Generally away from the intersection and it doesn’t seem to matter which side it’s on. Yes I do veer when I’m walking in other places. I shoreline but also sweep a lot. I use traffic sounds and the curb to line up. It doesn’t seem to matter though a lot of curbs in our area are the same; little lips. Not sure if a video tape is possible.. ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Diane Brauner via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2023 9:10 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [OandM] veering..? Hi Madison, You are not alone - there are many travelers who veer when crossing streets! There are so many things that can cause veering. Can I ask some questions to see if we can determine what is causing you to veer and then we can brainstorm things to try? Do you veer into or away from the intersection? Does it make a difference if the intersection is on your right or on your left?? Do you veer when walking down a hallway, sidewalk or through open spaces? Do you shoreline or trail the wall or grass line? What do you use to line up or for you line of direction when crossing an intersection? Does it matter what kind of curb is at the intersection? If it is possible, have someone video tape you while approaching, waiting at the curb and crossing an intersection? (If you are able to safely get a video and you do not want to share the video on the list serve, feel free to send it directly to me. I’ll be happy to review it and hopefully give you some pointers.) ? Walking quickly seems to help too.? ? Hello, If you use the iOS app OKO and there's a stoplight, you can keep yourself oriented to the stoplight which will keep you from veering significantly. It requires you to hold the phone steady (either on a neck strap or in your hand). ? On Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 6:16?AM Gerald Levy via??<bwaylimited=[email protected]> wrote: ? Veering off course seems to be a problem for many cane users.? There is no easy solution.? Some exceptional blind cane users claim they can guide themselves in a straight line by using echolocation like a bat, basically flicking their tongues back and forthe like a freaking reptile to sense environmental vibrations to guide them.? A blind O&M instructor named Dan Kish has tried to popularize the use of echolocation by blind pedestrians, but there is a lot of controversy over whether this technique really works or is just a bunch of malarkey. And of course, echolocation would be totally useless for someone who is also deaf or hearing impaired in addition to being blind, and sadly, most O&M instructors have no clue how to train a blind client who is also hearing impaired and do not understand that wearing hearing aids is not a panacea. Some busy intersections in major cities now have audible traffic signals that make it a little easier for blind pedestrians to guide themselves in a straight line from one side of the street to the other, but they are not always kept in working order and they tend to be few and far between, and incredibly, their installation has been ? opposed by the largest, so-called blindness advocacy organization in the US. ??? ? Gerald? ? ? On 10/25/2023 12:43 AM, Madison Martin wrote: Hi all, I tend to veer a lot especially when crossing streets, my instructor says this is normal but I still find it annoying. Is this true and if so is there anything that I can do to prevent it from happening alltogether or at least reduce the chances of it happening? If it maters at all I use a folding cane with a roller ball tip because apparently it works the best on all surfaces. Look forward to any thoughts that anyone has. Thanks Madison
?
|
Regarding how people use apps and visual interpreters when crossing streets, full disclosure, I work for aira, a national provider of professional visual interpreting service. Here’s how our service works.?
Someone calls an Aira visual interpreter, yes we did used to call them agents, using our smart phone app. They can choose to hold the phone or use a lanyard or mount so that the back-facing camera is facing away from them. Once they initiate the call, there’s really nothing for them to do on the screen. Most people who make any use of their smart phones when traveling do so using headphones, either bluetooth or wired. Many people using Aira tell us they use bone conduction or open-ear headphones to hear the environment.?
Aira had, when we initially started the service, a policy of remaining silent once the person stepped into the street so their entire attention was focused on the crossing. This is still the default for our visual interpreters.?
In 2019 though, after much consulting with O&M specialists and customers, we changed the policy so that interpreters can now give minimal answers to the following:?
Veering, especially toward traffic? Obstacles in the crossing such as vehicles pulled into the crosswalk, debris or ice/snow? Distance to the opposite curb?
Customers can ask for this info before they begin the crossing and our interpreters can give short answers such as:?
“Step to your left.” (Veering) “Car in the crosswalk ahead” (obstacle) “You’re about 3feet from the curb, two feet …” (distance)?
From personal experience, I’ve used this feature of Aira as well as via the volunteer app Be My Eyes when using both a cane and a guide dog to correct veering or judge distance at large intersections.?
One way a visual interpreter can assist someone prior to the crossing is to let them know what the intersection is like, how many lanes, if there is a turn lane, at what angle the crossing is, say an X-shaped intersection vs a +-shaped one.?
I’ve advised customers who want help at crossings to hold their phone up to their nose or mid face then ask the visual interpreter to let them know when their head is in position so that they are pointed at that up-curb. Of course then they need to remember to square their feet with the position of their head.?
Hope this helps.?
Jenine Stanley Director, Customer Success & Engagement Aira Tech Corp. jenine.stanley@... Direct Dial: 1-614-600-7408
Access to visual information is a human right.? Customer Care? 1-800-835-1934 support@... Learn more about visual interpreting at http://aira.io. Podcast Feed: https://pinecast.com/feed/Airacast Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/airaio RSS Feed: https://aira.io/feed
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On Oct 25, 2023, at 10:48?AM, Patty Arnold <parnold@...> wrote:
They get the volunteer on the phone before starting the crossing. Well, standing still. That way there is nothing ?that needs to be done other than listening and talking. One hand holds the phone, and the other is free to use the Kane as usual. ?And as I mentioned,
this particular person was doing it in a residential neighborhood so no problem with a lot of noise and horns. Obviously, one would have to assess whether it could work in other types of environments or not. But it worked for this person in this particular
residential environment.
On Oct 25, 2023, at 7:38?AM, Gerald Levy via groups.io <bwaylimited@...> wrote:
?
And how does this person use her smarphone while simultaneously scanning with her cane? Seems to me that it would be kind of awkward to futz around with the touchscreen while gripping a cane. And unless she holds
the phone close to her ear, how is she able to hear the directions spoken by a volunteer above all the horn honking and other noise at a busy intersection? ?
Gerald
On 10/25/2023 10:24 AM, Patty Arnold wrote:
I also know someone who uses volunteers through their smart phone to let them know whether or not they are veering. The person who is blind ?obviously has to have all the correct training and know what to do to compensate. In one case, the person used the smart
phone in a residential area and it made her able to then get across the street without veering into the side road. This was initially done in the presence of her O and M instructor to make sure it was actually being done safely and successfully. ?It seems
to work for her.
?
Walking quickly seems to help too.?
Hello,
If you use the iOS app OKO and there's a stoplight, you can keep yourself oriented to the stoplight which will keep you from veering significantly. It requires you to hold the phone steady (either on a neck strap or in your hand).
Thanks,
On Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 6:16?AM Gerald Levy via
<bwaylimited= [email protected]> wrote:
Veering off course seems to be a problem for many cane users.? There is no easy solution.? Some exceptional blind cane users claim they can guide themselves in a straight line by using echolocation like a bat, basically flicking their tongues back and forthe
like a freaking reptile to sense environmental vibrations to guide them.? A blind O&M instructor named Dan Kish has tried to popularize the use of echolocation by blind pedestrians, but there is a lot of controversy over whether this technique really works
or is just a bunch of malarkey. And of course, echolocation would be totally useless for someone who is also deaf or hearing impaired in addition to being blind, and sadly, most O&M instructors have no clue how to train a blind client who is also hearing impaired
and do not understand that wearing hearing aids is not a panacea. Some busy intersections in major cities now have audible traffic signals that make it a little easier for blind pedestrians to guide themselves in a straight line from one side of the street
to the other, but they are not always kept in working order and they tend to be few and far between, and incredibly, their installation has been ? opposed by the largest, so-called blindness advocacy organization in the US. ??
Gerald
On 10/25/2023 12:43 AM, Madison Martin wrote:
Hi all, I tend to veer a lot especially when crossing streets, my instructor says this is normal but I still find it annoying. Is this true and if so is there anything that I can do to prevent it from happening alltogether or at least reduce
the chances of it happening? If it maters at all I use a folding cane with a roller ball tip because apparently it works the best on all surfaces. Look forward to any thoughts that anyone has. Thanks Madison
|
They get the volunteer on the phone before starting the crossing. Well, standing still. That way there is nothing ?that needs to be done other than listening and talking. One hand holds the phone, and the other is free to use the Kane as usual. ?And as I mentioned,
this particular person was doing it in a residential neighborhood so no problem with a lot of noise and horns. Obviously, one would have to assess whether it could work in other types of environments or not. But it worked for this person in this particular
residential environment.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Oct 25, 2023, at 7:38?AM, Gerald Levy via groups.io <bwaylimited@...> wrote:
?
And how does this person use her smarphone while simultaneously scanning with her cane? Seems to me that it would be kind of awkward to futz around with the touchscreen while gripping a cane. And unless she holds
the phone close to her ear, how is she able to hear the directions spoken by a volunteer above all the horn honking and other noise at a busy intersection? ?
Gerald
On 10/25/2023 10:24 AM, Patty Arnold wrote:
I also know someone who uses volunteers through their smart phone to let them know whether or not they are veering. The person who is blind ?obviously has to have all the correct training and know what to do to compensate. In one case, the person used the smart
phone in a residential area and it made her able to then get across the street without veering into the side road. This was initially done in the presence of her O and M instructor to make sure it was actually being done safely and successfully. ?It seems
to work for her.
?
Walking quickly seems to help too.?
Hello,
If you use the iOS app OKO and there's a stoplight, you can keep yourself oriented to the stoplight which will keep you from veering significantly. It requires you to hold the phone steady (either on a neck strap or in your hand).
Thanks,
On Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 6:16?AM Gerald Levy via
<bwaylimited= [email protected]> wrote:
Veering off course seems to be a problem for many cane users.? There is no easy solution.? Some exceptional blind cane users claim they can guide themselves in a straight line by using echolocation like a bat, basically flicking their tongues back and forthe
like a freaking reptile to sense environmental vibrations to guide them.? A blind O&M instructor named Dan Kish has tried to popularize the use of echolocation by blind pedestrians, but there is a lot of controversy over whether this technique really works
or is just a bunch of malarkey. And of course, echolocation would be totally useless for someone who is also deaf or hearing impaired in addition to being blind, and sadly, most O&M instructors have no clue how to train a blind client who is also hearing impaired
and do not understand that wearing hearing aids is not a panacea. Some busy intersections in major cities now have audible traffic signals that make it a little easier for blind pedestrians to guide themselves in a straight line from one side of the street
to the other, but they are not always kept in working order and they tend to be few and far between, and incredibly, their installation has been ? opposed by the largest, so-called blindness advocacy organization in the US. ??
Gerald
On 10/25/2023 12:43 AM, Madison Martin wrote:
Hi all,
I tend to veer a lot especially when crossing streets, my instructor says this is normal but I still find it annoying. Is this true and if so is there anything that I can do to prevent it from happening alltogether or at least reduce
the chances of it happening? If it maters at all I use a folding cane with a roller ball tip because apparently it works the best on all surfaces. Look forward to any thoughts that anyone has. Thanks
Madison
|
And how does this
person use her smarphone while simultaneously scanning with her
cane? Seems to me that it would be kind of awkward to futz
around with the touchscreen while gripping a cane. And unless
she holds the phone close to her ear, how is she able to hear
the directions spoken by a volunteer above all the horn honking
and other noise at a busy intersection? ?
Gerald
On 10/25/2023 10:24 AM, Patty Arnold
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I also know someone who uses volunteers through their smart phone
to let them know whether or not they are veering. The person who
is blind ?obviously has to have all the correct training and know
what to do to compensate. In one case, the person used the smart
phone in a residential area and it made her able to then get
across the street without veering into the side road. This was
initially done in the presence of her O and M instructor to make
sure it was actually being done safely and successfully. ?It seems
to work for her.
?
Walking quickly seems to help too.?
Hello,
If you use the iOS app OKO and there's a
stoplight, you can keep yourself oriented to the
stoplight which will keep you from veering
significantly. It requires you to hold the phone
steady (either on a neck strap or in your hand).
Thanks,
On Wed, Oct 25, 2023
at 6:16?AM Gerald Levy via
<bwaylimited= [email protected]>
wrote:
Veering off course seems to be a problem for
many cane users.? There is no easy solution.?
Some exceptional blind cane users claim they can
guide themselves in a straight line by using
echolocation like a bat, basically flicking
their tongues back and forthe like a freaking
reptile to sense environmental vibrations to
guide them.? A blind O&M instructor named
Dan Kish has tried to popularize the use of
echolocation by blind pedestrians, but there is
a lot of controversy over whether this technique
really works or is just a bunch of malarkey. And
of course, echolocation would be totally useless
for someone who is also deaf or hearing impaired
in addition to being blind, and sadly, most
O&M instructors have no clue how to train a
blind client who is also hearing impaired and do
not understand that wearing hearing aids is not
a panacea. Some busy intersections in major
cities now have audible traffic signals that
make it a little easier for blind pedestrians to
guide themselves in a straight line from one
side of the street to the other, but they are
not always kept in working order and they tend
to be few and far between, and incredibly, their
installation has been ? opposed by the largest,
so-called blindness advocacy organization in the
US. ??
Gerald
On 10/25/2023 12:43 AM, Madison Martin wrote:
Hi all,
I tend to veer a
lot especially when crossing streets, my
instructor says this is normal but I still
find it annoying. Is this true and if so
is there anything that I can do to prevent
it from happening alltogether or at least
reduce the chances of it happening? If it
maters at all I use a folding cane with a
roller ball tip because apparently it
works the best on all surfaces. Look
forward to any thoughts that anyone has.
Thanks
Madison
|
I also know someone who uses volunteers through their smart phone to let them know whether or not they are veering. The person who is blind ?obviously has to have all the correct training and know what to do to compensate. In one case, the person used the smart
phone in a residential area and it made her able to then get across the street without veering into the side road. This was initially done in the presence of her O and M instructor to make sure it was actually being done safely and successfully. ?It seems
to work for her.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Oct 25, 2023, at 7:01?AM, Laura Messinger via groups.io <messingerlaura@...> wrote:
?
Walking quickly seems to help too.?
Hello,
If you use the iOS app OKO and there's a stoplight, you can keep yourself oriented to the stoplight which will keep you from veering significantly. It requires you to hold the phone steady (either on a neck strap or in your hand).
Thanks,
On Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 6:16?AM Gerald Levy via
<bwaylimited= [email protected]> wrote:
Veering off course seems to be a problem for many cane users.? There is no easy solution.? Some exceptional blind cane users claim they can guide themselves in a straight line by using echolocation like a bat, basically
flicking their tongues back and forthe like a freaking reptile to sense environmental vibrations to guide them.? A blind O&M instructor named Dan Kish has tried to popularize the use of echolocation by blind pedestrians, but there is a lot of controversy over
whether this technique really works or is just a bunch of malarkey. And of course, echolocation would be totally useless for someone who is also deaf or hearing impaired in addition to being blind, and sadly, most O&M instructors have no clue how to train
a blind client who is also hearing impaired and do not understand that wearing hearing aids is not a panacea. Some busy intersections in major cities now have audible traffic signals that make it a little easier for blind pedestrians to guide themselves in
a straight line from one side of the street to the other, but they are not always kept in working order and they tend to be few and far between, and incredibly, their installation has been ? opposed by the largest, so-called blindness advocacy organization
in the US. ??
Gerald
On 10/25/2023 12:43 AM, Madison Martin wrote:
Hi all,
I tend to veer a lot especially when crossing streets, my instructor says this is normal but I still find it annoying. Is this true and if so is there anything that I can do to prevent it from happening alltogether or at least reduce
the chances of it happening? If it maters at all I use a folding cane with a roller ball tip because apparently it works the best on all surfaces. Look forward to any thoughts that anyone has. Thanks
Madison
|
Hi Madison,
You are not alone - there are many travelers who veer when crossing streets! There are so many things that can cause veering. Can I ask some questions to see if we can determine what is causing you to veer and then we can brainstorm things to try?
Do you veer into or away from the intersection? Does it make a difference if the intersection is on your right or on your left?? Do you veer when walking down a hallway, sidewalk or through open spaces? Do you shoreline or trail the wall or grass line? What do you use to line up or for you line of direction when crossing an intersection? Does it matter what kind of curb is at the intersection?
If it is possible, have someone video tape you while approaching, waiting at the curb and crossing an intersection? (If you are able to safely get a video and you do not want to share the video on the list serve, feel free to send it directly to me. I’ll be happy to review it and hopefully give you some pointers.)
Diane
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Walking quickly seems to help too.? Hello, If you use the iOS app OKO and there's a stoplight, you can keep yourself oriented to the stoplight which will keep you from veering significantly. It requires you to hold the phone steady (either on a neck strap or in your hand). Thanks,
On Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 6:16?AM Gerald Levy via ??<bwaylimited= [email protected]> wrote:
Veering off course seems to be a problem for many cane users.? There is no easy solution.? Some exceptional blind cane users claim they can guide themselves in a straight line by using echolocation like a bat, basically flicking their tongues back and forthe like a freaking reptile to sense environmental vibrations to guide them.? A blind O&M instructor named Dan Kish has tried to popularize the use of echolocation by blind pedestrians, but there is a lot of controversy over whether this technique really works or is just a bunch of malarkey. And of course, echolocation would be totally useless for someone who is also deaf or hearing impaired in addition to being blind, and sadly, most O&M instructors have no clue how to train a blind client who is also hearing impaired and do not understand that wearing hearing aids is not a panacea. Some busy intersections in major cities now have audible traffic signals that make it a little easier for blind pedestrians to guide themselves in a straight line from one side of the street to the other, but they are not always kept in working order and they tend to be few and far between, and incredibly, their installation has been ? opposed by the largest, so-called blindness advocacy organization in the US. ???
Gerald?
On 10/25/2023 12:43 AM, Madison Martin wrote:
Hi all, I tend to veer a lot especially when crossing streets, my instructor says this is normal but I still find it annoying. Is this true and if so is there anything that I can do to prevent it from happening alltogether or at least reduce the chances of it happening? If it maters at all I use a folding cane with a roller ball tip because apparently it works the best on all surfaces. Look forward to any thoughts that anyone has. Thanks Madison
|
Also, if you have good parallel traffic, use it as a source on which to focus. Use what I call the vanishing point method, listening as the traffic passes you and heads away from you, keeping that point at which the sound disappears just to your left as you walk.?
Ooo though is a great app though for alignment as long as the traffic signals are placed within the crosswalk.??
Jenine Stanley Director, Customer Success & Engagement Aira Tech Corp. jenine.stanley@... Direct Dial: 1-614-600-7408
Access to visual information is a human right.? Customer Care? 1-800-835-1934 support@... Learn more about visual interpreting at http://aira.io. Podcast Feed: https://pinecast.com/feed/Airacast Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/airaio RSS Feed: https://aira.io/feed
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Oct 25, 2023, at 10:01?AM, Laura Messinger <messingerlaura@...> wrote:
Walking quickly seems to help too.? Hello, If you use the iOS app OKO and there's a stoplight, you can keep yourself oriented to the stoplight which will keep you from veering significantly. It requires you to hold the phone steady (either on a neck strap or in your hand). Thanks,
On Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 6:16?AM Gerald Levy via <bwaylimited= [email protected]> wrote:
Veering off course
seems to be a problem for many cane users.? There is no easy
solution.? Some exceptional blind cane users claim they can
guide themselves in a straight line by using echolocation like a
bat, basically flicking their tongues back and forthe like a
freaking reptile to sense environmental vibrations to guide
them.? A blind O&M instructor named Dan Kish has tried to
popularize the use of echolocation by blind pedestrians, but
there is a lot of controversy over whether this technique really
works or is just a bunch of malarkey. And of course,
echolocation would be totally useless for someone who is also
deaf or hearing impaired in addition to being blind, and sadly,
most O&M instructors have no clue how to train a blind
client who is also hearing impaired and do not understand that
wearing hearing aids is not a panacea. Some busy intersections
in major cities now have audible traffic signals that make it a
little easier for blind pedestrians to guide themselves in a
straight line from one side of the street to the other, but they
are not always kept in working order and they tend to be few and
far between, and incredibly, their installation has been ?
opposed by the largest, so-called blindness advocacy
organization in the US. ??
Gerald
On 10/25/2023 12:43 AM, Madison Martin
wrote:
Hi all, I tend to veer a lot especially when
crossing streets, my instructor says this is normal but I
still find it annoying. Is this true and if so is there
anything that I can do to prevent it from happening
alltogether or at least reduce the chances of it happening?
If it maters at all I use a folding cane with a roller ball
tip because apparently it works the best on all surfaces.
Look forward to any thoughts that anyone has. Thanks Madison
|
Walking quickly seems to help too.?
Hello, If you use the iOS app OKO and there's a stoplight, you can keep yourself oriented to the stoplight which will keep you from veering significantly. It requires you to hold the phone steady (either on a neck strap or in your hand). Thanks,
On Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 6:16?AM Gerald Levy via <bwaylimited= [email protected]> wrote:
Veering off course
seems to be a problem for many cane users.? There is no easy
solution.? Some exceptional blind cane users claim they can
guide themselves in a straight line by using echolocation like a
bat, basically flicking their tongues back and forthe like a
freaking reptile to sense environmental vibrations to guide
them.? A blind O&M instructor named Dan Kish has tried to
popularize the use of echolocation by blind pedestrians, but
there is a lot of controversy over whether this technique really
works or is just a bunch of malarkey. And of course,
echolocation would be totally useless for someone who is also
deaf or hearing impaired in addition to being blind, and sadly,
most O&M instructors have no clue how to train a blind
client who is also hearing impaired and do not understand that
wearing hearing aids is not a panacea. Some busy intersections
in major cities now have audible traffic signals that make it a
little easier for blind pedestrians to guide themselves in a
straight line from one side of the street to the other, but they
are not always kept in working order and they tend to be few and
far between, and incredibly, their installation has been ?
opposed by the largest, so-called blindness advocacy
organization in the US. ??
Gerald
On 10/25/2023 12:43 AM, Madison Martin
wrote:
Hi all,
I tend to veer a lot especially when
crossing streets, my instructor says this is normal but I
still find it annoying. Is this true and if so is there
anything that I can do to prevent it from happening
alltogether or at least reduce the chances of it happening?
If it maters at all I use a folding cane with a roller ball
tip because apparently it works the best on all surfaces.
Look forward to any thoughts that anyone has. Thanks
Madison
|
Hello, If you use the iOS app OKO and there's a stoplight, you can keep yourself oriented to the stoplight which will keep you from veering significantly. It requires you to hold the phone steady (either on a neck strap or in your hand). Thanks,
On Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 6:16?AM Gerald Levy via <bwaylimited= [email protected]> wrote:
Veering off course
seems to be a problem for many cane users.? There is no easy
solution.? Some exceptional blind cane users claim they can
guide themselves in a straight line by using echolocation like a
bat, basically flicking their tongues back and forthe like a
freaking reptile to sense environmental vibrations to guide
them.? A blind O&M instructor named Dan Kish has tried to
popularize the use of echolocation by blind pedestrians, but
there is a lot of controversy over whether this technique really
works or is just a bunch of malarkey. And of course,
echolocation would be totally useless for someone who is also
deaf or hearing impaired in addition to being blind, and sadly,
most O&M instructors have no clue how to train a blind
client who is also hearing impaired and do not understand that
wearing hearing aids is not a panacea. Some busy intersections
in major cities now have audible traffic signals that make it a
little easier for blind pedestrians to guide themselves in a
straight line from one side of the street to the other, but they
are not always kept in working order and they tend to be few and
far between, and incredibly, their installation has been ?
opposed by the largest, so-called blindness advocacy
organization in the US. ??
Gerald
On 10/25/2023 12:43 AM, Madison Martin
wrote:
Hi all,
I tend to veer a lot especially when
crossing streets, my instructor says this is normal but I
still find it annoying. Is this true and if so is there
anything that I can do to prevent it from happening
alltogether or at least reduce the chances of it happening?
If it maters at all I use a folding cane with a roller ball
tip because apparently it works the best on all surfaces.
Look forward to any thoughts that anyone has. Thanks
Madison
|
Veering off course
seems to be a problem for many cane users.? There is no easy
solution.? Some exceptional blind cane users claim they can
guide themselves in a straight line by using echolocation like a
bat, basically flicking their tongues back and forthe like a
freaking reptile to sense environmental vibrations to guide
them.? A blind O&M instructor named Dan Kish has tried to
popularize the use of echolocation by blind pedestrians, but
there is a lot of controversy over whether this technique really
works or is just a bunch of malarkey. And of course,
echolocation would be totally useless for someone who is also
deaf or hearing impaired in addition to being blind, and sadly,
most O&M instructors have no clue how to train a blind
client who is also hearing impaired and do not understand that
wearing hearing aids is not a panacea. Some busy intersections
in major cities now have audible traffic signals that make it a
little easier for blind pedestrians to guide themselves in a
straight line from one side of the street to the other, but they
are not always kept in working order and they tend to be few and
far between, and incredibly, their installation has been ?
opposed by the largest, so-called blindness advocacy
organization in the US. ??
Gerald
On 10/25/2023 12:43 AM, Madison Martin
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hi all,
I tend to veer a lot especially when
crossing streets, my instructor says this is normal but I
still find it annoying. Is this true and if so is there
anything that I can do to prevent it from happening
alltogether or at least reduce the chances of it happening?
If it maters at all I use a folding cane with a roller ball
tip because apparently it works the best on all surfaces.
Look forward to any thoughts that anyone has. Thanks
Madison
|
Hi all, I tend to veer a lot especially when crossing streets, my instructor says this is normal but I still find it annoying. Is this true and if so is there anything that I can do to prevent it from happening alltogether or at least reduce the chances of it happening? If it maters at all I use a folding cane with a roller ball tip because apparently it works the best on all surfaces. Look forward to any thoughts that anyone has. Thanks Madison
|
General Liability Insurance
Hi All,
I have been providing O&M instruction as a private contractor, Sole Proprietor dba, for the past 10 years to nonprofits and state agencies. I do not have employees or subcontract. I carry the AER based Professional Liability Insurance. I was recently asked by a new prospective agency to have general liability insurance. I am unsure if I need this extra layer of insurance. I will not be driving clients or have any products for sale. Do any of you have this extra insurance?
Thanks and Aloha,
Amy
|
Latest OSERS Blog Series | Paths into the Profession: Orientation and Mobility Preparation Programs
Please share. from Nancy M ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: OSERS Office of the Assistant Secretary <ed.gov@...>Date: Mon, Oct 16, 2023 at 1:19?PM Subject: Latest OSERS Blog Series | Paths into the Profession: Orientation and Mobility Preparation Programs To: < nmiller@...>
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Latest OSERS Blog Series | Paths into the Profession: Orientation and Mobility Preparation Programs
October is National Blind Awareness Month and October 15 is White Cane Safety Day.??
In the fall of 2023, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) awarded grants to universities to support a record number of new scholars in the field of orientation and mobility (O&M). This is a high-demand profession that provides important instruction and support for learners who are blind/visually impaired in early childhood settings, schools and beyond.
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Current Scholars in Orientation and Mobility Preparation Programs
Two scholars training to be Orientation & Mobility specialists discuss their universities’ O&M program and future career prospects as O&M specialists.
Read more in .
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Current Orientation and Mobility Specialists and a Cane User
Orientation & Mobility specialists, including one who is also a cane user, discuss O&M and what led them to the field.
Read more in .
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Personnel Preparation for Orientation and Mobility Specialists
Orientation & Mobility specialists share how universities teach O&M specialists to prepare learners with visual impairments to engage and travel through settings confidently.
Read more in .
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-- Nancy D. Miller, LMSW (she/her)
Executive Director/CEO VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired 500 Greenwich Street Suite 302 New York, New York 10013 212-625-1616 x 117 Direct 212-219-4071 Cell 917-859-9184
Our vision is for everyone to see what is possible!
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Book launch and mini-fair!
Excited pats and tugs invite you to attend ? A PROTACTILE MINI-FAIR ? on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in Independence, Oregon, to celebrate the release of ? TOUCH THE FUTURE A Manifesto in Essays By John Lee Clark ? the continued reception of ? HOW TO COMMUNICATE Poems By John Lee Clark Winner of the 2023 Minnesota Book Award Finalist for the 2023 National Book Award (winner to be announced November 15) ? the inaugural exhibit and sale of tactile artwork by ? KIMI HAGER Bare Hands Art ? an exhibit of tactile rugs made by ? ERIN MANNING 3 Ecologies ? interactions with and activities led by our DeafBlind hosts ? ROBERTO CABRERA JELICA NUCCIO SOLINE VENNETIER ? and an assortment of other protactile experiences. ? Location: ? Independence City Hall 555 South Main Street Independence, Oregon ? Go to the back of the hall, where the entrance to Independence Civic Center is. Our event is in the Heritage Room, to the left upon entering the building. ? Time: ? 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ? Tables: ? Tables are available for additional exhibits or goods for sale related to touch. Interested folks can contact jlc@... for more information. ? Refreshments: ? Light refreshments will be provided. Donations of additional snackis and drinks are welcome, but please consult with John lee Clark first by emailing him at jlc@... ? Books: ? John Lee Clark’s books will be available for sale. Folks unable to attend can order the books at the following links or from any favorite bookstore. Touch the Future: ? https://www.amazon.com/Touch-Future-John-Lee-Clark/dp/1324035366/ref=asc_df_1324035366?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80264495889921&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583864003455213&psc=1 ? How to Communicate: ?
? Masks: ? Masks are encouraged. Hand sanitzers will be available. ? Sponsors: ? Grateful acknowledgments are made to the following for making this event possible: City of Independence, Western Oregon University, and Tactile Communications LLC. Special thanks go to our volunteers! ? ?
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Re: Fall Risk Certification
Mississippi State University OIB-TAC has a free excellent falls prevention course specifically?for the older blind and visually impaired population. The National Council on Aging also has falls prevention materials and you can also check with your state department of health.
from Nancy M.
On Mon, Oct 2, 2023 at 1:38?PM Julie Henry < jhenry@...> wrote: I have been working at a school district, but I have a new job with the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind. Because of this, I am working with older individuals and I don't co-treat with PTs and OTs. My supervisor would like for me to get "fall risk certified" and I agree with her. I have seen the fall risk assessment in Chris Tabb's LiveBinder.? However, does anyone know of a good organization to go through to become certified to assess fall risk?
-- Nancy D. Miller, LMSW (she/her)
Executive Director/CEO VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired 500 Greenwich Street Suite 302 New York, New York 10013 212-625-1616 x 117 Direct 212-219-4071 Cell 917-859-9184
Our vision is for everyone to see what is possible!
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I have been working at a school district, but I have a new job with the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind. Because of this, I am working with older individuals and I don't co-treat with PTs and OTs. My supervisor would like for me to get "fall risk certified" and I agree with her. I have seen the fall risk assessment in Chris Tabb's LiveBinder.? However, does anyone know of a good organization to go through to become certified to assess fall risk?
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O&M Symposium Presentation Apps Closing Soon!
Hey y'all, ? ?O&M Symposium Presentation Applications are closing next Thursday, October 5. We have an amazing group of presentation applications already and would love to hear from you! It only takes about 10 minutes to fill out the application once you have your idea. I don't want you to miss this opportunity.?
?All you need is:? - Title (Main Topic Idea)
- Objectives (How you teach the topic)
- Description (Why people should watch your presentation)?
Other details: The 2024 International O&M Online Symposium is happening January 24-26, 2024.? - Stipend available for presentations not affiliated with a product.
- Complimentary pass to the Symposium (over $267 value)!
- Free O&M Symposium Swag ($25 value)
?Apply to present at .?
Happy to answer any questions!?
Best, ? ? Kassy
-- Kassandra Maloney, M.S., COMS CEO, Allied Independence, LLC.?
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Join us at the HELIX Conference 2023 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
We are excited to invite you to the upcoming HELIX Conference 2023, taking place at the Lancaster Convention Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from November 15th to the 17th. This year's conference promises to be an exceptional learning and networking opportunity for professionals and educators alike.
Conference Highlights:
·???????? Hybrid Format: We understand that not everyone can attend in-person, so we are thrilled to offer a hybrid format, allowing you to participate virtually if needed. ·???????? Dedicated O&M Strand: For 2023, we've introduced a dedicated O&M strand for orientation and mobility specialists. ·???????? Wide Audience: The HELIX Conference welcomes a diverse range of participants, including family members, special education teachers, general education teachers, teachers of students with hearing loss, teachers of students with visual impairments, orientation and mobility specialists, speech therapists, supervisors, and more. It's a gathering of professionals from various disciplines, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.
For In-Person Participants:
·???????? Exhibit Hall: Explore the latest products, technologies, and services in our exhibit hall. ·???????? Poster Sessions: Engage with cutting-edge research and educational projects during our poster sessions. ·???????? Networking: Connect with colleagues from across Pennsylvania and beyond, building relationships that can enhance your career and impact. ·???????? Hands-On Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops designed to provide practical skills and knowledge that you can apply directly in your work.
If you have any questions about the conference or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at helix@....
For more details and to register, visit our official conference website: .
Mark your calendar for this exceptional learning opportunity and join us at the HELIX Conference 2023 to expand your professional horizons and make valuable connections. We look forward to seeing you in Lancaster!
Gregory Gerhart, Educational Consultant PaTTAN
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Susan, this is absolutely amazing, thank you so much for sharing
this with us!? It demonstrates how important it is to test and
develop this carefully, AND is inspiring to think that maybe some
one some day could take this on and develop it for distribution
with careful fitting and testing.? It definitely looks way beyond
my abilities and the potential for it to fail makes me reluctant
to try it.
Thanks again!
On 9/23/2023 6:02 PM, Susan Langendonk
wrote:
I was not able to find my documentation on the
"smart walker", but the paper the engineering students wrote is
still available at MSU and I've attached it.? It gives technical
data as well as the laser devices that were purchased to attach
to the walker.? I hope it's useful.
Susan
Hi Sheila,? I took a look at this and didn't
get the impression that it alerts to obstacles for someone
with vision loss, but rather gives some visual information
via a laser line that may help the user gauge their steps or
possibly see a difference in the laser line that would alert
them to an obstacle or step..? I was part of a prototype
"smart walker" that engineering students at MSU built for a
former student with vision loss that operated more like the
laser cane with an audible alert when it detected
drop-offs.? I had hoped that someone would take it on as a
project to manufacture since it was actually pretty good at
its job.? This didn't happen.? If you have someone that's
handy, I would share the information (once I find it) since
it wasn't all that expensive to build.
Susan
Good morning -
I have an elderly client who is legally blind and
uses a rollator walker due to balance issues. She
found a walker online that is supposed to alert her to
obstacles.?
Has anyone in the group ever used one of these? I
would love to hear feedback.
This client’s neighborhood has no sidewalks. She
wants to stay as active as possible and is wondering
if this walker would be an option for helping her with
curb detection and managing uneven surfaces while
walking in the street next to the curb.
Thanks in advance for any information about this
device.
Sheila Spencer, COMS
--
-- Dona
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Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
Maryland
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I was not able to find my documentation on the "smart walker", but the paper the engineering students wrote is still available at MSU and I've attached it.? It gives technical data as well as the laser devices that were purchased to attach to the walker.? I hope it's useful.
Susan
Hi Sheila,? I took a look at this and didn't get the impression that it alerts to obstacles for someone with vision loss, but rather gives some visual information via a laser line that may help the user gauge their steps or possibly see a difference in the laser line that would alert them to an obstacle or step..? I was part of a prototype "smart walker" that engineering students at MSU built for a former student with vision loss that operated more like the laser cane with an audible alert when it detected drop-offs.? I had hoped that someone would take it on as a project to manufacture since it was actually pretty good at its job.? This didn't happen.? If you have someone that's handy, I would share the information (once I find it) since it wasn't all that expensive to build.
Susan
Good morning - I have an elderly client who is legally blind and uses a rollator walker due to balance issues. She found a walker online that is supposed to alert her to obstacles.? Has anyone in the group ever used one of these? I would love to hear feedback.
This client’s neighborhood has no sidewalks. She wants to stay as active as possible and is wondering if this walker would be an option for helping her with curb detection and managing uneven surfaces while walking in the street next to the curb.
Thanks in advance for any information about this device.
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