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

Hi I don't post often, but good points here. I do have a general question though. Does GPS work on Amtrack trains? Anyone try this? I did see once a post says it thinks you're on a highway? Thanks going to NJ in August wondered about this. 
Karen, Harpo, and the piggies
----- Original Message ----- From: "Brett" <brettsta21@xxxxxxxxx> 
To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2009 12:17 AM
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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