
used to locate bus stops and train stations etc, negating the need to rely on 
someone else letting you know when you get to the correct stop. 

  I also think that GPS can help promote awareness of your surroundings by 
announcing street names and nearby points of interest. These are things that 
sighted people just take for granted, but those with no vision miss out on. If 
travelling by taccy, GPS can still be useful by allowing the user to be able to 
see the route before undertaking the journey, they can then always check on 
where they are and if the taccy driver doesn't know where he is going, your GPS 
can assist. 

  While blindness GPS's aren't cheap, I still think it's one of the best 
investments a blind person could make, probably more so for a beginning 
traveller as it can provide reassurance and confidence, which should make the 
person feel more comfortable when travelling, and hence would probably help 
encourage them to continue to do so and expand their horizons.

  Cheers,
  Brett.



  ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Amy Murillo-Hicks 
    To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
    Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2009 1:32 PM
    Subject: [gps-talkusers] teaching gps technology and travel


    Hi,

    I'm wondering if there might be a separate thread or list to discuss 
methodology of training on the various gps systems to students and clients.

    I am an administrator at a community service provider agency in my area, 
and I supervise it's programs and staff.  As I experiment with my own mobile 
geo, I keep thinking how I can adjust my thinking and perceptions about what it 
means to travel independently with this tool.  

    I think there may be some value in discussing using GPS as a tool with 
people with high moderate and low O&M and AT skills, as well as varying amounts 
of vision, but the way you use it seems to be critical.

    Has this been discussed previously?

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